$137+ Cheap flights to Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Travel Guide

Millions of visitors a year book flights to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, where ancient architecture seamlessly blends with modern living. Examples are dotted throughout the city from the new Scottish Parliament building to the imposing Edinburgh Castle that sits high on the hilltop commanding every visitor’s attention. Most people who book a flight to Edinburgh make sure to book a tour of the castle well in advance to beat the crowds.

It may sound ironic that an ancient city with its winding medieval streets and gothic architecture would be one of the liveliest cities in Europe. Not only does it have a buzzing nightlife scene but every August four festivals including the world’s largest, “the Fringe”, take place there transforming the city into one big celebration. Beyond the city walls, visitors can explore the rural area of the Lothians: East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian. All three areas provide a relaxing break to the hustle and bustle of modern day life. Midlothian is probably the most visited thanks to its Rosslyn Chapel being featured in the Da Vinci Code. Fans of the movie who are booking flights to Edinburgh should plan a stop to Midlothian as part of their visit.

With so much history to take in, and things to see and do, it may be difficult to figure out where to start when you get to Edinburgh. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip to Edinburgh and enjoy the smoothest possible visit to this historic city.

Getting to and around the city of Edinburgh

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is roughly 7.5 miles from the city center and there are a few different transport options to get you there. You can get the Airlink 100 express and N22 night buses to Waverley Bridge. Normally it takes around twenty-five minutes. Lothian Bus No. 35 also covers the route but does stop off at different places on the way and continues on to Leith. You could also rent a car or take a taxi from the airport. Trams are also an option, and are frequent and normally very reliable. You can change at Edinburgh Park and Haymarket stations if you need to continue on to somewhere else.

Once you’ve settled in to your hotel, it’s time to explore. You’ll want to make sure you bring some sturdy shoes with you to Edinburgh. Walking is the best way to explore and your feet will thank you while you trip over the cobblestone streets. Biking is popular as well. If you can get past the ups and downs of the hills, there are plenty of bike paths and lanes to pedal on. It shouldn’t take you more than half an hour to get anywhere. Buses are extremely efficient. They blanket the city and there’s a night bus service if you’re out late. Make sure you have exact change on you for a bus ticket, or purchase a day ticket if you’re planning on riding around all day. Sightseeing hop-on, hop-off buses offer guided tours and stop at major attractions. Taxi cabs are also an option.

Tips for your stay in Edinburgh

• There are many places in Edinburgh to enjoy the view. One of the more unusual is the Scott Monument, a huge black Victorian gothic monument to honor Sir Walter Scott, directly opposite Princes Street. You can pay to walk up to the top of the 200-foot tower; there are fabulous views of the city center from the top.
• If you want to buy tartan while you’re in town, head for the Royal Mile. There are lots of kilt-maker shops and you can pick up anything from the genuine article, made in your own tartan.
• Edinburgh is a very green city: there are plenty of parks and public spaces to enjoy within the city center. The Royal Botanic Garden is especially worth a visit. Founded in the 17th-century as a place to grow medicinal plants, today the Botanic is one of the most popular tourist spots. Entrance to the gardens is free, but there is an admissions charge to the glasshouses.

Finding Flights from Edinburgh

Whether a trip to Edinburgh has you yearning to visit other Scottish cities or you want to visit other beautiful destinations in Europe, Asia, and beyond, Cheapflights can help finalize your travel itinerary. Many of the airlines that fly into Edinburgh Airport also offer flights from the city to other nearby destinations. Airlines operating flights out of Edinburgh include Air France, Ryaniar, Flybe, Eurowings, Lufthansa and British Airways. If Edinburgh is the last stop on your trip, you can book a return trip to the U.S. on United, Delta or American Airlines. Cheapflights can help you find the top deals on flights from Edinburgh to the destination you want to visit.

Edinburgh offers a number of public transportation options that can get you to the airport safely and on-time. Opt for the tram, which provides comfortable trips from the city center to the airport in approximately thirty minutes, or take the bus from your hotel to the airport. If you prefer more private accommodations, you can take a taxi cab. The international airport in Edinburgh does tend to be busy, but the security lines tend to run smoothly. You can log onto the airport’s website for live updates about security checkpoint lines, which make it easier to plan your journey.

Once you choose a destination, be sure to check out our Edinburgh airport guides for more detailed travel information and helpful tips.

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the busiest airport in Scotland, located less than 6 miles (9.3km) west of the city center. With trains and buses going into town at all hours, the airport is a convenient gateway to the UK’s Festival City. If you’re planning on booking a flight to Edinburgh during Fringe season do it as far in advance as possible.

The original terminal was built in the 1970s, however it has been upgraded in recent years and a program of expansion is underway. The arrivals and departure terminals are under one roof, albeit on different floors, so connecting to other flights is fairly hassle-free. However, the security check points are often over capacity at peak times.

There are several restaurants, book shops and an art gallery, and the facilities are generally clean and well-maintained. The airport is also well-signed, so you should have no trouble getting around the building.