When planning your London to Edinburgh flights, it's essential to understand the total cost involved. Beyond the ticket price, there are additional expenses to consider, such as transportation to and from the airports, baggage fees, and any in-flight services you may require. By taking these factors into account, you can accurately budget for your trip and make informed decisions. Understanding the total cost ensures you get the best deals and save money £££.
London to Edinburgh: Departure from Edinburgh Airports
London is well-served by multiple airports. It provides convenient flight options to Edinburgh from three main airports, Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton airport. After viewing the transportation information and flight prices, you can compare and choose the best departure point by your convenience.
Heathrow Airport (LHR), situated 23 kilometres west of London’s city centre, has five terminals, handling flights from all over the world and offering a vast array of facilities. Travellers can reach the airport via the Heathrow Express train, which takes about 15 minutes from Paddington Station.
| Main Transportation Options to LHR | Estimated Time | Price |
| Heathrow Express | 15 mins | From £15.00 |
| London Underground ('the Tube') | 60 mins | From £5.50 |
| Elizabeth Line | 45 mins | From £12.80 |
| Coaches | 50-90 mins | From £10.00 |
| Taxis (a black cab or a pre-booked minicab) | 60 mins | From £49.00 |
Gatwick Airport (LGW) is located 45 kilometres from downtown and features two terminals. Gatwick is easily accessible in several ways, ensuring a seamless journey from London city centre, no matter your transport. The Gatwick Express offers a quick 30-minute journey from Victoria Station to the airport.
| Main Transportation Options to LGW | Estimated Time | Price |
| Gatwick Express | 30 mins | From £10.00 |
| Thameslink | 30-45 mins | From £10.00 |
| Southern Railway | 30-35 mins | From £15.00 |
| National Express Coach | 90 mins | From £8.00 |
| Taxi or Car | 60-90 mins | From £60.00 |
| Tube + Train | 60 mins | From £2.40 (tube fare) + train fare |
Luton Airport (LTN), with single one terminal, mainly serves flights to European destinations. Travellers can take a train from St Pancras International, usually taking about 25 minutes, plus a brief shuttle bus ride to reach the airport.
| Main Transportation Options to LTN | Time | Price |
| By train | 30 mins | From £15.00 |
| National Express Coach | 90-120 mins | From £5.00 |
| Taxi or Car | 60-90 mins | From £70.00 |
| Tube + Train | 60-90 mins | From £2.40 (tube fare) + train fare |
Compare cheap flight tickets and transportation prices from London (LON) to Edinburgh (EDI)
When comparing flight prices from London to Edinburgh in January 2025, the price difference among the three London airports is minimal. The cheapest fare is £31.00 from London Luton Airport, while the most expensive is £42.50 from London Heathrow Airport.
| Flight to Edinburgh from London | Flight Tickets | Transportation Fare | Total |
| Heathrow (LHR-EDI) | £37.00 | £5.50 | £42.50 |
| Gatwick (LGW-EDI) | £26.00 | £8.00 | £34.00 |
| Luton (LTN-EDI) | £26.00 | £5.00 | £31.00 |
*Based on flight prices in Jan 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data. Transportation prices are approximate and can vary. To get most accurate and up-to-date information, please check trip.com and official websites of respective transportation services.
London to Edinburgh: Arrival at Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is one of Scotland's busiest airports and the main international gateway to the capital, offering a wide range of flights from Europe and beyond. The airport has a single terminal serving both domestic and international flights. The terminal is designed to cater to the needs of a wide range of passengers, offering a variety of shops and dining options. The airport offers a variety of facilities including duty-free shops, restaurants, and car rental services, ensuring a comfortable journey for travellers. The airport is approximately 12 kilometres from the city centre and usually takes around 25 minutes to reach the city centre.
London to Edinburgh : Airline Deals
Several airlines, like easyJet, Norwegian Air Sweden, and British Airways, have cheap flights from London to Edinburgh on Trip.com. Budget airlines usually have good prices, but they might fly from airports outside the city and often don't include free checked bags.
Reviews of airlines servicing London-Edinburgh
Which airlines provide the cheapest flights from London to Edinburgh?
In January 2025, easyJet has the cheapest flight at £31 (LTN-EDI), while British Airways offers a flight for £42.50 (LHR-EDI).
| Flight to Edinburgh | British Airways | easyJet |
| Route | LHR - EDI | LTN - EDI |
| flight tickets | £37 | £26 |
| transportation to airports | £5.5 | £5 |
| Total | £42.5 | £31 |
*Based on flight prices in Jan 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data.
What's the cheapest total travel cost from London to Edinburgh?
Let's see how much a flight from London to Edinburgh actually costs. While budget airlines might initially appear to offer the cheapest tickets, it's essential to consider all associated expenses. For instance, British Airways offers a flight from London Heathrow (LHR) to Edinburgh (EDI) with a total cost of £90.39, including flight tickets, transportation to the airport, check-in luggage, and seat reservation. However, British Airways flights with checked baggage included seem like a better deal. Another British Airways option from London Heathrow (LHR) to Edinburgh (EDI) comes to £62.69, with checked baggage included. On the other hand, easyJet's flight from London Gatwick (LGW) to Edinburgh (EDI) totals £70.40, factoring in all expenses. By carefully evaluating all costs, travellers can make informed decisions and potentially save significantly on their journey from London to Edinburgh.
| Flight to Edinburgh | British Airways | easyJet | British Airways |
| Route | LHR - EDI | LGW - EDI | LHR - EDI |
| flight tickets | £36.29 | £52.20 | £57.19 |
| transportation to airports | £5.50 | £8.00 | £5.50 |
| check-in luggage (1 piece max 20kg) | ￡36.80 (1×23kg) | Free | Free (1×23kg) |
| Seat reservation | ￡11.80 | ￡10.20 | Free |
| Total | £90.39 | £70.40 | £62.69 (Checked Baggage Included) |
*Based on flight prices in Jan 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data.
London to Edinburgh: Flight Search & Book Flights
London to Edinburgh: Direct Flights & Flight Time Schedule
| Cheapest one-way flight price | £7 |
|---|---|
| Cheapest return ticket price | £25 |
| Off-season travel month | April |
| Peak season for travel | March |
| Flight distance | 538.81km |
| Average flight time | 2 hours 32 minutes |
| Popular airline | easyJet |
BA8714
British Airways
19:55
LCY
21:10
EDI
SMTWT-SBA8706
British Airways
15:45
LCY
17:00
EDI
SM-WT--BA8712
British Airways
17:20
LCY
18:40
EDI
SMTWTF-BA1430
British Airways
06:15
LHR
07:40
EDI
S-TW--SCZ7255
China Southern Airlines
07:35
LHR
09:00
EDI
SMTWT-SAA7130
American Airlines
16:20
LHR
17:45
EDI
-M----SKQ4070
Kenya Airways
15:20
LHR
16:45
EDI
------SAA6785
American Airlines
19:15
LHR
20:40
EDI
S--W---AA7161
American Airlines
15:30
LHR
17:00
EDI
----T--AA7150
American Airlines
11:50
LHR
13:20
EDI
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London to Edinburgh: Cheapest Time to Book Flights
Determining the best time to book flights for the London to Edinburgh route can be influenced by several factors. Generally, it is recommended to book your London to Edinburgh flights in advance to secure better deals and availability. This is especially true if you wish to travel in peak season, for example, Easter holiday, summer, Christmas, and school half term. As a rule of thumb, aim to book your tickets at least 2-3 months before your desired travel dates. Additionally, consider avoiding peak travel seasons or holidays when prices tend to be higher. Monitoring flight prices regularly and setting up price alerts can also help you snag the best deals.
| Month in 2025 | Cheapest London to Edinburgh flight tickets |
| January | £34 |
| February | £34 |
| March | £44 |
| April | £44 |
| May | £44 |
| June | £44 |
| July | £44 |
| August | £44 |
| September | £44 |
London to Edinburgh: Discover Edinburgh
Nestled in the heart of Scotland, flights to Edinburgh are popular throughout the year. The Scottish capital has become a favourite destination for travellers, and it’s easy to understand why. With its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant festivals, and a thriving food scene, it’s no wonder so many people are drawn to the city. And with numerous airlines offering affordable flights to Edinburgh from various locations, there’s never been a better time to visit.
Edinburgh’s charm lies in its blend of old and new. The city’s historic landmarks, such as the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the ancient Royal Mile, offer a glimpse into its storied past. Meanwhile, the modern attractions, including the bustling Princes Street and the dynamic Edinburgh Festival, ensure there’s always something exciting to experience.
Explore Accommodation and Local Transport in Edinburgh
After booking your flights, it's time to look into accommodation and local transport options in Edinburgh. Search for budget-friendly hotels, hostels, or holiday rentals close to the main attractions. Websites like Trip.com offer a range of options to fit different budgets and preferences. Additionally, Trip.com's Travel Guides can provide useful tips and recommendations to help you find the best places to stay and things to do. Consider the costs and convenience of public transport, taxis, or car rentals to get around the city. Planning ahead can help you avoid unexpected expenses and make your trip smoother and more affordable.
Recommended Hotels in Edinburgh [2024]
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Discover Dining and Entertainment in Edinburgh
To manage your spending while enjoying Edinburgh, explore the local dining and entertainment scene. Look for markets, street food vendors, and reasonably priced restaurants to enjoy authentic Scottish cuisine without overspending. Many attractions, such as museums and historical sites, offer discounted or free entry on certain days, so it's worth checking their schedules. Also, take advantage of free or low-cost activities like walking tours and exploring the city's lively neighbourhoods. By being mindful of your expenses, you can have a memorable and budget-friendly trip to Edinburgh.
Forecast weather and best time to visit Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a temperate climate, making it a pleasant place to visit any time of the year. However, the most popular times to go are in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. These periods offer a good mix of comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. Additionally, events like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August and the Hogmanay celebrations in December make these months especially lively. Ultimately, it's best to consider your preferred weather and the activities you want to enjoy when deciding the ideal time to visit.
| Month | Average Temperature (°C) | Average Flight Price (£) | Average Hotel Price (£) |
| January | 1~7 | 34 | £70~£120 |
| February | 1~7 | 34 | £70~£120 |
| March | 2~9 | 44 | £90~£150 |
| April | 4~11 | 44 | £90~£150 |
| May | 5~14 | 44 | £90~£150 |
| June | 9~17 | 44 | £120~£200 |
| July | 11~19 | 44 | £120~£200 |
| August | 11~18 | 44 | £120~£200 |
| September | 9~16 | 44 | £90~£150 |
| October | 6~13 | 30 | £90~£150 |
| November | 3~9 | 30 | £70~£120 |
| December | 1~7 | 28 | £120~£200 |
Note:
- Average Temperatures: These are approximate values and can vary slightly.
- Average Flight Prices: Prices can fluctuate based on demand, booking time, and airline.
- Average Hotel Prices: Prices can vary depending on the location, hotel rating, and booking platform.
- Trip.com offers cheap hotels in Edinburgh, ranging from £100 to £250.