How to plan the perfect trip from London to Scotland
October 3, 2025
Organising a trip to Scotland is one of the best decisions you can make if you’re craving fresh air, wide open landscapes, and a break from the busyness of the capital. While many first-time visitors focus their time on Edinburgh or Glasgow, the journey truly comes alive when you explore beyond the cities into the Highlands.
With towering mountains, shimmering lochs, and charming villages, the Highlands feel like a world away – yet they’re surprisingly easy to reach. And if you’re looking for the perfect base once you arrive, our 5-star resort on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond offers a luxurious yet welcoming gateway to it all.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every option for travelling from London to Scotland – by train, bus, plane, or car – plus some handy tips to make the journey smooth and stress-free.
Flying to Scotland: Fast and frequent
Taking a plane is the quickest way to cover the distance between London and Scotland, with multiple flights daily.
Airports in London: Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, and London City all operate flights to Scotland.
Destinations in Scotland: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness.
- Flight times: Around 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Airlines: British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, and Loganair.
- Costs: Prices vary, but you can often find flights as low as £30–£60 each way if you book early and are flexible with budget carriers.
Practical tips:
- Allow time for airport transfers – getting to and from airports can add 1–2 hours each way depending on distance and traffic conditions.
- Travel identification: UK residents don’t need a passport to travel, just valid photo ID like a driving licence. International visitors will need their passport.
- Airlines have baggage restricted in place and charge for checked luggage, so pack light if possible to keep the cost of your trip down.
Pros: Fastest travel option.
Cons: Airport transfers, baggage fees, environmental impact.
Flying makes the most sense if you’re short on time or planning to explore the far north, like the Highlands, Outer Hebrides or Inverness right after landing.
Planning a road trip
If freedom and flexibility are your priorities, driving from the capital is a fantastic option. You can stop off at historic towns, national parks, and scenic routes along the way – giving you complete control over your journey and allowing you to be spontaneous as you go.
Main route:
- Take the M1 and M6 north via Birmingham and Manchester, then continue through Carlisle into Scotland. The estimated travel time from London to Loch Lomond is around 8-9 hours without major stops, though we encourage you to explore as you wish!
Scenic alternatives:
- Detour through the Lake District for dramatic scenery with soaring mountains, stunning valleys and shimmering lakes.
- Stop at Hadrian’s Wall near Carlisle for a dose of Roman history.
- Explore Stirling, the “Gateway to the Highlands,” home to the medieval Stirling Castle and the impressive National Wallace Monument, before continuing on to the bonnie banks.
Costs: Expect around £100–£150 in fuel plus possible toll fees (in England). This cost depends on your car efficiency and the current price of fuel.
Driving tips for visitors
- Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
- Roundabouts are very common – always give way to traffic coming from the right.
- Speed limits are in miles per hour (mph).
- Manual cars are more common in the UK, so book an automatic early if needed.
Parking is relatively straightforward in Scotland, but visitors must adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code when in rural areas and consider the safety and interests of others, avoiding blocking entrances, damaging verges, or creating obstructions.
Parking in the city can be trickier (and expensive) and with Low Emission Zones (LEZs) being enforced in four cities (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow), it is important that you check if your vehicle is compliant with these regulations to avoid charges.
For more inspiration for your trip, check out our Scotland Road Trip Routes blog post.
Tour operators in Scotland
If you’d prefer someone else to handle the logistics once you’re here, joining a tour can be stress-free and a more convenient option to see the country.
Multi-day tours: Companies like Rabbie’s, Timberbush and Highland Explorer offer guided tours starting in Edinburgh, Inverness or Glasgow. Excursions range from day trips to longer expeditions (up to 8 days) and highlights include the Isle of Skye, Glencoe, and Loch Ness.
Who they suit: Tours are ideal for all types of travellers, whether you’re sightseeing solo, as a couple, or with friends, an arranged tour enables you to make the most of your time in our wonderful country, so you can sit back, relax, and experience Scotland in a hassle-free way.
For more in-depth day-by-day itineraries, read our curated 3-Day Scotland Itinerary or 7-Day Scotland Itinerary
What to Pack
Scotland’s weather is famously unpredictable – it’s not unusual to experience sunshine, rain, wind, and even a sudden chill all in the same day. Packing smart will make sure you’re ready for anything.
Essentials to bring:
- Layers: Lightweight tops, warm jumpers or hoodies, and a waterproof jacket let you adjust quickly to changing conditions.
- Raincoat: A good waterproof jacket (preferably with a hood) is a must.
- Comfortable footwear: Whether you’re strolling through villages or hiking up mighty munros, sturdy shoes or walking boots will keep you comfortable.
- Day bag: Useful for carrying snacks, water, maps, and all the essentials for your trips.
- Sun cream: Yes, even in rainy Scotland you should always wear SPF daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Accessories: Don’t forget a scarf, hat, and gloves – even in summer, the wind can be chilly, so important to ensure you’re prepared.
- Travel adapters: If you’re visiting from abroad, you’ll need a UK plug adapter (Type G).
With the right gear, you’ll be free to enjoy Scotland’s extraordinary landscapes without worrying about the weather slowing you down. Read more in our guide here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Scotland from London?
It’s 405 miles from London to Edinburgh or 433 miles to Loch Lomond.
What’s the quickest way to travel?
Flying is fastest (around 1 hour 15 minutes in the air), but when you add airport transfers and check-in times, the train often works out just as quick and less stressful.
Do you need a passport to fly to Scotland?
UK residents don’t need a passport for domestic flights – just valid photo ID. International travellers will need their passport.
Which option is most scenic?
The train offers stunning views of the coastline and countryside, while driving gives you the freedom to stop at beautiful spots along the way. Ultimately, it depends on your preference.
Why choose Cameron House as your base?
No matter how you travel north, the reward is arriving in Scotland’s natural heart. Nestled on the banks of Loch Lomond, our resort is the perfect base for discovering the Highlands, Lowlands and everything in between while still enjoying comfort and luxury. Choose from 208 suites and bedrooms in the hotel or revel in the privacy of our 115 self-catering lodges, cottages and apartments – there’s something to suit all tastes.
From here, you can:
- Explore Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
- Set off on scenic drives deeper into the Highlands and beyond.
- Indulge in world-class dining, spa treatments, and leisure facilities after a day of exploring.
- Experience a myriad of land and loch pursuits.
No matter how you choose to travel here, Cameron House offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Discover our collection of offers here and make memories to cherish for a lifetime.
