Edinburgh: Day Trips and Tours from London

Travel from one capital city to another on a day trip to Edinburgh from London. Journey through the United Kingdom from England to Scotland by train, and discover the heart of Scottish heritage and history in this ancient city.

Edinburgh is home to myriad architectural styles, fascinating traditions and imposing castles, and is sure to appeal to history buffs and cultural connoisseurs alike.

Here's all you need to know about Edinburgh, one of the most exciting day trips from London.

How to get to Edinburgh from London?

The historic city of Edinburgh is located approximately 650 kilometers north of London.

From London to Edinburgh by car

It’s possible to drive from London to Edinburgh by car, and the entire journey will take approximately 7.5 hours along the M1 and A1(M).

From London to Edinburgh by public transport

Instead of a day-long drive, you can take a shorter and cheaper train ride. Trains run daily from London to Edinburgh, and you can easily depart from King’s Cross station to embark on the 4.5-hour journey to Edinburgh Waverley station.

Guided tour to Edinburgh from London

On a booked tour to Edinburgh and London, your operators will reserve your train seats for your roundtrip journey, ensuring a smooth trip.

What is the typical itinerary?

On a day trip to Edinburgh from London, you’ll typically start your journey with a train ride. Head to King’s Cross station, from where you will travel for 4.5 hours to reach Edinburgh.

In Edinburgh, join a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour to discover the best of the Scottish city. During this tour, you will visit notable attractions and landmarks, including St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Royal Mile, Princes Street Gardens and Old Town.

With an entry ticket to Edinburgh Castle, you’ll have access to tour this historic fort in your own time and admire some incredible views across the city.

If you are embarking on a multi-day trip, your itinerary may include a journey to Loch Ness and the Highlands. At your journey’s conclusion, you can return by train back to London.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Edinburgh?

The majority of tours to Edinburgh from London are self-guided, but you can choose between single-day and multi-day trips that are arranged through tour operators.

Self-guided tours to Edinburgh from London

On a day trip to Edinburgh from London, you can book a self-guided tour that includes roundtrip train tickets and entry tickets to Edinburgh Castle.

Head from London to Edinburgh via train, and enjoy a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city, where you’ll see and visit some of its most notable sites and landmarks.

You can return via train in the evening, with the entire day trip taking approximately 16 hours.

Multi-day tours to Edinburgh from London

If you want to extend your journey to Edinburgh, you can spend the night in the city through existing day tours and turn your excursion into a 2-day trip.

Alternatively, you can embark on a 3-day tour of the city from London, and take your time seeing the sights and immersing yourself in the Scottish capital.

There are also popular 3-day tour options that journey through more of Scotland. Stay the night in the capital before joining a guide the next day who will take you to Loch Ness and the Highlands. Return to Edinburgh on the third day for one final jaunt through the city.

How much does a day trip to Edinburgh from London cost?

A day trip to Edinburgh from London can start at £200 per person, including a return train ticket and entry costs to Edinburgh Castle.

If you choose to extend your trip to 2 days, starting costs are approximately £300 per person.

A 3-day to Edinburgh from London can start at £380 per person, and increases to about £770 per person if your tour includes trips to Loch Ness and the Highlands.

What will you see and do?

Old Town and New Town Edinburgh are inscribed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its melding of eras. Discover Edinburgh’s unique atmosphere with visits to its major landmarks.

Edinburgh Castle

Standing atop Castle Rock and overlooking the city, Edinburgh Castle is an icon and the main tourist attraction of the city.

This ancient fort has stood guard for centuries and contains fascinating historical stories that can be discovered while walking among its buildings.

Every day, a gun is set off at 1 PM, in a tradition dating back to the 19th century.

St. Giles’ Cathedral

Founded in 1124, St. Giles’ Cathedral has been a central church in Edinburgh for 900 years. Visit here and stand in awe at the gothic architecture.

Outside of the cathedral is the Heart of Midlothian, a mosaic laid into the street, which locals spit on for good luck.

Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is an expansive street stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyrood House, the official residence of the British monarch.

Walk along the mile and visit its numerous shops and restaurants while gaining a sense of the city’s history and culture.

Princes Street Gardens

Running beneath Edinburgh Castle and parallel to Princes Street, the Princes Street Gardens are some of the city’s most stunningly landscaped gardens.

A popular spot to simply relax, the gardens are also filled with statues and the Ross Fountain, which dates back to the 19th century.

Loch Ness

If you are journeying beyond Edinburgh, Loch Ness is one of the most famous lochs, or lakes, in the country.

Known for its association with the mythical beast Nessie, journey to this 37-kilometer-long lake and see if you can spot it.

Highlands

Rugged and expansive, the Highlands embody the natural beauty of Scotland. Discover Glen Coe, Cairngorm and Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland, on a trip into this craggy landscape.

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

The best time to visit Edinburgh is in the summer (June to August). This is when the city warms up significantly, and the streets are abuzz during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

What are the other day trips from London?

• Stonehenge
• Bath
• Windsor Castle
• Oxford
• Cotswolds

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes, as many of Edinburgh’s best sites are seen while walking.
• Take a camera with you to capture the stunning architecture and gardens of the Scottish capital.
• Layer up your clothing, as the weather can change easily in Edinburgh.