Flights from London Heathrow to Edinburgh

The stunning capital of Scotland

Edinburgh, also known as Festival City, is home to a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. Boasting a wide range of dining options, outdoor pursuits, evening entertainment and shopping experiences, there is plenty to see and do in this vibrant coastal city.

Best climate and festivals

The warmest months are from May until mid-September; however, there are often rainy and windy days throughout the year, so it's advisable to take protective clothing. There are a number of annual festivals held in Edinburgh, including the Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which are hosted in August. The popular Scottish International Storytelling Festival takes place in October, and the family friendly Imaginate Festival is hosted in the first week of June.

Basic tips and cost of living

Edinburgh is a popular tourist destination, and can become quite crowded over the festival months. It's a good idea to book accommodation up to a year in advance. The cost of living tends to be cheaper in Edinburgh than in London. For example, a monthly travel pass costs about £50 in Edinburgh, while in London it costs about £130. However, Edinburgh prices are about average when compared to other areas of the UK.

Local public transport and hotel prices

Edinburgh Airport is situated about 10 miles from the city centre. The 100 bus stops outside the main terminal building and provides services to the main rail station and the city centre. These depart every 10 minutes, and cost about £4.50 for a single fare. Edinburgh trams operate every 8-12 minutes. Single fares cost about £5 and the journey takes around 35 minutes. The taxi rank is conveniently situated on the ground floor of the airports' multi-storey car park. There is also a convenient car rental centre at the airport. 

The price of accommodation in Edinburgh can vary considerably. Cheap hostels are available from about £7 per person for one night, while 3 star hotel accommodation can cost from around £45 per room. The major tourist attractions can be easily reached on foot or via public transport. Taxi fares start at about £2.80, then cost around £2 per kilometre thereafter. Public transport costs about £1.50 for a single fare.