Flights to Scotland

A flight from London to one of Scotland’s main cities takes around an hour and a half. You can reach Edinburgh, the closest airport to London, in one hour and 20 minutes, and Inverness, the furthest away, in one hour and 35 minutes.

British Airways flies to Edinburgh from London Heathrow Airport and London City Airport, Glasgow from London Heathrow, London City and London Gatwick airports and Inverness and Aberdeen from London Heathrow.

It’s cheapest to fly to Scotland during the autumn and winter months, when the weather is cold and damp. Don’t let the temperatures put you off though – Scotland’s charm is found in its gloomy Highland forests, moody cityscapes and rugged coastline. Use our low fare finder to find the cheapest time to visit Scotland.

The best time to visit Scotland is in the summer. Head to Edinburgh in August to enjoy the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where artists and performers from across the globe descend on the city. Great British talent like Rowan Atkinson, Miranda Hart and Phoebe Waller-Bridge have all performed there. In Aberdeen, you can visit golden sandy beaches, while the warmer months are the perfect time for a cruise on Loch Ness in Inverness, followed by a hike through the Highlands. And if you head to Glasgow in the summer, you can make the most of the weather by dining al fresco at one of the city’s foodie hotspots.

The cost of a trip to Scotland will depend on where you go, but it’s possible to adapt your itinerary to suit your budget. As the capital, Edinburgh can be an expensive city, particularly during the Fringe and the Christmas markets in December. The good news is, there are plenty of wallet-friendly hostels available to save on the cost of your accommodation, and the city is very walkable. There’s plenty to do outside for free in Inverness, including exploring the Ness Islands and visiting the Botanical Gardens, while Aberdeen and Glasgow both have several free museums where you can while away an afternoon.

Once you touch down in Scotland, you’ll find the big cities – and small towns in-between – are well connected by the country’s train system. It takes less than an hour to travel between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Buses are also available, both inside and out of the metropolitan areas.

You can also hire a car with British Airways if you want to see more of what Scotland has to offer. You’ll receive great benefits, with all mandatory charges included and 24-hour customer support, plus you’ll collect Avios points on every rental.

Scotland’s good looks have inspired many artists, so you’ve probably already seen many of its sweeping glens and historic cities on the big screen in the likes of Harry Potter and Outlander. The cobblestone streets and forest-covered mountains are both the real-life set of centuries of history, and easy to access. So, you can jump between busy streets and empty moors, taste unique dishes like haggis and visit royal residences including Balmoral and The Palace of Holyroodhouse all on the same trip.

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children.

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

Citizens of the UK and Ireland and EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit. If you hold a passport from a country or territory outside of these areas, you may need to apply for a visa before you travel. You can find out more about visa requirements for all the countries we fly to at the IATA Travel Centre.

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Fly with just hand baggage and you can carry two bags free of charge. Choose our checked baggage option and you can travel with hand baggage and a 23kg bag checked into the hold, plus enjoy free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering, and a warm, uniquely British welcome.

Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.