The Eight Cities of Scotland – From royal pageantry to coastal charm, each of Scotland’s eight cities has its own story to tell. 👉 Read The Eight Cities of Scotland now.
Choosing the Best Airport for Your Trip to Scotland
When planning your Scottish adventure, a common question arises: Should I fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow? Though just 50 miles apart, these cities offer two very different starting points—each with its own character, culture, and proximity to iconic destinations.
👉 Read more about Edinburgh’s Festivals
👉 Explore Glasgow’s must do’s
✈️ Edinburgh Airport (EDI) – For History, Culture, and Royal Views
Distance from city centre: 8 miles (15–25 minutes by tram or taxi)
Perfect for: Lovers of history, architecture, and day trips to the east
Edinburgh Airport is Scotland’s busiest and an ideal gateway to a UNESCO World Heritage city. Explore the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and climb Arthur’s Seat for sweeping views. The city bursts with festivals in summer and magic at Hogmanay.
Nearby trips from Edinburgh:
- Stirling Castle (1 hour): One of Scotland’s grandest strongholds. 👉 Why is Stirling Castle famous?
- St Andrews (1.5 hours): The home of golf and a charming coastal town. 👉 Is St Andrews worth visiting?
- Rosslyn Chapel (30 mins): Famous for intricate carvings and Da Vinci Code links. 👉 The mystery of Rosslyn Chapel
- The Scottish Borders (under 2 hours): Think abbeys, castles, and literary legends. 👉 Explore the Borders
👉 Discover 7 neighbourhoods of Edinburgh
✈️ Glasgow Airport (GLA) – For Music, Art, and the Wild West
Distance from city centre: 9 miles (15–25 minutes by bus or taxi)
Perfect for: Road trips, whisky tours, and Highland access
Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city—buzzing with creativity, from world-class museums to street murals and live music venues. Wander the West End, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, or take in a show at King’s Theatre. For whisky fans, it’s also the closest major hub to the western distilleries.
Easy day trips from Glasgow:
- Loch Lomond & Trossachs (45 mins): Stunning lochs and scenic trails. 👉 Visit Loch Lomond
- Inveraray Castle (1 hr 40): Fairy-tale home of Clan Campbell. 👉 Why is Inveraray Castle famous?
- Isle of Skye (5–6 hours via Fort William): A dream for photographers and hikers. 👉 Isle of Skye Guide
- Oban (2.5 hours): Seafood capital and ferry port to Hebridean islands. 👉 Is Oban worth visiting?
👉 Read: Plan your North Coast 500 road trip and 👉 The Ultimate Scotland Travel Guide
🧭 So, Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Edinburgh if you love heritage, castles, and exploring the east coast.
- Choose Glasgow if you’re road-tripping to the Highlands or enjoy a vibrant city vibe with easy access to lochs and isles.
For the best of both worlds, fly into one and out of the other. Scotland is compact enough to explore both cities in a single trip—and the journey between them only takes about an hour by train.
✈️ Whether you’re into ancient sites or modern nightlife, your adventure starts the moment you land.
Have you flown into either city? Which felt more like Scotland to you? Share your tips and routes in the comments!
The Eight Cities of Scotland – From royal pageantry to coastal charm, each of Scotland’s eight cities has its own story to tell. 👉 Read The Eight Cities of Scotland now.
Which of Scotland’s cities would you love to explore next?
Secure Your Dream Scottish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Scotland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions dampen your adventure. Iconic experiences like exploring Edinburgh Castle, cruising along Loch Ness, or wandering through the mystical Isle of Skye often fill up fast—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Scotland's hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!
***************************************************
DISCLAIMER Last updated May 29, 2023
WEBSITE DISCLAIMER
The information provided by Love to Visit LLC ('we', 'us', or 'our') on https:/loveotvisitscotland.com (the 'Site') is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the Site.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL WE HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THE SITE OR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE SITE. YOUR USE OF THE SITE AND YOUR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION ON THE SITE IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
EXTERNAL LINKS DISCLAIMER
The Site may contain (or you may be sent through the Site) links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. Such external links are not investigated, monitored, or checked for accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness by us.
WE DO NOT WARRANT, ENDORSE, GUARANTEE, OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY INFORMATION OFFERED BY THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES LINKED THROUGH THE SITE OR ANY WEBSITE OR FEATURE LINKED IN ANY BANNER OR OTHER ADVERTISING. WE WILL NOT BE A PARTY TO OR IN ANY WAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING ANY TRANSACTION BETWEEN YOU AND THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.
AFFILIATES DISCLAIMER The Site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Our affiliates include the following:
- Viator
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites.
