How To Reach Scotland (United Kingdom)

Scotland is a part of the United Kingdom, one that is all rugged cold highlands and islands by the sea, glens and valleys and lakes with fabled monsters. The Scottish culture is a remarkable shift from the English one, in many ways evolved from the ancient Pagan and Highland customs, language and traditions. From kilt-wearing tall scotsmen to ‘lassies’ with red hair and blue eyes, you will find yourself in a different world here. Already imagining a holiday in the land of these Scots? Here’s how you can reach Scotland.

Scotland has a few international airports, including the Edinburgh Airport, Aberdeen International Airport, Glasgow International Airport, Inverness Airport and Dundee Airport. India doesn’t have direct flights to Scotland; however, you can catch a flight from Mumbai to Edinburgh with one or two stops on the way. Air India and British Airways are the major airlines plying this route. You do need a passport to visit Scotland and it must be applied well in advance to secure your travel schedule. Make sure you do that.

The best way to travel to Scotland is by road, enjoying the scenery of sweeping glens and meadows on the way. You can fly into London and then take a road trip to Scotland, either in a bus or coach or by renting a car. There are chauffeur-driven options available as well as self-drive ones if you are in possession of an international driving licence. National Express Bus service runs from all major English cities to Scotland while you take M74/A74 Highway.

Remember the opening scenes of Harry Potter movies and the Hogwarts Express train that winds its way through some of the most magical sceneries and bridges? While most of us thought that was a wizarding world dream, it was actually really Scotland. Train travel in Scotland is another scenic way of travel. The Railways of Scotland are integrated with the England Railway System and connect the two lands. The regular daily trains between Scotland and England are Virgins Trains East Coast, CrossCountry, Virgin Trains, Transpennine Express and ScotRail. You can also buy Scottish Rail passes and get tickets at discounted rates.