Sheryl

Hi! I've never been to Scotland so I'm having trouble routing my trip. My destination is the North East Coast (Burghead), however flying into Aberdeen is expensive and I'm traveling with two others who will be visiting Prestwick. They said they'd either drive me to my destination or I can take the train into Inverness (which appears closer to Burghead than Aberdeen). In addition, I am wondering if it would be better to fly into Glasgow or Edinburgh (from the U.S.). Any help would be appreciated!

Bill Barr

Hi <BR> <BR>I strongly recommend you fly direct to Glasgow where you will find most connections to the north. Bus travel to both Aberdeen and Inverness is available from Glasgow although I would recommend using the train (the journey time is around 2 hours to each destination).All trains from Glasgow to Inverness and Aberdeen leave from Queen Street station and NOT Central Station. <BR> <BR>For timetables cjeck out http://www.railtrack.co.uk/travel <BR> <BR>I'm not 100% sure about this but I don't think that there are any transatlantic flights direct to Edinburgh. <BR> <BR>I should also say that from Glasgow Airport to the city centre takes around 15 minutes by coach (daytime every 15 minutes and every 30mins after 6pm)If I remember correctly the trip costs £3. If you decide to take a taxi instead the fare is £15. <BR> <BR>Regards <BR> <BR>Bill

Jane Mistautas

I'll have from Aug 29-Sept 6th free after my tour of Ireland ends in Dublin. I was considering a tour of Scotland. DOes anyone have any advice on where to go with only such a short time available??? I want to see Edinburgh, and the west coast.... but if you think someplace else is better, pls let mle know! <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>Jane <BR>Toronto Canada

Sheryl

Thanks for your help, Bill. <BR>Now I've got another question. <BR>Is it more economical to fly into Glasgow ($685 USD) and take the train to Inverness (NE Coast) OR to fly to Aberdeen for $829 (where I'd be picked up by a friend)? <BR>My brain is melting from spending too much time on the surf... <BR>

Bill Barr

Sheryl <BR> <BR>I'm sure it would be more economical to fly to Glasgow and take the train from there. I've given details in reply to your other message. <BR> <BR>To be honest I thought the fare you mentioned to Aberdeen was kind of high so I checked it out and found some British Airways flights at USD 623 round trip. Remember though, I haven't a clue where you are flying from or on what dates so I chose 25th August to 20 th September leaving from New York to Aberdeen just to give me an indication of price and availability. As well as B.A., KLM were also mentioned having flights available. <BR> <BR>If you can bear to surf for a few minutes more check out:- <BR> <BR>http://www.tiss.com/ <BR> <BR>sign onto the flight availability section as a Test (or New) user. Tiss will give you all consolidator flights available from the US airport of your choice to Aberdeen (GB) on dates specified by you. Online availability and booking is available. I've used them and found them to be OK. <BR> <BR>Let me know how you get on. <BR> <BR>Bill <BR> <BR>p.s. Are your friends flying to Prestwick Airport? If they are there is a direct train service from the airport to Glasgow which takes around 40 minutes max.

Bill Barr

Jane <BR> <BR>Give me more information and I'll see if I can help. There are frequent flights from Dublin and Belfast to Glasgow each day so getting here shouldn't be a problem.Ferry crossings are from Larne to Stranraer. <BR> <BR>The time you have, I feel, is just about right to see most of the interesting parts of the country. <BR> <BR>Again I would use Glasgow as your starting point simply because of the various travel options you will be able to use to get to most parts of the country. Remember too that the train journey to Edinburgh from Glasgow is only 50 minutes. <BR> <BR>The West Coast is right on Glasgow's doorstep too e.g. Isle of Arran etc. Skye and most points north are easily accesable from this city. <BR> <BR>Regards <BR> <BR>Bill <BR> <BR>

John

Most of the various Edinburgh festivals (arts, film, fringe, tattoo)end the weekend of the 29th, but any exposure to the city during the festival is a real treat, if crowded. Worth the trip; consider staying in Glasgow and using the train (<1 hr) if the Edin. accommodation scene is too tight. There are many nice day trips avail. from either city.