Getting to Edinburgh from London
 

I'm wondering the best way to get from London to Edinburgh, and back. I've considered the over night train, daytime fast train, fly, hire a car? Which is easiest, which cheapest?

If we take the train, would a 4-day Britrail pass include the night train?

Thx

Yes BritRail includes the Caledonia overnight trains between several Scottish locales and London's Paddington station (most other Scottish trains serve Kings Cross station)
Pass pays for train fare but not sleeping accommodation - i took recently with pass cost me 39 pounds extya for a single berth with breakfast.
A 4-day consecutive BritRail is $209 per person for the first two people, any extra persons on same pass pay just 50% of that 0 kids 15 and under get free passes. 4-day flexi is $265. Whilst you could book far in advance cheaper non-refundable non-changeable tickets online the pass can be used on any train - just show up. Unless changed you can get free reservations on GNE London-Scotland trains if you do so by 6pnm the night before. Second class you should reserve; 1st class, the several times i've taken has always had plenty of extra seats but 2nd class often fairly full. I get by BritRail passes from BETS (800-441-2387) and highly recommend them for their expertise and willingness to answer any questions on their toll-free number - ask for their free European Planning & Rail Guide which has a whole lot on doing UK by train, including Scotland, with a rail map, suggested itineraries, etc. Also online if you book far in advance you can get 29, 39 and up to 59 pound Caledonia Sleeper berths including rail fare but these are sold in very limited supplies. But if just going to Scotland and back and you're willing to lock yourself in and have ample advance time may be the way to go. Once in Edinburgh you could use a BritRail pass to day trip to Stirling or St Andrews, two smashingly great day trips about an hour away by rail, so the pass has benefits...also can be used on Gatwick and Heathrow Expresses if landing in London - a $25 or so value.

Depending on your date of travel, time of travel and advance booking you can fly Easyjet to Edinburgh from Stanstead or Gatwick for £12.99 plus £5 tax one way. It takes about 1hours 30mins in the air.

flying is great if time is you criteria and that price can't be beat (and may not be actually bookable) but try to take the train at least one way - a very nice ride. The Edinburgh-Newcastle rail part has just been voted the most scenic rail line in Britain recently by readers of some magazine - goes along the coast - simply gorgeous - York to London is more ho-hum but lots of sheep!

If you are planning only four days I would definately recommend flying. Edinburgh is a fantastic city, and there is so much to do that you might not want to make time for train trips away from the city.
Ryanair.com are a good option if you are staying in the north of london (as they only go from Stansted as far as I know). If you are staying in the south west, Heathrow is very convenient, ba and british midland fly from there, or in the south Gatwick is convenient (easyjet as mentioned above).
From my experience train travel is not as reliable as it is in other parts of europe, and much more expensive - but Virgin trains are good especially if booked in advance.
Hope this helps

I would recommend the train. The ride is well worth the 4hrs it takes from London Paddington to Edinburgh. Wonderful scenery. I will be returning to Scotland for the 4th visit next May and will be taking the train from London. Our first trip was only a few days in Scotland, we took the train and stayed at Dalhousie Castle outside of Edinburgh in Bonneyrig (sp?) It was very convenient and we were able to get to Edenburgh by public bus transportation. I always get a Britrail pass.

If the plane takes an hour and a half from Stansted or Gatwick, then it's no quicker than the train when you add the journey time to and from the airports and the check-in time. When comparing fares, you need to consider the fares to and from the airports.
In many cases, the overnight train will be the quickest, allowing a whole day and evening in London, then a whole day in Edinburgh.