Barbara

First trip to Scotland coming up in July. Have an appointment with a colleague at the University of Glasgow midweek, but really want to explore Edinburgh. (I know. I'm being a hopeless tourist, and if I had a month, I'd stay somewhere in the countryside. Don't have that option -- I don't think.) As I understand it, all flights come into the airport outside of Glasgow, and I was thinking that convenience would suggest I simply take a cab to a hotel in Glasgow and plan a day trip to Edinburgh. I'll be traveling alone, and really don't want a lot of complicated transportation changes. Don't want to have to devote most of my time to hauling my bags from plane to bus to train to cab to hotel, etc. I've only about 4-5 days to spend, so what's the best plan for me? Stay in Glasgow and take a bus or train to Edinburgh, or vice versa?

Sheila

I don't think you shold feel constrained, Barbara.<BR><BR>There is a bus from Glasgow airport to Queens Street station where you catch the train to Edinburgh, and the trains are very regular between the two cities, the trip taking, I think, about 50 minutes each way.<BR><BR>Both cities have interest in their own way. I have a couple fo stored documents on both. If you'd like me to email them to you, drop me a note.<BR><BR>Yo could easily do it either way.

Simon

Sorry, you should not take a train for that journey. There are comfortable coaches that make the journey in a very short time, and they only cost about &pound;3 each way.

Sheila

I guess its a matter of taste. I wouldn't do it by bus, myself.<BR><BR>Do they go straight from the airport, Simon?

janis

Barbara: All flights do not go into Glasgow. There is a very nice international airport at Edinburgh as well.<BR><BR>Where are you arriving from - straight from the States or through London?<BR><BR>Yes - if you are flying straight in from the States, Glasgow is better. But if you are transferring through London which is very common, then it is just as easy to get to Edinburgh as Glasgow.<BR><BR>I would fly into Edinburgh and stay there. You can easily do a day trip to Glasgow city center to city center by train to meet your friend.

Reia

I guess it really depends on what you are looking at. If you want something of a small city-like feel, something busier, than that's Glasgow. If you want a place more laidback with castles and all that, then its Edinburgh. Both places have their own charm, but the University of Glasgow is very beautiful as well. <BR>If you ever consider taking the coaches, from Glasgow into Edinburgh, just take the bus from the Glasgow Buchana bus terminal. It will cost you 5.50 pounds for a return ticket and you will reach Edinburgh - St Andrew's Square in about an hour's time. Both places are centralized and easy to travel around. <BR>