Discover Edinburgh

Flying to Edinburgh

Flying between London City Airport and Edinburgh provides the fastest link between the English and Scottish capitals. Whether you're off on a weekend break or travelling midweek for work, the LCY to Edinburgh route makes the journey about as easy it gets. With a short DLR journey connecting London City Airport to Central London and Canary Wharf, and with Edinburgh Airport's proximity to the city centre, the short flight makes for a straightforward journey with hassle-free transfers. Find out everything you need to know about the route.

Flying from London City Airport to Edinburgh: Q&A

Get the essentials on flights from London City Airport to Edinburgh at a glance with our quick roundup of the key questions. Take a look and find out everything you need to know before you set off.

How long is the flight from London to Edinburgh?

It takes just over 1 hour 30 minutes to fly to Edinburgh from London City Airport, making the route the quickest way of getting from Central London to Scotland. Edinburgh Airport is just seven miles (11km) from the city centre, so hop on a shuttle bus or hail a taxi and you’ll be in town in under half an hour.

How many flights a week are there from London City Airport to Edinburgh?

There can be more than 10 flights a day to Edinburgh from London City Airport per day. As Edinburgh is an important business hub, it’s a popular commute and flights are regular throughout the day from early morning until late evening on weekdays. Catch a flight on Friday night and you’ll be in the city for an evening drink; flights back to London on Sundays run from around lunchtime to later in the evening.

What airlines fly most frequently between London City Airport and Edinburgh?

Flying directly from London City Airport to Edinburgh means you will most likely be flying with either Flybe or British Airways. Both airlines operate regular flights; you may find fares available with other operators, but these will generally be indirect and will add time onto your journey.

Practical information about flying from London to Edinburgh

If you’re a British citizen flying from London to Edinburgh, you do not technically need your passport; however, you will need some form of photographic ID, so it’s a good idea to bring it anyway. Alternatively, your driving licence may be accepted. Otherwise, it's a domestic flight, so you can travel with the minimum of travel paraphernalia – no need for power adapters and no need to change your watch.

What to expect in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a vibrant city, alive with local culture and a global arts scene that sees it host festivals throughout the year. It's a cliché that 'there's something for everyone' here – but it's certainly not far off the truth. Edinburgh is equally suited to a romantic weekend in a five-star hotel as a stag do – and then there's the Fringe. Excellent restaurants are all over the city and craft beer is big here; and, of course, whisky is a big deal, with themed tours and tastings at various venues around town. Take a look at our essential guide to Edinburgh for more inspiration.