Travel from North America to Scotland

Planning a trip to Scotland from across the pond? We’re here to help you plan the ultimate vacation. Find direct flights to Scotland from the US and Canada, handy travel advice, things to do and how to get around our bonnie country via public transport links.

Edinburgh Castle and National Galleries of Scotland

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Beinn Chuirn, Argyll
© @sassenach.photography

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Direct flights to Scotland from the US

Currently all flights from the US fly non-stop to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. Check out where you can fly from throughout the year:

Delta Air Lines

JFK (New York City) – Edinburgh – (daily) – March – December
BOS (Boston) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – May – October
ATL (Atlanta) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – May – October

United Airlines

EWR (New York, Newark) – Edinburgh – year-round (daily)
IAD (Washington DC) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – March – October
ORD (Chicago) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – May – October

JetBlue

JFK (New York) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – May – September

American Airlines

PHL (Philadelphia) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – May – October

Virgin Atlantic

MCO (Orlando) – Edinburgh – seasonal (twice weekly) – April – October

Ryanair aircraft at Glasgow Prestwick Airport
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Direct flights from Canada

Direct flights currently operate from some Canadian cities including Toronto, Calgary and Halifax to Edinburgh and Glasgow airport. Check out where you can fly from throughout the year.

Air Canada

YYZ (Toronto) – Edinburgh – seasonal; May – December (operates several times per week)

Air Transit

YYZ (Toronto) – Glasgow – year-round (weekly). Daily flights from May – October

WestJet

Toronto (YYZ) – Edinburgh – seasonal:

September – October – three times a week
April – once a week
Daily flights operating from the end of April to the end of August

Calgary (YYC) – Edinburgh – seasonal:

September to the beginning of October – four times a week
Beginning to mid October – three times a week
Mid to late October – once a week
Mid to late May – three times a week
Mid May to October – four times a week

Halifax (YHZ) – Edinburgh – seasonal:

June – October – three times a week
Flights resume in April

Travelling from North America to Scotland – FAQs

It is essential you have the right travel documents before you fly to Scotland. Check out our guide on what you need to bring with you before booking your flight.

An aerial view of the coastline on West Mainland
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Do I need a visa when visiting Scotland?

American visitors do not require a visa when entering Scotland or the rest of the UK, just a valid passport. Before landing, you’ll be asked to fill out a landing card with your name, date of birth, gender, nationality, occupation and the address of where you’ll be staying.

For our Canadian visitors, make sure to bring a valid passport the day you travel. A visa to the UK is only required if you’re staying for more than six months.

Do I need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

Yes, if you’re travelling to Scotland from America or Canada, you’ll be eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 27 November 2024 and will be able to travel to the UK with an ETA from 8 January 2025. This will give you permission to travel to the UK which is electronically linked to your passport. Check out our guide on how to apply for the new ETA scheme.

Find out more information on the new ETA scheme

What travel documentation is required for my trip to Scotland?

US and Canadian visitors must have a valid passport and an ETA from 8 January 2025 before entering Scotland or the rest of the UK. This should be valid throughout your whole trip. You will also need a visa if you’re planning to stay for over six months.

Are there any travel restrictions to Scotland?

No.

Caledonian Sleeper near Dalwhinnie
© Caledonian Sleeper

How long is a flight from the US or Canada to Scotland?

A direct flight to Scotland from the US or Canada is usually between 6-8 hours, depending on where you’re flying from.

New York to Edinburgh – approximately 7 hours
Boston to Edinburgh – approximately 6 hours 20 minutes
Atlanta to Edinburgh – approximately 8 hours
Washington DC to Edinburgh – approximately 7 hours 10 minutes
Chicago to Edinburgh – approximately 8 hours
Orlando to Edinburgh – approximately 8 hours

I’m planning to visit London before I travel to Scotland, what direct flights or public transport options are available?

Travel from London to Scotland has never been easier. There are many budget airlines that fly direct to Scottish cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Dundee and Aberdeen. Bus services to Scotland are operated by National Express, Megabus and FlixBus and run throughout the day, including overnight services.

Sit back and enjoy the view on the train. Scotland’s well-connected rail network means you can get to many Scottish destinations in a matter of hours. Why not experience a night-time train ride on the Caledonian Sleeper? Departing from London Euston every night (not Saturday) wake up in a bustling Scottish city, a magical Highland landscape or scenic coastal town.

Find out more information on travel from London to Scotland

I’m planning a trip to Europe first, which airlines operate flights to Scotland?

Aer Lingus, KLM, Air France and Icelandair as well as many others, fly to many main European hubs, which can then be used for onward travel to Scotland.

Can I travel to Scotland from the US or Canada at any time of year? Do flights only operate seasonally?

New York and Toronto are currently the only destinations that offer year-round flights to Edinburgh or Glasgow. Other US and Canadian destinations run daily or weekly flights during peak season. This is typically from the end of April until late October.

Prepare for your trip to Scotland

Ready to see what Scotland has to offer? Before you go, check out our top travel advice and information on car hire if you’re planning to explore the country.  

Getting around Scotland by public transport

You’ve arrived in Scotland, now the fun begins and the freedom to travel across the country. Check out Traveline Scotland’s website for more information on local bus services, rail links, ferries, tram routes in Edinburgh and the Subway in Glasgow.

Ideas for things to do

Check out our amazing selection of tours to help you plan the ultimate trip to Scotland.  

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