Beta site: we’re developing a new website to help make your trip to Scotland even better. Get a sneak peek of our new website.

Visit website
Westerwick, Shetland
  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Getting To Scotland
  4. From overseas

Travel

Travelling To Scotland From Overseas

Scotland's Airports

Scotland's international airports - Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glasgow Prestwick and Inverness - are all served by flights from a growing number of European and long haul destinations.

Many European airport hubs also provide fantastic onward connections to Scotland, including airports in London, Amsterdam, Paris, Madrid, Reykjavik and Frankfurt.

Flights from the USA and Canada

Fly direct to Scotland from North America 

Services by American Airlines, Aer Lingus, British Airways, KLM, Air France and Icelandair - among others, fly to many main European hubs, which can then be used for onwards travel to Scotland.

Direct flights

  • From New York (Newark) to Edinburgh with United 
  • From New York (JFK) to Edinburgh with Delta 
  • From Chicago to Edinburgh with United 
  • From Orlando to Edinburgh with Virgin Atlantic 
  • From Washington DC area to Edinburgh with United
  • From Boston to Edinburgh with Delta 
  • From Atlanta to Edinburgh with Delta
  • From Toronto to Glasgow with Air Transat and WestJet 
  • From Toronto to Edinburgh with Air Canada  and WestJet 
  • From Halifax to Glasgow with WestJet 

Border Force Advice

Check out this government guide for advice on faster travel through the UK Border.

Flights from Europe

Scotland's international airports enjoy excellent year-round air links with most European and Scandinavian countries. There are also seasonal flights from Norway to Sumburgh Aiport in Shetland, and from Switzerland to Inverness Airport.

For those flying to Scotland via a connecting airport in Europe, the major European hubs are London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport, Frankfurt am Main, Amsterdam Schiphol and Madrid Barajas airports.

We advise to check routes and air fares directly with the airlines.

The UK has left the European Union.

From 1 October 2021, all EU, EEA and Swiss nationals (except Irish citizens) will need a valid passport to enter the UK.

We're open, and a holiday here will be just as magical as ever. For the latest information, please see the advice on visiting Scotland after Brexit.

Flights from the Middle East

There are several direct routes linking the Middle East and Scotland.

Flights from Australasia

The best way to get to Scotland from Australasia is to fly via the Middle Eastern hubs.

Flights from Asia, Africa, Central America and South America

The easiest way to get to Scotland from Asia and Africa is to travel via airport hubs in Europe or the Middle East.

The major European hubs are London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt am Maine, Amsterdam Schiphol and Madrid Barajas airports.

Those travelling from South America are best to travel via the European hubs, whereas routes from Central America also fly via US hubs.

Travel to Scotland by ferry

Direct ferry services run between Scotland and Northern Ireland or you can travel from a number of European countries to seaports in England, which are all just a short drive, train ride or bus journey away from Scotland.

We advise to check timetables and fares directly with the ferry companies:

  • From Rotterdam to Hull or from Calais to Dover with P&O Ferries (Hull is around four hours' drive and Dover around seven hours' drive to the Scottish border).
  • From Amsterdam (Ijmuiden) to Newcastle and from Calais, Dunkirk or Dieppe to Dover/Newhaven with DFDS Seaways (Newcastle is just over an hour's drive and Dover around seven hours' drive to the Scottish border).
  • From France or Spain to Portsmouth, Plymouth or Poole with Brittany Ferries (all roughly 6.5 hours' drive to the Scottish border).
  • From Hoek Van Holland or Rotterdam to Harwich with Stena Line (Harwich is around 6 hours' drive to the Scottish border).