Dreaming of exploring Scotland’s stunning landscapes without the hefty airfare? From the dramatic Highlands to historic Edinburgh, Scotland is packed with beauty—and getting there on a budget is more possible than you’d think. If you’re ready for adventures through ancient castles, cozy pubs, and jaw-dropping coastlines, I’ve got you covered with affordable ways to get across the pond.
Over the past seven years, I’ve flown to over 66 countries around the world. I’ve dug into the cheapest routes using sites like Going, Skyscanner, Hopper, and Google Flights to uncover the four most affordable airports to fly into in Scotland. Here’s where to land if you want to save on airfare and splurge on experiences. Let’s dive into how you can reach the heart of Scotland without blowing your travel budget!
#1 tip to find cheap flights to Scotland
Looking for cheap flights to Scotland? Before diving into all the top cities and airports to fly to Scotland, I want to share a quick tip on how to save money on airfare.
For the past 3 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! In 2024, I’ve saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $398 roundtrip fare from Boston to Edinburgh.
There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time) to try it for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!
Now without further ado, here are the best Scotland flights in 2025.
Cheapest Places to Fly to in Scotland in 2025
Ready to fly to Scotland for the trip of a lifetime? Below are the cheapest flights to Scotland from the US and around the world.
1. Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
- 🏠 Location: 8 miles west of Edinburgh city center
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: High volume of budget airlines keeps prices low
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Ryanair, easyJet, United
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Skip taxis and use the Edinburgh Tram from the airport. It’s fast, reliable, and takes you directly to the city center for under $8.
Edinburgh Airport is the cheapest and most convenient international gateway to Scotland for many U.S. travelers. With nonstop flights from cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago, it’s easy to score solid deals. Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet also help drive prices down once you’re in Europe.
Roundtrip fares from major U.S. cities often land between $390 and $560, especially if you fly during spring or fall. From the airport, travelers can take a tram or bus into the city center in under 30 minutes. Once downtown, top attractions like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Arthur’s Seat are all close by.
It’s also a great jumping-off point for day trips. Glasgow is just an hour away by train, and the Scottish Highlands are within reach for scenic drives or guided tours. Edinburgh’s central location makes it ideal for exploring in all directions.
Fun Fact: Edinburgh Airport is the busiest airport in Scotland, serving over 14 million passengers annually with flights to more than 150 destinations.
- Read next: Instagrammable places in the UK
- You may also like: Best things to do in Edinburgh
2. Glasgow Airport (GLA)
- 🏠 Location: 8 miles west of Glasgow city center
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Major hub for low-cost carriers with frequent deals
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Ryanair, easyJet, Delta
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Watch for flash sales from U.S. carriers flying into Glasgow on weekdays. Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have the lowest base fares.
Glasgow Airport is another top choice for budget-conscious travelers heading to Scotland. It’s well-connected to both the U.S. and Europe, and thanks to carriers like Ryanair and easyJet, there’s no shortage of affordable options. Flights from cities like Newark or Atlanta can dip as low as $400 to $580 roundtrip during April, June, or Septemeber.
From the airport, travelers can reach downtown Glasgow in about 20 minutes by bus or taxi. Once in the city, visitors can explore landmarks like Glasgow Cathedral, the Riverside Museum, and the buzzing shops along Buchanan Street.
GLA also puts you close to scenic day trips. Stirling and its famous castle are just 40 minutes away, while Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park can be reached in under an hour by car. For a mix of city life and nature, this airport checks all the boxes.
Fun Fact: Glasgow Airport is the only airport in Scotland with direct motorway access, sitting right beside the M8 for a quick drive into the city.
- Read next: Things to do in Glasgow
- You may also like: Beautiful places to visit in Scotland
3. Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ)
- 🏠 Location: 6 miles northwest of Aberdeen city center
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Serves fewer tourists and offers frequent low-cost flights
- ✈️ Best Airlines: easyJet, British Airways, KLM
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Combine Aberdeen with a stopover in Amsterdam or London for better multi-city fares and the chance to explore two destinations in one trip.
Aberdeen International Airport is a solid option for travelers heading to northern Scotland on a budget. While it’s not as busy as Edinburgh or Glasgow, it still welcomes millions of passengers a year and has regular flights from U.S. cities via major European hubs. Roundtrip fares often fall between $410 and $580, especially in April, May, or October.
From the airport, it’s a short ride into Aberdeen, known for its distinctive granite architecture and coastal charm. The city itself offers affordable accommodations and easy access to unique attractions like Footdee village and Aberdeen Maritime Museum.
ABZ is also a great base for exploring Aberdeenshire. Balmoral Castle is about an hour and a half away, and whisky trails, historic stone circles, and sandy beaches are scattered across the region. It’s a quieter but rewarding way to experience Scotland.
Fun Fact: Aberdeen International Airport is home to the world’s busiest commercial heliport, serving the North Sea oil and gas platforms.
- Read next: Best Castle Hotels in Scotland
4. Inverness Airport (INV)
- 🏠 Location: 8 miles northeast of Inverness city center
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Smaller regional airport with expanding low-cost options
- ✈️ Best Airlines: easyJet, Loganair, British Airways
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Aim for spring or fall flights to catch roundtrip prices around $420 to $590
Inverness Airport is ideal for travelers who want to jump straight into the Scottish Highlands. While it’s smaller than other airports on this list, it offers competitive prices through budget carriers and regional connections. Flights from the U.S. typically route through London or Amsterdam, with roundtrip fares often in the $420 to $590 range.
From the airport, it’s just a 15-minute drive into the city. Inverness offers a cozy start to your trip, with nearby sights like the River Ness, Inverness Castle, and the bustling Victorian Market. It’s also a perfect base for exploring the surrounding region.
Loch Ness is only a half-hour away, and the Isle of Skye can be reached within three hours by car. For travelers seeking quiet beauty and dramatic landscapes, flying into INV makes both financial and logistical sense.
Fun Fact: Inverness Airport was originally built as an RAF base during World War II and now operates both commercial and private flights.
- Read Next: 12 Secret Spots in Scotland
Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel this year…so I couldn’t recommend it more!
