San Francisco, CA, USA to Edinburgh from $360: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

How to Get from San Francisco to Edinburgh: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$360 - Plane, DriveBest price

8156 kmDistance

15h 45m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to Edinburgh with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

See more options

Sort by

Browse car rentals Explore flights

Traveling From San Francisco to Edinburgh

Your journey from the vibrant, hilly streets of San Francisco to the historic, cobblestone paths of Edinburgh offers a striking contrast between California's laid-back coastal charm and Scotland's rich cultural tapestry.

Best Neighbourhoods in Edinburgh

Edinburgh boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Old Town

• Home to the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

• Rich history with medieval streets and buildings.

Leith

• Vibrant waterfront area with great restaurants.

• Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia nearby.

New Town

• Famous for Georgian architecture and chic boutiques.

• A hub for art galleries and lively nightlife.

Best Times To Visit Edinburgh's Attractions

Timing your visits can make all the difference in enjoying Edinburgh's highlights.

Edinburgh Castle

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to dodge the crowds.

Royal Mile

Stroll in the early hours for a quieter experience and great photos.

Arthur's Seat

Hike on a weekday morning for fewer visitors and stunning views.

Edinburgh Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Edinburgh experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by cool summers and mild winters, with rainfall occurring throughout the year. The best times to visit are late spring and early autumn, when the weather is generally more pleasant, allowing you to fully enjoy the city's outdoor attractions.

Dining Recommendations in Edinburgh

A visit to Edinburgh calls for trying haggis, a savory dish made of sheep's offal, oats, and spices, often served with neeps and tatties. The warm, historic pubs and restaurant ambiance here offer a cozy experience that contrasts with the trendy, farm-to-table vibes of San Francisco, immersing you in the heart of Scottish culinary tradition.

San Francisco - Edinburgh operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Francisco and Edinburgh, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane

Website

britishairways.com

Plane from San Francisco to Edinburgh

Average Duration

13h

Estimated price

$550-1500

Plane from San Francisco to Edinburgh

Average Duration

13h 20m

Estimated price

$800-3000

Website

aerlingus.com

Plane from San Francisco to Edinburgh

Average Duration

13h

Estimated price

$550-1500

Plane from San Francisco to Glasgow

Average Duration

14h 30m

Estimated price

$750-1700

Plane from San Francisco to Newcastle

Average Duration

13h 55m

Estimated price

$490-1500

Plane from San Francisco to Aberdeen

Average Duration

12h 55m

Estimated price

$550-1700

Website

klm.com

Plane from San Francisco to Edinburgh

Average Duration

13h 5m

Estimated price

$750-3000

Website

lufthansa.com

Plane from San Francisco to Edinburgh

Average Duration

14h 2m

Estimated price

$800-3200

Website

airfrance.com

Plane from San Francisco to Glasgow

Average Duration

14h 50m

Estimated price

$600-1500

Train

Contact phone

+44 345 722 5333

Website

lner.co.uk

Train from Newcastle to Edinburgh

Average Duration

1h 24m

Estimated price

$95-130

Train from Leeds to Edinburgh

Average Duration

3h 14m

Estimated price

$130-190

Contact phone

0344 736 9123

Website

crosscountrytrains.co.uk

Train from Newcastle to Edinburgh

Average Duration

1h 31m

Estimated price

$75-200

Train from Leeds to Edinburgh

Average Duration

2h 58m

Estimated price

$120-370

Contact phone

+44 345 600 1671

Website

tpexpress.co.uk

Train from Newcastle to Edinburgh

Average Duration

1h 48m

Estimated price

$30-75

San Francisco to Edinburgh: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Francisco and Edinburgh offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🛫 Flying from San Francisco to Edinburgh requires a layover as there are no direct flights available. The quickest route takes around 13 hours with one stopover along the way. 🌍 Several airlines, including Swiss, Edelweiss Air, and Aer Lingus, provide options for the journey from San Francisco to Edinburgh. The total travel time typically spans about 15 hours and 45 minutes. 💸 Ticket prices for flights between San Francisco and Edinburgh can range from $300 to $1120, offering travelers a variety of options to suit their budget and preferences.

Departure Point

San Francisco Airport

Arrival Point

Edinburgh Airport. The quickest flight takes 13h and has one stopover

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Francisco to Edinburgh.

Or choose the category:

The distance between San Francisco and Edinburgh is approximately 5077 miles. The typical travel time varies depending on the mode of transportation. If you choose to fly, it takes around 15 hours and 40 minutes to reach Edinburgh from San Francisco. Alternatively, you can fly to Glasgow and then take a train, which takes about 17 hours and 6 minutes.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Francisco to Edinburgh is by flying. It generally takes around 15 hours and 40 minutes to reach Edinburgh by plane, with ticket prices ranging from $290 to $750. This option provides the quickest and most convenient way to travel between the two cities. Other modes of transportation, such as taking a train or combining flights with train travel, may take longer and be more expensive.

The flight between San Francisco and Edinburgh typically takes around 13 hours and 5 minutes, with one stopover. However, it's important to note that there is no direct flight available from San Francisco Airport to Edinburgh Airport. The cost of a flight between the two cities can range from $290 to $720, depending on factors such as the airline, class of service, and time of booking.

There are a variety of accommodation options available near Edinburgh. With over 1382 hotels to choose from, there is something to suit every budget and preference. Prices for hotels in the area start at $42 per night. Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel, a budget-friendly option, or something in between, there are plenty of choices available for your stay near Edinburgh.

San Francisco, CA, USA to Edinburgh from $360: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

How to Get from San Francisco to Edinburgh: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From San Francisco to Edinburgh

Best Neighbourhoods in Edinburgh

Best Times To Visit Edinburgh's Attractions

Edinburgh Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendations in Edinburgh

San Francisco - Edinburgh operators

San Francisco to Edinburgh: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Frequently asked questions

Trips from San Francisco

Trips to Edinburgh

Popular routes