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How to get from Dublin to Edinburgh
Flying is by far the fastest way: direct flights take about 1 h 10, with Aer Lingus and Ryanair both serving the route. Overland journeys with a ferry across the Irish Sea take a full day, roughly 7–10 h, and suit travellers bringing a car.
Best option: Flight. Direct flights take just over an hour and often cost less than the ferry-and-rail alternative.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flight Direct flights from Dublin Airport to Edinburgh Airport (Aer Lingus, Ryanair) | about 1 h 10 in the air, about 4 h door to door | several a day | about €30–150 one way depending on date and baggage | Edinburgh Airport is linked to the city centre by tram and the Airlink bus, about 30 minutes. |
| ferry Train Dublin → Belfast, ferry Belfast → Cairnryan (Scotland), then bus and train onward to Edinburgh; or ferry Dublin → Holyhead and trains via England | about 8–10 h | ferries several times a day; connections need careful planning | about €80–150 in total | Rail-and-sail through tickets exist on some routes; check current ferry and rail timetables. |
| car M1 to Belfast, car ferry Belfast → Cairnryan (about 2 h 15 crossing), then A75/M74 or the A77/M8 route to Edinburgh | about 7–8 h including the crossing | fuel plus car ferry, roughly €150–300 for car and driver | Check whether your rental agreement allows taking the car to the UK. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Book flights early for festival season in August, when Edinburgh prices rise sharply.
- Airlines require photo ID even within the Common Travel Area; non-Irish, non-British travellers should check whether they need a UK ETA.
- Pack light on low-cost fares to avoid baggage fees.
- If driving, book the car ferry in advance in summer.
Common questions
How long is the flight from Dublin to Edinburgh?
Direct flights take about 1 h 10. Aer Lingus and Ryanair both fly the route several times a day. With airport check-in, security and the 30-minute tram or Airlink bus into Edinburgh, plan on about 4 hours door to door. Fares vary from about €30 to €150 one way depending on the date and baggage.
Can I travel from Dublin to Edinburgh without flying?
Yes, but it takes most of a day. One option is the train to Belfast, the ferry to Cairnryan in Scotland and then bus and train to Edinburgh. Another is the ferry to Holyhead and trains through England. Expect about 8–10 hours and check ferry and rail timetables carefully so connections work.
Do I need a passport to go from Dublin to Edinburgh?
Irish and British citizens travel within the Common Travel Area, but airlines and ferry companies still ask for photo ID, and a passport is the safest choice. Travellers of other nationalities need their passport and should check whether a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or visa applies to them before departure.
Can I take a car from Dublin to Edinburgh?
Yes. Drive to Belfast, take the car ferry to Cairnryan, about 2 h 15, and continue by road to Edinburgh. The total is roughly 7–8 hours. Car ferry fares for a car and driver are about €150–300 depending on season. Rental cars may need permission to leave Ireland, so check with your rental company.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.