Perthshire, situated in central Scotland, can be reached via several nearby airports offering both international and domestic flights. The closest major airport is Edinburgh Airport, located approximately 70 kilometres southeast of Perth city centre near Princes Street, with frequent connections across Europe. Glasgow Airport is another important option, about 90 kilometres west near Paisley. For long-distance travellers, London Heathrow and Gatwick airports provide flights to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Seasonal flight prices vary but typically range from EUR 50 to 150 for return trips within Europe when booked well ahead.
After arrival, options for ground transport include car hire, trains from Perth Railway Station on Leonard Street, and buses. Journey times to Perth city centre usually take between 1 and 1.5 hours. Selecting the appropriate airport and transfer mode can greatly affect your travel expenses and schedule flexibility.
Where to stay in and around Perth
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What airports serve Perthshire and how far are they from Perth city centre?
Perthshire is mainly served by Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport, located 70 to 90 kilometres from the city centre, making them the most practical for air travellers.
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) lies about 70 km southeast of Perth, roughly a 1-hour drive via the M90 motorway. It manages over 14 million passengers per year and features extensive European and some intercontinental routes. Glasgow Airport (GLA), near Paisley and about 90 km west of Perth, requires around 1 hour 15 minutes by car and hosts many low-cost airlines with a passenger volume similar to Edinburgh.
Dundee Airport, approximately 30 km east near Dundee city centre, operates limited commercial flights, mainly charters or private flights. For international flights, London Heathrow (around 600 km away) and London Gatwick provide numerous connections to Edinburgh and Glasgow, with onward travel options to Perthshire.
How can I find cheap flights to Perthshire airports?
Booking flights to Edinburgh or Glasgow airports early and being flexible with travel dates can secure fares from EUR 50 to 120 return within Europe.
Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air serve Edinburgh and Glasgow frequently from major hubs including Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol. Midweek flights and off-peak seasons (late autumn and early spring) tend to offer lower prices. Using flight comparison tools and setting fare alerts are effective ways to find discounts.
Flying into Edinburgh features better flight availability, with easy transfers to Perthshire by train from Edinburgh Waverley station or by car. Early bookings are recommended for summer months, especially June through August, as prices rise with demand.
Map of Perth
What transfer options are available from Edinburgh Airport to Perthshire?
Transfers from Edinburgh Airport to Perthshire include direct trains from Edinburgh Gateway station, bus services, and car hire, with travel times between 1 and 1.5 hours.
Edinburgh Airport features a railway station connected via the Edinburgh Gateway tram stop on Airport Drive. Travellers can take the tram to Edinburgh Gateway and then a direct ScotRail train to Perth Railway Station. The full journey by public transport typically lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.
National Express coaches also run direct routes from Edinburgh Airport to Perth city centre, taking around 1 hour 45 minutes. Renting a car at the airport provides flexibility, with a 70-kilometre drive of approximately 1 hour via the M90 motorway.
How do I travel from Glasgow Airport to Perthshire?
The quickest transfer from Glasgow Airport to Perthshire is by car hire or taxi, with a drive time near 1 hour 15 minutes over 90 kilometres; public transport involves transfers and longer travel times.
Glasgow Airport does not have a train station, so travellers usually take the Glasgow Airport Express bus to Glasgow Queen Street or Central Station, then catch a train to Perth. This combined journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
Car hire is recommended for convenience and speed, mainly following the M80 and M9 motorways. Taxi services are available but costly, often exceeding EUR 120 for this trip.
What are the costs and practicalities of car hire in Perthshire?
Car hire in Perthshire generally costs between EUR 30 and 60 per day, providing the most flexible way to get around after arrival.
Major rental agencies operate at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, offering vehicles from economy models to larger options. Booking ahead secures better prices, especially during the busy July and August months. Drivers should note that the UK drives on the left side, and some nationalities may require an international driving permit.
Fuel costs average about EUR 1.70 per litre for petrol. Parking in Perth city centre near King Edward Street is usually available but can fill up during busy times; public car parks such as St John’s Shopping Centre charge hourly rates between EUR 1.50 and 3.00.
“If you fly into Edinburgh Airport, grab a 7am bus from Waverley Bridge for about £12 to get to Perthshire by mid-morning, then try a full Scottish breakfast at the Station Hotel on Leonard Street—it’s a proper start to the day locals swear by.”
Are there direct train connections from airports to Perthshire?
Direct trains to Perth operate from Edinburgh Airport via the tram and rail link at Edinburgh Gateway, while Glasgow Airport requires transfers.
From Edinburgh Airport, travellers take the tram to Edinburgh Gateway station, then a direct ScotRail train to Perth Railway Station. The entire journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day.
Travellers from Glasgow Airport must use a shuttle bus to reach Glasgow Central or Queen Street stations before boarding a train to Perth. This combined travel usually lasts 2 to 2.5 hours due to transfer and wait times.
What are the best tips for airport transfers to save money when flying to Perthshire?
Using public transport like trains and coaches, booking tickets in advance, and considering shared shuttle services can significantly cut transfer costs.
Buying train tickets online before travel can save up to 30% compared to purchasing on the day. National Express coaches offer competitive fares from Edinburgh and Glasgow airports to Perth, sometimes as low as EUR 10 one way.
Car sharing or rideshare apps may provide economical transfer alternatives, particularly for groups. Avoiding taxis for long trips and opting for public transport or rental cars is usually more budget-friendly.
What local insights can help with transfers and flights to Perthshire?
Locals often advise flying into Edinburgh Airport due to its better flight schedules and more frequent public transport links to Perthshire. Renting a car is common for visitors planning to visit rural spots beyond Perth city, like Scone Palace’s historic grounds and the forest trails of Hermitage Woodland.
Booking flights and transfers on weekdays rather than weekends can lower costs, as can avoiding school holiday periods when prices rise. Checking weather conditions beforehand is wise, as winter snow and ice can slow travel on rural routes such as the A9.
For those interested in whisky distilleries near Pitlochry or hiking in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, staying in Perth city and using a rental car for day trips is practical. To save on lodging, consider holiday homes in Perthshire or self-catering options.
