Flying to the South of Scotland is straightforward, with several international and regional airports located nearby. Whether you’re travelling to Dumfries & Galloway, the Scottish Borders or Midlothian, excellent onward transport links make it easy to continue your journey.  

The closest airports include Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport and Glasgow Prestwick Airport, as well as Newcastle International Airport.

Getting here from nearby airports 

From Edinburgh Airport 

Take the tram or airport bus into Edinburgh city centre. If travelling to the Scottish Borders, direct buses and trains run regularly. If heading to Dumfries & Galloway, travellers should catch train from Edinburgh Waverly to either Glasgow Central or Carlisle, depending on your end destination.  

Check out our Bus and Train pages for more detailed information about specific routes.  

From Glasgow Airport 

Take a shuttle bus or public transport to Glasgow Central, the main train station in the city centre. From here, travellers heading to the Scottish Borders can take a train to Edinburgh (~1 hour) before changing to Borders Railway services.  

Those travelling to Dumfries and Galloway, direct train and bus services operate to main towns such as Dumfries and Stranraer.  

Check out our Bus and Train pages for more detailed information about specific routes.  

From Glasgow Prestwick Airport 

Glasgow Prestwick airport is located 32 miles southwest of the City of Glasgow. The airport has its own railway station, with direct services to Glasgow Central from which passengers can continue to the Scottish Borders via Edinburgh Waverley or to Dumfries & Galloway via local rail and bus services.  

From Newcastle International Airport 

Newcastle International Airport is located across the border in England. For those heading to the Scottish Borders, regular trains from Newcastle city centre will take you to Berwick-upon-Tweed (~1 hour) or Edinburgh Waverley (~2 hours) from which you can take local bus and train services to your end destination.  

Those travelling to Dumfries & Galloway can travel by train to Carlisle, then change for onward rail or bus services. 

Frequently asked questions

Which airport is best for the South of Scotland? 

Edinburgh Airport is the closest major airport and offers the widest range of onward public transport connections. Glasgow Airport is particularly convenient for Dumfries & Galloway. 

Can I reach the South of Scotland by public transport from the airport? 

Yes. All nearby airports have public transport links into major cities, where you can connect to rail or bus services serving both the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway. 

Are car hire services available at nearby airports? 

Yes. Car hire services are available at all major airports listed, allowing visitors to continue their journey by road if preferred.