Edinburgh to London Travel Showdown: Flight Versus Train Put to the Test
A determined content creator has conducted a fascinating real-world experiment to settle a long-standing travel debate. Scott Manson, known for his YouTube channel Planes, Trains, Everything, raced from Edinburgh to London using both a British Airways flight and a train service to determine which mode of transport truly offers the fastest journey between the two capitals.
Revisiting an Unfinished Challenge
The inspiration for this contemporary comparison came from a previous attempt that never reached completion. "Many years ago, I raced myself between Glasgow and London," Manson explained on his channel. "I was curious to see what was the fastest way of getting between the two cities. Was it with, at the time, Virgin Trains or with British Airways? On paper, it was 5 hours and 25 minutes each. Unfortunately, I never did find out because my train was cancelled."
Determined to finally answer the question, Manson recreated the challenge with updated parameters. His starting point was Black Sheep Coffee on Edinburgh's Princes Street, with the finish line at the same chain's branch in London's High Holborn, near Oxford Street. "I'm going to be racing from here... to the retail heart of London," he reported.
The Environmental and Comfort Considerations
Beyond mere speed, Manson's comprehensive analysis examined several crucial factors that modern travellers consider when planning their journeys. The environmental impact revealed a dramatic difference between the two options.
"Firstly, carbon emissions by train: 12½ kilos of CO2. By plane: 165 kilos of CO2," Manson noted. "So it's definitely the greener option to go by train."
Comfort levels also varied significantly between the experiences. The rail journey proved to be "much more relaxing" according to Manson, who contrasted this with the less peaceful experience of navigating London City Airport. He described the compact airport as congested and noted the inevitable security procedures that air travellers must endure.
Financial Factors and Pricing Dynamics
The cost comparison presented a complex picture that depends heavily on booking timing and additional expenses. When booking approximately two months in advance, Manson found the rail fare totalled £60 for a full adult ticket, compared with £95 for the British Airways flight.
However, last-minute pricing told a completely different story, with train tickets increasing substantially and flights becoming considerably more expensive. Additional transport costs to and from airports and stations further complicated the financial comparison, generally making flying the more expensive option overall when all factors were considered.
The Surprising Time Results
The most anticipated aspect of the experiment revealed remarkably close timing between the two transportation methods. "The train took 4 hours, 53 minutes, and 25 seconds, keeping in mind the estimate was 5 hours," Manson reported. "The plane was 4 hours, 49 minutes, and 22 seconds. So it was a massive four minutes quicker to go by air."
Interestingly, even this slender advantage relied partly on fortunate circumstances at the airport. Manson acknowledged that he was able to jump a queue because several ticket machines were malfunctioning, and a staff member held a door open for him. "If she hadn't done that, I would have been waiting another 10 minutes and the flight option would have been the slower one," he admitted.
Conclusion: Priorities Over Pure Speed
Ultimately, Manson's experiment demonstrated that the choice between train and plane for travel between Edinburgh and London comes down less to time savings and more to individual priorities. Travellers must weigh whether they value cheaper fares, reduced environmental impact, or the perceived convenience and speed of air travel.
The minimal time difference of just four minutes suggests that for many journeys between these two major cities, the train presents a compelling alternative that offers environmental benefits, potential cost savings, and a more relaxed travel experience, despite the enduring appeal of air travel for certain passengers.
