City Breaks from Scotland to Europe

Scotland’s two main airports, Glasgow and Edinburgh, provide a plethora of options for a short break in Europe. Prestwick, Aberdeen, and Inverness are the other Scottish gateways but as more regionally focused airports they have more limited options. No matter where you are flying from, weekend breaks from Scotland are diverse and below are some recommended destinations for those seeking a one night short break away without having to take time off.

Short Breaks to Amsterdam from Scotland

Without doubt, the easiest weekend European break option from Scotland is Amsterdam. The Dutch capital has regular flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen allowing you to depart early in the morning and return the following night later in the evening. Travel light with KLM and take the quick train into the centre and maximise your time in this cosmopolitan city. 

Find out more about taking a one night breaks in Amsterdam

Short Breaks to Ireland from Scotland

A short early flight from either Glasgow or Edinburgh can get you into the Irish capital by 11am. Fly with Ryanair to get the best times on both outbound and return flights but also consider Aer Lingus who also have connections into Dublin. This makes a weekend break in Dublin very straightforward option for a one night stay.

Aberdeen also has flights to Dublin but timetables will force you to stay more than one night in this great city. We know that is tough! Edinburgh also has connections to Cork for similar duration breaks.

Short Breaks to Paris from Scotland

Another European capital city within easy reach for a weekend break from either Glasgow or Scotland is Paris. Fly to the French capital just after 6am and return late evening the following night and you can have a weekend break without taking any time off. Flights are with easyJet (from Glasgow) or Air France (from Edinburgh). Fly into Charles de Gaulle and take the RER line B into the city centre.

Find out more about a one night stay in Paris

Short Breaks to Berlin from Scotland

Taking full advantage of low cost airline timetables it is possible to have a one night weekend break in Berlin from Edinburgh. Fly out with Ryanair early on Saturday and you can be in Berlin for midday. Take the late night flight back with easyJet and you can maximise your weekend time in this great European city. Whether you are looking for a historic city break or want to embrace the vibrant culture and nightlife, Berlin is a city you will want to come back to time and time again.

Find out more about a one night stay in Berlin

Budapest City Breaks from Scotland

Budapest is another European capital that is in reach from Edinburgh for a weekend city break. Fly out extremely early with Ryanair on Saturday morning from EDI to get into BUD before 10am. Take the bus into the centre (approx 30 mins) and you can be enjoying lunch in the capital of Hungary. The return flight is slightly trickier as you have to connect via Amsterdam to return home on the Sunday evening. Depart just before 8pm and return into EDI just after 11pm.

City Breaks to Krakow from Scotland

From May, 2024, Scotland will not have any direct links with Krakow in Poland as Ryanair has halted the service. That should not stop you from visiting this fascinating city as indirect connections from Glasgow allow you to access Krakow for a weekend break. For Glasgow, the best option is to fly via Amsterdam on the way out which gets you into KRK just after 11am. Return after 7pm with LOT and Lufthansa on Sunday. 

Short Breaks to Rome from Scotland

For a short break to the Eternal City, fly direct from Edinburgh to Rome with Ryanair. Flight timetables make this a two or three night break. From Glasgow or Aberdeen you have to fly indirect.

Short Breaks to Prague from Scotland

Again, Prague is a two or three night break from Scotland but with direct flights with Ryanair from Edinburgh and Jet2 from Glasgow there is no reason to not explore this fascinating Eastern Europe City.

For hotel ideas read our Nano Break Guide to Prague

Short Breaks to Iceland from Scotland

Fly with either easyJet (from Glasgow) or Icelandair (from Edinburgh) to Keflavik for a memorable short break within the natural landscapes of Iceland. Short breaks from Scotland should be three or four days tp enjoy the main sights.

Short Breaks to Barcelona from Scotland

City breaks to Barcelona are possible with a multitude of direct flights from Edinburgh, Prestwick and Glasgow but flight times realistically make this a three or four night break destination. You can fly indirect via Amsterdam from Aberdeen as well

Short Breaks from Aberdeen Airport

Aberdeen Airport, situated in the northeast of Scotland, is a key hub for oil and gas industry. This means regular daily flights allowing for some interesting short break options.

Recommended Short Breaks from Aberdeen:

1. Manchester, UK: A weekend break in Manchester is possible with attractive flight times early Saturday and late Sunday with Loganair
2. Bergen, Norway: A short flight to Bergen transports travellers to the stunning landscapes of fjords, mountains, and picturesque coastal villages. Although not possible for a one night break you can fly direct with Wideroe and take a few days out. Perhaps do the Norway in a Nutshell tour?
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Like many UK regional airports, connections to Amsterdam are excellent with KLM allowing you an morning flight to AMS that maximises your time in the Dutch capital and returning late the following evening.

Short Breaks from Inverness Airport

Inverness Airport, situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, has a number of connections to airports within the UK. Belfast and Manchester are options for short breaks but for two nights ore more. London is the only real option for a nano break from Inverness. Flights are available to three London airports – London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London Luton, offering you plenty of options for an early departure flight and a subsequent return the following evening. Flights are with British Airways (to LHR) or easyJet (for LGW and LTN)

Short Breaks from Prestwick Airport

Predominantly a hub for Ryanair, Prestwick Airport is not a mecca for short break flights. We suggest checking departures from nearby Glasgow although you may be tempted by the low-cost fares to destinations like Alicante, Tenerife, Majorca and Pisa. Weekend breaks are not really feasible from Prestwick but do consider it if you are flexible and can fly in and out of different Glasgow airports.

Main Image of Edinburgh Airport by Ursula