Travel to Leeds
Planning a Trip to Leeds
I’m planning a trip to Leeds for graduation in July and am looking for a flight. I’d like to stay for 10 days, flying from North Carolina (any airport is fine) to Amsterdam, then traveling to Leeds by train. I also want to include a visit to Scotland while I’m there.
I’ve noticed that flights from Raleigh, North Carolina to Amsterdam are cheaper than flying directly to Leeds, and I’m eager to experience the UK’s rail system since it’s not something we have in the U.S. My budget is flexible, but I’m interested in finding the most cost-effective options.
Any suggestions? Thanks!
Hi there! Your plan sounds exciting, and it’s fantastic that you want to experience both Leeds and the UK rail system. Here are some tips to help you with your travel arrangements:
Flights: Check for flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS). You can use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak to find the best deals. Flying into Amsterdam is a smart choice, as it often has lower fares compared to flying directly to Leeds.
Train from Amsterdam to Leeds: Once in Amsterdam, you can take a train to Brussels and then connect to a Eurostar service to London. From London, you would take another train (like LNER or Northern) up to Leeds. Make sure to book your train tickets in advance to get better prices. Websites like Trainline or the official rail websites for Eurostar and LNER can be useful.
Travel to Scotland: After spending time in Leeds, you can easily take a train to Scotland. The trip from Leeds to Edinburgh or Glasgow is quite scenic and takes around 4-5 hours. Again, booking in advance can secure you cheaper fares.
Budgeting: Since you mentioned being open to budget, consider booking flights and trains well in advance; they tend to have the lowest prices when booked early. Additionally, using rail passes like the UK Railcard or a regional pass could save you money if you plan to travel a lot by train.
Accommodation: Check out options on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com for accommodations in Leeds and any other cities you plan to visit. Consider staying near train stations for convenience.
Local Experiences: Don’t miss out on experiencing local culture in Leeds and Scotland—try local cuisines, explore universities if you’re interested, and check out any graduation-related events.
I hope this helps you plan your trip! Safe travels, and enjoy your graduation celebration!