Travelling the World on a Budget: A Day trip to Edinburgh Zoo from London

 

With the news that Edinburgh Zoo’s giant pandas, Yang Guang and Tian Tian, were heading back to China, I knew I had to see them before their departure. Their 12-year stay in Scotland was nearing its end, so Daisy (my girlfriend) and I decided to make a day trip to Edinburgh from London Stansted.

We also planned to catch up with my university friend Nick, adding a personal touch to an already exciting day. Here’s how it went – complete with cost breakdowns and tips to help you plan your own trip!

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Getting There

We flew with Ryanair, catching an early morning flight from London Stansted to Edinburgh Airport. Return flights cost £45 per person, and the journey took just over an hour. From the airport, we hopped on the Airlink 100 bus (£8.50 return each) straight into the city centre.

Total transport cost:

• Flights: £45 per person
• Airport bus: £8.50 per person

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Exploring Edinburgh Zoo

Our main goal for the day was visiting Edinburgh Zoo to see the pandas. Entry tickets were £22 per person, and the zoo is a short bus ride from the city centre (£1.80 each way).

The first stop was, of course, the pandas’ enclosure. Yang Guang was lounging peacefully, munching on bamboo, while Tian Tian was more active, exploring her space and glancing at visitors. It felt surreal knowing this was one of the last chances to see them in Scotland.

The zoo itself is a fantastic experience. Highlights included:

• Penguins: Watching their adorable waddles and underwater acrobatics never gets old.
• Meerkats: Playful and energetic, they were as entertaining as always.
• Big Cats: Seeing lions and tigers up close was mesmerizing.
• Giraffes: Graceful and towering, they were a standout sight.

Walking around the zoo is a workout, thanks to its hilly layout, but the stunning views over Edinburgh made it worth every step.

Zoo costs:

• Entry: £22 per person (We used our Colchester Zoo Annual pass to gain free entry)
• Bus to the zoo: £3.60 return per person

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Delayed Departure

After a long but enjoyable day, we headed back to the airport, only to find our return flight was delayed by four hours. While not ideal, it gave me time to sort through photos and reflect on the day’s highlights.

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Total Cost Breakdown

Here’s how much we spent on our Edinburgh day trip:

• Flights: £45 per person
• Airport transport: £8.50 per person
• Zoo entry: £22 per person (We used our Colchester Zoo Annual pass to gain free entry)
• Local transport: £3.60 per person
• Food and drinks: Approx. £20 per person

Grand total: £99.10 per person (We paid £77.10 in total per person)

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Why I think you visit Edinburgh Zoo

Visiting Edinburgh Zoo and seeing the pandas was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While it was bittersweet knowing they’re leaving, it felt special to witness them in person and learn about their contribution to global panda conservation.

If you’re considering a day trip to Edinburgh, I highly recommend it. Whether you’re drawn to the pandas, the penguins, or the city’s rich history, it’s a destination that leaves an impression.

Planning your own trip? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear about it!