If you've ever stared at the departures board at Edinburgh Airport and thought, "Could I pop to Paris and back before EastEnders?", you're not alone.
Welcome to the world of extreme day trips.
These blink-and-you'll-miss-it getaways are for the brave, budget-savvy and truly adventurous among us.
How Do Extreme Day Trips Work?
The trend of extreme day tripping has been taking Brits by storm over the last year or so.
And the rules are simple - go somewhere and back again in the same day.
Sharing your summaries and achievements on social media isn't just encouraged - it's pretty much mandatory.
Extreme day-trippers bag early morning departures and evening returns to maximise their time on the ground exploring Europe's most fantastic destinations.
Extreme Day Trips from Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh Airport offers several opportunities for extreme day trips for travellers eager to explore new destinations without the costs and commitment of an overnight stay.
So here are some top, do-able ideas for extreme day trips from Edinburgh Airport. Buckle up and let's go.
Novice Extreme Day Tripper: 1-1 Hour 30 Mins Flight Time
Cork, Ireland
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Flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes.
Airlines flying from Edinburgh Airport to Cork: Ryanair.
Possibly the most underrated city in Ireland, Cork has all the craic of Dublin, but with fewer stag dos and cheaper pints.
The flight from Edinburgh is shorter than most films. And you'll barely have time to settle in before touching down in Ireland's second city.
It's just a 15-minute taxi ride from Cork Airport to the city centre. Its compact layout makes it perfect for extreme day trippers.
The locals are famously chatty and friendly. So, prepare for impromptu conversations that will probably end up being the highlight of your trip.
Top Things to Do in Cork on an Extreme Day Trip
- Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle - just a 20-minute drive from the city.
- Sample local produce at the English Market, trading since 1788.
- Pull a pint at the Franciscan Well Brewery or enjoy whiskey tasting at Jameson Experience in nearby Midleton.
Intermediate Extreme Day Tripper: 1 Hour 40 to 2 Hours Flight Time
Paris, France
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Flight time: 1 hour 45 minutes.
Airlines flying from Edinburgh Airport to Paris: EasyJet, Air France, Ryanair.
Paris is probably one of the most accessible extreme day trips from Edinburgh.
Board an early morning flight and you'll be posing in front of the Eiffel Tower before most Parisians have finished their first croissant.
Getting from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris takes about 35 minutes on the RER B train, dropping you right in the heart of the action.
With careful planning, you can tick off several iconic attractions before your evening return flight.
Take note, though - one day in Paris will only leave you craving more.
Top Things to Do in Paris on an Extreme Day Trip
- Take the lift up the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views - but book tickets in advance to avoid queues.
- Wander the artistic streets of Montmartre and see Sacré-Cœur.
- Cruise along the Seine to see major landmarks in one go - perfect for time-strapped visitors.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Jaroslav Moravcik / Adobe Free Stock
Flight time: 2 hours.
Airlines flying from Edinburgh Airport to Copenhagen: Ryanair.
Copenhagen might be known as one of Europe's more expensive cities.
But that's much less of a concern when you're only there for a day.
The short and sweet two-hour flight makes this Scandinavian capital surprisingly accessible to extreme day-trippers from Edinburgh.
Copenhagen Airport is just a 15-minute metro ride from the city centre. Meaning you can start exploring within minutes of landing.
It's compact and has a simple public transport system - ideal for quick visits.
Plus nearly everyone speaks perfect English, so getting lost is nearly impossible.
Although entirely acceptable when the architecture is this pretty.
Things to Do in Copenhagen on an Extreme Day Trip
- Cruise the colourful waterfront houses of Nyhavn.
- Visit the free-spirited community of Christiania with its unique street art.
- Enjoy Danish pastries from a local bakery while people-watching in Tivoli Gardens.
Expert Extreme Day Tripper: 2 Hours to 2 Hours 55 Minutes Flight Time
Geneva, Switzerland
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Flight time: 2 hours 20 minutes.
Airlines flying from Edinburgh Airport to Geneva: EasyJet, Jet2.
Geneva offers the perfect combination of city culture and jaw-dropping natural scenery.
The flight from Edinburgh is just long enough to plan your day, but short enough that you won't feel like you've wasted precious exploration time.
A star draw for extreme day trippers is that Geneva Airport offers free public transport tickets for arriving passengers.
You can hop on a train that takes just seven minutes to reach the city centre.
With the famous Swiss efficiency of public transport, you can pack a surprising amount into your day.
Things to do in Geneva on an Extreme Day Trip
- Take photos of the iconic Jet d'Eau fountain on Lake Geneva.
- Visit CERN, the birthplace of the World Wide Web and home to the Large Hadron Collider.
- Take a boat trip on Lake Geneva for spectacular views of Mont Blanc.
Bergamo, Italy
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Flight time: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Airlines flying from Edinburgh Airport to Bergamo: Ryanair.
Often overshadowed by nearby Milan, Bergamo is the smiling underdog of Italian day trip destinations.
The flight time is just long enough to finish a podcast episode or two before you're touching down in this medieval gem.
Bergamo Airport is just 5km from the city centre, with frequent buses making the connection.
The city is divided into two parts - the ancient upper town, Città Alta, and the more modern lower town, Città Bassa.
A funicular connects the two, offering spectacular views that'll have your Instagram followers wondering how you squeezed Italy into an extreme day trip.
Things to Do in Bergamo on an Extreme Day Trip
- Explore the medieval Città Alta with its Venetian walls and cobbled streets.
- Visit the stunning Cappella Colleoni and Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
- Sample authentic northern Italian cuisine at a traditional trattoria.
Barcelona, Spain
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Flight time: 2 hours 50 minutes.
Airlines flying from Edinburgh Airport to Barcelona: Ryanair, British Airways, Vueling.
Barcelona in a day? Ambitious? Sure. Worth it for the tapas alone? Absolutely.
You'll land at El Prat Airport and hop on the Aerobus to Plaça de Catalunya, ready to devour as much Gaudí and jamón as daylight allows.
The trick with such a jam-packed city as Barcelona is to keep it simple and achievable.
Pick one or two sights and spend the rest of the day eating, drinking and enjoying the sensory overload of the city's distinctive barrios.
Things to Do in Barcelona on an Extreme Day Trip
- Marvel at the still-unfinished Sagrada Família - but make sure you book tickets in advance.
- Stroll down Las Ramblas and refuel at La Boqueria Market.
- Spend an hour exploring Park Güell's fantastical mosaic creations.
Extreme Day Tripping Level: Off-the-Charts - 3 Hours or More Flight Time
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
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Flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes.
Airlines flying from Edinburgh Airport to Lanzarote: Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2.
This one's for the hardcore extreme day-trippers.
Four and a half hours might seem like a push for an extreme day trip.
But when it's freezing in Edinburgh and 25°C in Lanzarote, suddenly that flight time seems very reasonable indeed.
Some super early flights from Edinburgh airport can have you in Lanzarote before lunchtime.
This gives you enough time to explore the island before catching an evening flight home.
It's certainly a stretch, but that's what extreme day trips are all about.
Lanzarote Airport is conveniently close to the island's main attractions.
In no time at all, you could be wiggling your toes in volcanic black sand.
Your time here will, of course, be limited. But a few hours of sun is what the doctor ordered to help boost your vitamin D levels.
Things to Do in Lanzarote on an Extreme Day Trip
- Sunbathe and swim at Playa Papagayo, one of Spain's most beautiful beaches.
- Visit Timanfaya National Park to see the Fire Mountains and geothermal demonstrations.
- Explore César Manrique's artistic creations built into volcanic bubbles at Jameos del Agua.
Tips for a Successful Extreme Day Trip from Edinburgh Airport
- Early Departure and Late Return - Opt for the earliest outbound and latest inbound flights to maximise your time on the ground. And, most importantly, research in advance how long it takes to get from the airport to the city once you land. Some airports are way out of town and can add significant time to your trip.
- Plan Like a Pro - Prioritise must-see attractions and consider booking tickets in advance to avoid queues.
- Budget Accordingly - Be aware of costs, including transport, meals and attractions. Researching in advance can keep costs down, meaning extra budget for more extreme day trips in the future.
- Leverage the Knowledge of Community - Extreme day trips aren't just a passing fad. There are whole groups and communities of enthusiasts online sharing their adventures and tips. There are even groups dedicated to planning extreme day trips from specific hubs, such as Liverpool, Birmingham and London airports. These feature excellent ideas and tips on how to get the most from your short time in your chosen destination.
Stay Online on Your Extreme Day Trip
Military planning and organisation are key to any successful extreme day trip.
So, keeping maps, boarding passes, QR codes and entry tickets to hand is essential.
Avoid eye-watering roaming fees and prevent being caught without Wi-Fi with an eSIM from Airalo.
Just visit the store, choose your destination and what you want to spend, download and activate and voila - you're ready to take on the world.
As long as it's within the allotted 24-hour timeframe, of course.
FAQs for Extreme Day Trips from Edinburgh Airport
- What is an Extreme Day Trip?
An extreme day trip is a quick getaway where you fly to a destination and return on the same day, typically with early morning departures and late evening returns.
The goal is to maximise your time exploring a new city or destination in just a few hours.
- How do I plan an Extreme Day Trip From Edinburgh Airport?
Choose a destination with short flight times and plan for early departures and late returns.
Research public transport times and focus on a few key attractions to make the most of your time away.
- What are the Best Destinations for Extreme Day Trips from Edinburgh?
Ideal extreme day trip destinations from Edinburgh include Cork, Paris, Copenhagen, Geneva, Barcelona, Bergamo, and Lanzarote.
- Can You Do an Extreme Day Trip to Paris from Edinburgh?
Yes, you can fly to Paris from Edinburgh in about 1 hour 45 minutes.
With careful planning, you can visit iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre, while making it back in time for your evening flight.
- How Much Does an Extreme Day Trip from Edinburgh Cost?
Costs vary depending on the destination, time of booking, and the activities you choose.
However, extreme day trips are generally affordable if you book low-cost flights and prioritise free or cheap activities.
