Top Cheap Flights Within the UK
- James Smith
- Apr 21
- 2 min read
Top Cheap Flights Within the UK: Budget-Friendly Travel Guide
Travel in the UK needn't cost the earth. Using cheap airlines, special offers, and clever booking techniques, you can visit England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland without over-spending. Whether you want a weekend break or a longer visit, this guide lists the cheapest cheap flights, tips for saving money, and travel recommendations.
1. Best Budget Airlines for UK Domestic Flights
There are a few airlines that have cheap domestic flights within the UK. These are the best options:
EasyJet – Frequent sales and low fares between key cities such as London, Edinburgh, and Manchester.
Ryanair – Competitive fares, particularly for routes such as London Stansted to Belfast.
British Airways – Sometimes has lower fares, but only when they are booked ahead.
Flybe – Links the smaller airports, for example Southampton to Newquay, at reasonable prices.
When you arrive, booking a Glasgow airport taxi is an easy option to get you to where you're going fast, especially if you have luggage or you're traveling late.

2. Cheapest Flight Routes in the UK
London to Edinburgh
One of the most crowded and cheapest routes, with fares usually as cheap as £20 one-way if booked in advance. Operators such as EasyJet and Ryanair have several flights per day.
Manchester to Belfast
Low-cost operators often have special offers less than £30, making it an excellent choice for a spur-of-the-moment city break.
Birmingham to Glasgow
With travel times less than an hour, this is an ideal route for anyone wishing to discover Scotland without having to endure lengthy train rides.
Bristol to Newcastle
Suitable for those who wish to enjoy the lively culture of Newcastle without having to pay much to get there.
When arriving in Glasgow, Glasgow Taxis offer affordable and reliable door-to-door transfers into the city center so that you can have an easy beginning to your vacation.
Also read: Best Last-Minute Travel Deals
3. When to Book for the Best Deals
Book in Advance – Flights are generally most affordable 6-8 weeks prior to travel.
Fly Midweek – Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually cheaper than weekends.
Avoid High Seasons – Vacation seasons and summer experience price increases; try to go in spring or fall.
Use Price Alerts – Applications such as Skyscanner or Google Flights alert you when prices fall.
4. Tips to Save Even More on UK Flights
Travel Light – Skip checked baggage charges by traveling with carry-on only.
Compare airports – Occasionally taking a smaller airport (for example, London Luton instead of Heathrow) can cost less.
Use Airline Rewards – Join frequent flyer programs to gain discounts.
5. Alternative Budget Travel Options
If flights aren't the lowest cost for your journey, consider:
Trains – Early ticket bookings can be surprisingly cheap (e.g., London to Edinburgh on LNER).
Coaches – National Express and Megabus provide super-low prices for longer distances.
Final Thoughts
Getting cheap flights around the UK isn't as tricky as you'd imagine—be flexible, think ahead, and use the best booking tools. Whether you're flying off to work or for fun, we've got these tips to keep you saving money while seeing the best of England.
Have you recently bagged any great deals on flights? Let us know your tips in the comments!
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