C2C: Country to Country

If you’re flying in from abroad, London is served by multiple major airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and City, all with frequent international flights. Glasgow Airport handles many flights from Europe and other parts of the UK, and Belfast is served by Belfast International and Belfast City Airport. Low-cost airlines also connect these cities, so look into budget carriers for good deals.

For domestic travel, the UK's rail and coach networks connect major cities easily. High-speed trains link London and Glasgow in around 4–5 hours (for example, London Euston to Glasgow Central) through scenic countryside. National Express coaches also serve these routes if you prefer a budget bus ride. Getting to Belfast means crossing the Irish Sea, so most visitors either fly from London or Glasgow (flights are about an hour) or take a train or bus to north Wales or south Scotland to catch a ferry – though flying is usually the faster option.

Once in each city, you'll find convenient public transport to the venues. London’s famous Tube, Overground and bus networks can get you close to most arenas (using an Oyster card or contactless payment makes travel simple). Glasgow has its own Subway (the circular Clockwork Orange line) plus local trains and buses covering the city – the OVO Hydro is within easy reach by transit. In Belfast, public buses and the new Glider rapid-transit connect neighborhoods to the city center. Taxis and rideshares (like Uber) are widely available in all three cities for quick door-to-door travel.

If you prefer driving, all these cities are connected by motorways. Just remember that in the UK you drive on the left side of the road. Motorways like the M1/M6 (towards Glasgow) and Northern Ireland's M1 (to Belfast) link the regions. Parking in city centres can be expensive or limited, so consider park-and-ride options outside urban cores. A sat-nav or GPS can make navigation easier, but most festival-goers find trains and buses simpler on busy weekends.

Accommodation near each arena fills up fast during the festival, so book early if you can. London and Glasgow have something for every budget, from hostels and B&Bs to hotels and serviced apartments. Belfast also offers many hotels and guesthouses near its city center. Many fans choose to stay in the city centre or near the venue to enjoy the evening out. To save money, look into package deals or bundle offers that include transit passes with lodging, and always confirm your booking details well before you arrive.