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Edinburgh (Waverley) to London by train
It takes an average of 5h 41m to travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London by train, over a distance of around 332 miles (534 km). There are normally 63 trains per day traveling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London and tickets for this journey start from $47.97 when you book in advance.
| First train | 4:37 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 11:40 pm | |
| Departure station | Edinburgh (Waverley) | |
| Arrival station | London | |
| Journey time | From 4h 9m | |
| Distance | 332 miles (534 km) | |
| Frequency | 63 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $47.97 | |
| Train operators | Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, London North Eastern Railway, Lumo |
Traveling from Edinburgh to London by train in 4 hours
Quick facts about Edinburgh to London by train
- Trains from Edinburgh to London are operated by London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Lumo, Avanti and Caledonian Sleeper.
- The average train journey time from Edinburgh to London is 5 hours and 40 minutes.
- There are around 71 trains to London from Edinburgh each day.
- There are direct trains available on this route.
- You might be able to save on your trip from Edinburgh to London by booking in advance, travelling off-peak or using a Railcard.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London?
Want to know more about your journey from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there any direct trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London?
How far is the train ride from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London?
What is the best way to travel to London from Edinburgh (Waverley)?
What time does the first train run from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London?
How late does the train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London run?
How many trains go from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London per day?
When do tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London?
How do I find cheap train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London?
Planning a trip to the UK soon? As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.
1. Book in advance
2. Sign up to Ticket Alert
3. Book split tickets
4. Travel Off-Peak
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.
LNER, Avanti West Coast, Lumo and Caledonian Sleeper trains from Edinburgh to London
You can take the train from Edinburgh to London with LNER, Avanti West Coast, Lumo and Caledonian Sleeper. When searching for times and tickets, you might find some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.
LNER
Since June 2018, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) have operated trains on the East Coast mainline from Edinburgh to popular destinations such as London King’s Cross, Leeds, Harrogate, York, Hull, Newcastle, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen.
LNER have introduced a new fleet of state-of-the-art Azuma trains on their major routes, which use technology from the Japanese bullet train to travel faster, quieter and more reliably than ever before.
Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast is one of the primary rail operators in the UK, providing services from London Euston and several terminals including Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street.
Most routes feature high-speed services with no changes required, making Avanti West Coast an excellent alternative to air travel if you're looking to traverse up or down the length of the country.
Lumo
Operating since 2021, Lumo is a train company that runs between Edinburgh and London King’s Cross via the East Coast Main Line. Lumo provide low-cost, fully digital, 100% electric travel across iconic cities on the route from Edinburgh to London and vice versa.
Offering low fares to people traveling between Scotland and London, Lumo aim to help people switch from coach and air travel to more eco-friendly long-distance rail travel.
Caledonian Sleeper
The Caledonian Sleeper is one of two main sleeper trains in the UK. Six nights a week, the Caledonian Sleeper runs overnight from Scotland to London. On the Lowlander route, you can travel from either Edinburgh or Glasgow to London.
There are 4 different tickets to choose from, including Seated Coach, Classic Room, Club Room and the Caledonian Double.
LNER train classes from Edinburgh to London
Whether you're traveling for work, pleasure or a bit of both, LNER offers different seating classes to suit all budgets.
Standard Class
You’ll benefit from family-sized tables, power outlets and quiet cars, all at an affordable price in Standard Class.
| Power outlets | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Free WiFi | ✔ |
| Table at every seat | ✔ |
| Baggage storage | ✔ |
First Class
Upgrade to LNER’s First Class and you’ll get access to a few extra perks before, during and after your trip, as well as all the usual amenities you'll find in Standard Class.
| Complimentary food and drinks | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Plenty of legroom | ✔ |
| Larger tables | ✔ |
| Reclining seats | ✔ |
| Power outlets and USB outletat seats | ✔ |
| Ambient lighting | ✔ |
| LNER’s best ever WiFi connection | ✔ |
Avanti West Coast train classes from Edinburgh to London
Avanti has a new class that offers some of the perks of First Class at a cheaper price, as well as Standard and First Class.
Standard Class
Standard Class is the ideal class for travelers looking for low-budget fuss-free travel. On board, you will enjoy:
| Free WiFi | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Access to onboard entertainment system | ✔ |
| Power outlets | ✔ |
| At-seat order | ✔ |
Standard Premium Class
Located between Standard and First Class, Standard Premium Class offers the usual amenities you’ll find in Standard Class, as well as a few extra perks, including:
| Wider more comfortable seating | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Extra legroom | ✔ |
| Table at every seat | ✔ |
First Class
If you fancy treating yourself, upgrade to Avanti West Coast’s First Class and enjoy complimentary food and drink.
| Complimentary food and drink | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Reclining seats | ✔ |
Lumo train class from Edinburgh to London
Lumo trains offer Standard Class only, but the service includes plenty of amenities on board that will make your journey super comfortable.
Standard Class
In Lumo’s Standard Class, you can take advantage of the free WiFi and order food through the LumoEats service from the comfort of your seat.
| Comfortable seating | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Free WiFi | ✔ |
| LumoEats at-seat catering | ✔ |
Caledonian Sleeper train classes from Edinburgh to London
When traveling on the Caledonian Sleeper, you can travel in 4 different classes, from the comfortable seats of Seated Coach to the luxury of Caledonian Double.
Seated Coach
Seated Coach offers an economical Caledonian Sleeper experience, but still ensures a stylish and comfortable journey. On board, you will find the following amenities:
| Adjustable headrest and footrest | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Tray table | ✔ |
| Individual reading lights | ✔ |
| USB charging port and power outlet | ✔ |
| WiFi | ✔ |
| Secure overhead storage | ✔ |
| Dedicated food and drink menu | ✔ |
| Complimentary sleep kit | ✔ |
| Baggage storage area | ✔ |
Classic Room
Opt for the Classic Room and travel between Edinburgh and London in your own personal room, with twin bunk beds and a sink.
| Twin bunk beds | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Breakfast available | ✔ |
| In-room sink | ✔ |
| WiFi | ✔ |
| Power outlets | ✔ |
| Room service | ✔ |
| Keycard entry | ✔ |
| Temperature control | ✔ |
| Dimmable lights | ✔ |
Club Room
Club Rooms include an en-suite with shower, as well as comfortable mattresses to ensure a great night’s sleep.
| En-suite with toilet and shower | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Breakfast included | ✔ |
| Complimentary beauty and grooming products | ✔ |
| Station Lounge access | ✔ |
| Priority Club Car access | ✔ |
| Priority boarding | ✔ |
| Complimentary chocolate | ✔ |
Caledonian Double
Offering a truly luxurious experience, the Caledonian Double comes with a double bed and a complimentary breakfast to start your day in London the right way.
| Double bed | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Complimentary beauty and grooming products bag | ✔ |
Food and drink on board trains from Edinburgh to London
On your way to London, you can enjoy food and drink no matter which train company you're traveling with. Read on for a summary of the food and drink provided by each train operator.
LNER
Avanti West Coast
Lumo
Caledonian Sleeper
Onboard services from Edinburgh to London
Learn more about the onboard services offered by each train company operating from Edinburgh to London.
Baggage
Entertainment
Pets
Bikes
Traveling from Edinburgh Airport to the city center
Visiting Edinburgh from abroad? Chances are you'll be arriving at Edinburgh Airport. If you want to know how to get to central Edinburgh from the airport, keep reading for more details.
Buses from Edinburgh Airport
If you want to take the bus from Edinburgh Airport to the city center, you can take the Airlink 100 service. The Airlink 100 service departs from the airport every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes during the night. In total, the service takes around 30 minutes to get to St Andrew Square, in the heart of Edinburgh.
You can purchase tickets from the driver as you board the bus using contactless card payment, m-tickets or the exact cash fare.
Trams from Edinburgh Airport
The tram is one of the easiest ways to get from the airport to central Edinburgh. Trams depart from the airport every 7 minutes between 07:00 am and 07:00 pm, passing through Haymarket, St Andrews Square and onwards to Newhaven. In total, the entire journey takes around 30 minutes.
Trains from Edinburgh Airport
As there isn’t a train station at Edinburgh Airport, you’ll need to take a short tram ride to Edinburgh Gateway station. From here, you can board a ScotRail service to Edinburgh Waverley station, taking just over 10 minutes.
How to get to Edinburgh Waverley station from central Edinburgh
No matter which train operator you decide to travel with, you’ll depart from Edinburgh Waverley station.
Conveniently, Edinburgh Waverley station lies between the old town and Modern Edinburgh, close to Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle. If you’re in the city center, you can simply walk to the station to catch your train. If not, you can travel to the station by:
- Bus: Local buses leave from all areas of the city to Princes Street and North Bridge, which are within walking distance of the station.
- Tram: You can take the tram from most areas of Edinburgh to St Andrews Square, which is the closest tram stop to the station.
Check out our guide to Edinburgh Waverley train station if you need more info.
Arriving at London King’s Cross station and London Euston station from Edinburgh
When traveling from Edinburgh to London, your train will arrive at either London King’s Cross station or London Euston station.
How to get from London King’s Cross station to central London
London King’s Cross station is conveniently located in the center of the capital and the rest of the city can be easily reached by National Rail, London Underground, bus services or car.
King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station is served by 6 Tube lines, including the Hammersmith & City (pink line), Circle (yellow line), Metropolitan (purple line), Northern (black line), Piccadilly (dark blue line) and Victoria (light blue) lines.
How to get from London Euston station to central London
Situated in the heart of the capital, all areas of the city are easy to get to from London Euston station.
London Euston station is served by 2 Tube lines, the Northern (black line) and Victoria (light blue) lines.
Using public transport in London
Read on for more information on how to navigate London’s public transport system.
Taking the tube in London
London Underground, commonly known as the Tube, is one of the quickest ways to travel around the city. Once you get off at either London Kings Cross station or London Euston station, simply follow the signs to the London Underground station, where you’ll be able to choose from a variety of Tube lines that can take you to different parts of the city.
Usually, tube services run from 05:00 am until midnight, with Night Tube services available on some lines on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Taking the bus in London
London buses are one of the cheapest ways to travel around the city, with plenty of sightseeing opportunities along the way. You can pay with an Oyster Card, Travelcard or a contactless payment card for Tube and bus journeys.
Things to see and do in London
London has it all! Whether you’re looking for leafy parks, fascinating history or vibrant nightlife, London is an ideal city to visit all year round! With so many things to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to start. To help inspire your trip, here are some of the best things to do in London:
Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass
After visiting Edinburgh, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.
Tips and tricks from our Trainline team
We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.