is Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*
London to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train
It takes an average of 5h 26m to travel from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train, over a distance of around 332 miles (534 km). There are normally 48 trains per day traveling from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) and tickets for this journey start from $50.91 when you book in advance.
| First train | 4:48 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 10:45 pm | |
| Departure station | London | |
| Arrival station | Edinburgh (Waverley) | |
| Journey time | From 4h 11m | |
| Distance | 332 miles (534 km) | |
| Frequency | 48 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $50.91 | |
| Train operators | Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, London North Eastern Railway, Lumo |
Traveling by train from London to Edinburgh
Planning a trip to the Scottish capital and need more information on how to travel from London to Edinburgh by train? You’ve come to the right place!
Things to know:
- On average, you can expect the journey from London to Edinburgh by train to take around 5 hours and 46 minutes.
- The fastest train from London to Edinburgh can take as little as 4 hours and 11 minutes.
- There are direct trains available so no need to change – just sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.
- You’ll board a train at either London King’s Cross station or London Euston station.
- You’ll be traveling on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Avanti West Coast, Lumo or Caledonian Sleeper train.
- If you’d like to save money on your train tickets, try traveling at Off-Peak times or try booking an Advance ticket, as they are usually cheaper than booking tickets on the day of travel. You can compare all times and prices in our Journey Planner.
- No matter who you travel with, in just a few hours, you’ll travel over 332 miles across the country, hop over the Scottish border and arrive at Edinburgh Waverley station.
Once you’ve stepped off the train, you will find yourself in the bustling center of the Scottish capital. From here, you can walk to some of Scotland’s most famous landmarks, such as Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and the National Museum of Scotland.
Ready to book? Start a search for cheap train tickets from London to Edinburgh in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. Want to find out more about the journey? Keep reading for information on:
- Why travel from London to Edinburgh by train?
- Train operators from London to Edinburgh
- LNER train classes
- Avanti West Coast train classes
- Lumo train classes
- Caledonian Sleeper train classes
- Food and drink on trains from London to Edinburgh
- Services on board trains from London to Edinburgh
- Getting to central London from the airport
- Traveling to the train station in London
- What to know about London train stations
- Arriving in Edinburgh
- Using public transport in Edinburgh
- Things to see and do in Edinburgh and Scotland
- Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass
- Reviews of the journey
FAQs about the train journey from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)
Want to know more about your journey from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)? 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 London to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
How far is the train ride from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
Can I take a flight-free trip from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
What is the best way to travel to Edinburgh (Waverley) from London?
What time does the first train run from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
How late does the train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) run?
How many trains go from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) per day?
When do tickets from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) go on sale?
Planning a round trip from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
Cheap train tickets from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for London to Edinburgh (Waverley) is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.
Why travel from London to Edinburgh by train?
There’s no doubt about it – the train is the best way to get from London to Edinburgh! There are loads of benefits:
- It’s an easy way to travel direct from city center to city center! See you later, tricky airport transfers – hello Edinburgh!
- Unlike flying, traveling by train is super scenic – you can sit back and take in the breath-taking scenery.
- You can even take a night train: go to sleep in England and wake up feeling refreshed, in the heart of the Scottish capital.
- Add a bit of luxury to your trip: upgrade to First Class on your train trip from London to Edinburgh and you could enjoy free food and drink, access to the station lounge and more.
LNER, Avanti West Coast, Lumo and Caledonian Sleeper trains from London to Edinburgh
You can travel from London to Edinburgh on LNER, Avanti West Coast, Lumo and Caledonian Sleeper trains. When you search for times and tickets, you might find some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.
LNER
Operating trains on the East Coast mainline since June 2018, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) covers journeys from London King's Cross to popular destinations such as Edinburgh, Leeds, Harrogate, York, Hull, Newcastle, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen.
Recently, LNER 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
One of the primary rail operators in the UK, Avanti West Coast provides services from London Euston and several terminals including Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street.
Many of the 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
Launched in 2021, Lumo is a train company that runs between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh via the East Coast Main Line. Lumo provides 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 London and Scotland, Lumo aims 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 the best sleeper trains to take from London. Six nights a week, the Caledonian Sleeper runs overnight from London to Scotland. If you want to save on a hotel room and maximize your time in Scotland’s capital, this could be a good option for you.
On the Lowlander route, you can travel from London Euston to either Edinburgh or Glasgow. There are 4 different classes to choose from: Seated Coach, Classic Room, Club Room and the Caledonian Double.
LNER train classes from London to Edinburgh
LNER offers different seating classes to suit all budgets, whether you're traveling for work, pleasure or a bit of both.
Standard Class
In Standard Class, you’ll benefit from family-sized tables, power sockets and quiet cars, all at an affordable price.
| Power outlets | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Free WiFi | ✔ |
| Table at every seat | ✔ |
| Baggage storage | ✔ |
First Class
In LNER’S First Class, 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 outlet at seats | ✔ |
| Ambient lighting | ✔ |
| LNER’s best ever WiFi connection | ✔ |
Avanti West Coast train classes from London to Edinburgh
As well as Standard and First Class, Avanti also have a new class that offers some of the perks of First Class at a cheaper price.
Standard Class
Avanti West Coast’s 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
Standard Premium Class sits between Standard and First Class and 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 prefer to travel in style, upgrade to Avanti West Coast’s First Class and enjoy complimentary food and drink, as well as access to the First Class lounge at London Euston station.
| Complimentary food and drink | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Access to First Class lounge | ✔ |
| Reclining seats | ✔ |
Lumo train classes from London to Edinburgh
Lumo trains come with Standard Class only, but the service offers plenty of amenities on board that will make your journey super comfortable.
Standard Class
When traveling in Lumo’s Standard Class, you’ll 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 London to Edinburgh
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
Choose the Classic Room and travel between London and Edinburgh 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
The Caledonian Double offers a truly luxurious experience, with a double bed and a complimentary breakfast to start your day in Edinburgh the right way.
| Double bed | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Complimentary beauty and grooming products bag | ✔ |
| En-suite toilet with shower | ✔ |
Food and drink on board trains from London to Edinburgh
On your way from London to Edinburgh, 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 London to Edinburgh
Learn more about the onboard services offered by each train company operating from London to Edinburgh.
Baggage
Entertainment
Pets
Bikes
Traveling from the airport to central London
Visiting London from abroad? Chances are you'll be arriving at one of London's airports. If you want to know how to get to central London from the airport, keep reading for more details.
London has six major airports:
- Heathrow Airport
- Gatwick Airport
- Stansted Airport
- London City Airport
- Luton Airport
- London Southend Airport
Each airport is connected to the heart of London through the city's comprehensive train and bus system. Usually, trains are the fastest way to get from any airport to downtown.
How to get from Heathrow Airport to central London
How to get from Gatwick Airport to central London
How to get from Stansted Airport to central London
How to get from London City Airport to central London
How to get from Luton Airport to central London
How to get from London Southend Airport to central London
How to get to London train stations
When traveling from London to Edinburgh, your train will depart from either London King’s Cross station or London Euston station. Not sure how to get to either one? Read on for more information on how to navigate the city’s public transport to your train.
How to get to London King’s Cross station
London King’s Cross station is conveniently located in the center of the capital, and can be easily reached by National Rail, London Underground (the Tube), bus services or car.
King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station is served by 6 Tube lines: the Hammersmith & City (pink line), Circle (yellow line), Metropolitan (purple line), Northern (black line), Piccadilly (dark blue line) and Victoria (light blue) lines.
You’ll also be able to get a taxi to King’s Cross station, though this will likely be more expensive than using public transport.
If you’re driving to London King’s Cross station, you’ll find a Click and Park car park at nearby London St Pancras International station – it has 315 spaces and is always open, with staff on hand 24/7. If you’re cycling to the station, there are plenty of cycle spaces to store your bike safely.
How to get to London Euston station
Situated in the heart of the capital, London Euston station is easy to get to from all parts of the city.
London Euston station is served by 2 Tube lines: the Northern (black line) and Victoria (light blue) lines.
Alternatively, there is a pick-up and drop-off point in the taxi rank by Euston Road. If you’re cycling to the station, there are plenty of cycle spaces to store your bike safely. If you’re driving to London, there are limited parking spaces available nearby.
Everything you need to know about London stations
While you're waiting for your train, there's plenty of things to do at London King's Cross station and London Euston station. Read on to find everything you need to know, including information on facilities and first class lounges.
What’s on offer at London King’s Cross station?
What’s on offer at London Euston station?
What is LNER's First Class Lounge?
What is Avanti West Coast’s First Class Lounge?
Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley station from London
No matter which train operator you decide to travel with, you’ll arrive at Edinburgh Waverley station. The station lies between the Old Town and modern Edinburgh, close to Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle.
As soon as you’ve arrived, you’ll want to start soaking up the city’s atmosphere as soon as possible. All areas of Edinburgh are easily accessible due to the city’s public transport system:
- Bus: Local buses leave from Princes Street and North Bridge to all areas of the city.
- Tram: The nearest stop is St Andrews Square and connects you with the rest of Edinburgh.
- Taxi: The closest taxi rank is on Market Street.
- On foot: Edinburgh city center is easy to explore on foot – though be prepared to walk up some hills!
Want to travel from Edinburgh Waverley station to Edinburgh Airport? You can simply walk to St Andrews Square and catch the tram to the airport, taking around 35 minutes in total.
Take a look at our guide to Edinburgh Waverley train station if you need more info.
Using public transport in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a small city, so everywhere is easy to reach on foot. Plus, you’ll pass historic architecture as you walk. However, if you want to reach somewhere quickly, Edinburgh boasts a modern public transport system to help you navigate the city.
Taking the bus in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has multiple bus companies that operate in the heart of the city, but the most prominent are Lothian and First. Both companies have the same bus stops, but the bus numbers vary and each company has its own ticket.
Lothian is the leading city operator with the largest number of buses and routes, while First has fewer bus routes and concentrates on the outskirts of the city.
Taking the tram in Edinburgh
The Edinburgh tram system features one route that links York Place to Edinburgh Airport. This route includes fifteen stops, all of which are equipped for wheelchair access.
It will take roughly thirty-five minutes to get from Edinburgh Airport to Princes Street (the closest stop to the city center).
Things to see and do in Edinburgh and Scotland
If you’re planning a trip to the Scottish capital, but unsure where to visit first, here are some ideas for things to see and do in Edinburgh and Scotland:
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.
Passenger reviews about this journey
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.
Traveling from London to Edinburgh by train
In September 2023, I took the train from London to Edinburgh with LNER, traveling in one of their First Class cars. It took around four and a half hours to get from London King’s Cross station to Edinburgh Waverley station by train.
What I enjoyed about the journey
The train was clean, the seating was comfortable, and I was happy with the amount of legroom I had in First Class. There was plenty of baggage storage on board, which was useful. I was also able to charge my devices thanks to the power outlets at my seat.
There were also toilet facilities on board, as well as a quiet car for passengers who prefer to travel in quieter surroundings.
I was pleased with the food and drink options available on board. Since the journey is around 4 and a half hours long, it’s good to know you can get a snack if you want one!
During the journey, I was able to sit back and relax. As I looked out of the window, I saw some great views as we whizzed through the British countryside.
What I didn’t like about the journey
One thing I didn’t like about my trip was the lack of WiFi on the journey. LNER usually offer free WiFi for all customers on their trains, but it wasn’t available when I took this trip.
That said, overall I really enjoyed traveling in First Class with LNER. My train was on time and the trip from London to Edinburgh was smooth, quick and fuss-free.
About Andrew
Andrew, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between London and Edinburgh. The review has been written by one of our travel writers, based on a survey including multiple-choice questions regarding pros and cons of the journey.
An enjoyable journey from London to Edinburgh by train
I recently took the train from London to Edinburgh with LNER, traveling in First Class. It took around four and a half hours to get from London King’s Cross station to Edinburgh Waverley station by train.
What I enjoyed about the journey
During the journey, I enjoyed gazing out of the window at the British landscape. In particular, the views from the right-hand side of the train after we left Newcastle were stunning. The train was so close to the coast, and I had a lovely Scottish woman next to me pointing things out.
I even saw the Flying Scotsman just after we stopped at York station, when I looked out of the left-hand side window.
I was able to sit back and relax in one of the train's comfy seats. I was pleased that the train was air-conditioned, and there were toilet facilities on board too.
In addition, the catering on board offered a good range of food and drinks, and the staff were all very helpful. I also liked that I could charge my devices on the go thanks to the power outlets at my seat.
I was impressed with how quick the journey was – I was able to travel from England’s capital to Scotland’s capital in under five hours!
What I didn’t like about the journey
One thing I didn’t like about my trip was the train’s WiFi availability. The connection was pretty poor on my outbound journey, though it was much better when I took the trip back from Edinburgh to London.
That said, my train trip from London to Edinburgh was pretty good overall. I was happy with all the facilities that LNER offered on board, and the train itself was clean and comfortable.
About Matt
Matt, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between London and Edinburgh. The review has been written by one of our travel writers, based on a survey including multiple-choice questions regarding pros and cons of the journey.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.