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Trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York

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London North Eastern Railway

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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.
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  3. Edinburgh (Waverley) to York

Trains to York from Edinburgh (Waverley)

It takes an average of 2h 52m to travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York by train, over a distance of around 161 miles (259 km). There are normally 84 trains per day travelling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York and tickets for this journey start from £17.90 when you book in advance.

First train

04:37

Last train

21:00

Departure stationEdinburgh (Waverley)
Arrival stationYork
Journey time

From 2h 14m

Distance

161 miles (259 km)

Frequency

84 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £17.90

Train operators

CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, TransPennine Express

Travelling from Edinburgh to York by train in 2h 22m

Looking to spend some time in the former Viking city of York and want to find out more information about taking the train from Edinburgh to York? You’ve come to the right place! 

Usually, the train from Edinburgh to York takes around 2h 42m. But, on the fastest services, the journey can take just 2h 22m. With around 98 trains running on this popular route each day, you can travel from Edinburgh to York at all times of the day. Once you’re on board, you can relax as you don’t need to worry about making changes between these two cities.  

When travelling to York, you can travel with three different train companies, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express or London North Eastern Railway (LNER), all departing from Edinburgh Waverley station. Fancy travelling in style? Upgrade to First Class and take advantage of comfy seats with extra space and complimentary nibbles and drinks.  

There’s no shortage of things to do in York, you can start with a trip to the iconic Gothic cathedral, York Minster, before exploring the Jorvik Viking Centre, a fascinating trip through the city’s Viking heritage.  

To save money, try travelling Off-Peak – tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends. Also, you can get a Railcard and save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year. To compare ticket prices, use our Journey Planner and book the cheapest fares. 

Ready to start your adventure to York? Start your search for train tickets today. Continue reading for more information such as our timetable where you’ll find first and last train times, as well as tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York?

Want to know more about your journey from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you get to York from Edinburgh (Waverley)?

To travel to York from Edinburgh (Waverley), you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 2 hours and 52 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 2 hours and 14 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York?

Trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York take an average of 2 hours and 52 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 2 hours and 14 minutes. You'll usually find 84 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

How much does it cost to get from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York by train?

Train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York can start from £17.90 when booked in advance, but they’re usually more expensive if bought on the day of travel. Prices may also vary depending on the time of day, route, and class you choose.

What is the quickest journey time between Edinburgh (Waverley) and York by train?

The quickest journey time between Edinburgh (Waverley) and York by train is 2 hours and 14 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York?

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

Train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York start at £17.90§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

3. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

4. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

5. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

6. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Edinburgh (Waverley) to York is right for you.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.

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.

Crossing the border from Edinburgh to York by train

Getting to Edinburgh Waverley train station 

On a sunny January morning, my partner and I stepped off the bus in the heart of the Scottish capital and found ourselves at the entrance to Edinburgh Waverley Station. As we had a brought a flask of tea with us, we didn’t stop at one of the various coffee shops and cafes located in the station. With our digital tickets pre-purchased and downloaded on my phone, we scanned straight through the barriers without having to queue to collect our tickets. Being environmentally conscious, we really appreciated using paperless ticket. We sipped our tea and waited for our train at Platform 5.  

Boarding the train 

By the time the LNER train had arrived, Platform 5 was busy with commuters. However, having pre-booked specific seats, we didn’t stress. After placing our bags in the luggage storage, we found our seats. Given the journey would take just under 2 and a half hours, we charged our phones using the plug sockets and connected to the free WiFi.  

The journey 

The views were spectacular as we crossed from Scotland to England, and we arrived at York train station on time. The train provided by LNER was clean and comfortable, and the folding tables were useful.  

After we arrived at York train station, we collected our luggage, stepped off the train and used our digital tickets to scan through the barriers. As we left the station, we were met with the historic city walls that surround York. The city centre is within walking distance of the station, but we took the bus because we had a fair amount of luggage. We had an amazing weekend discovering the city’s fascinating Viking history. If you’re considering a trip from Edinburgh to York, taking the train is a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly option. 

About Charlie 

Charlie, a Trainline employee, chose to share his experience of the journey between Edinburgh and York.

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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