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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.

Edinburgh (Waverley) to York by train

It takes an average of 2h 53m to travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York by train, over a distance of around 161 miles (259 km). There are normally 62 trains per day travelling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York and tickets for this journey start from £16.90 when you book in advance.

First train

04:48

Last train

21:00

Departure station

Edinburgh (Waverley)

Arrival station

York

Journey time

From 2h 23m

Distance

161 miles (259 km)

Frequency

62 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £16.90

Train operators

CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, London North Eastern Railway

Edinburgh (Waverley) to York train times

Check out the next trains departing from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York for Tuesday 19th March 2024 using our handy timetable below, including platform and live travel information. You can view the full day timetable or search for a different date here.
DepartsArrivesTrainDuration
05:48 edinburgh (waverley)08:29 yorkPlat. 6 estimatedlondon north eastern railway PeakGet tickets2h 41m, direct
06:06 edinburgh (waverley)08:37 yorkPlat. 4 estimatedcrosscountry Get tickets2h 31m, direct
06:26 edinburgh (waverley)08:59 yorkPlat. 2 estimatedlondon north eastern railway PeakGet tickets2h 33m, direct
07:00 edinburgh (waverley)09:30 yorkPlat. 6 estimatedlondon north eastern railway PeakGet tickets2h 30m, direct
07:04 edinburgh (waverley)09:37 yorkPlat. 10 estimatedcrosscountry Get tickets2h 33m, direct

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.

Journey details

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 long does the train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York take?

The average journey time by train between Edinburgh (Waverley) and York is 2 hours and 53 minutes, with around 62 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Edinburgh (Waverley) and York by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York is 2 hours and 23 minutes.

How much does the train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York cost?

Train ticket prices from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York can start from as little as £16.90 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York without having to change trains. There are 62 direct trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York leave?

The first train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York leaves at 04:48. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York leave?

The last train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York leaves at 21:00. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Edinburgh (Waverley) and York by train?

Trains travelling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York cover a distance of around 161 miles (259 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from York to Edinburgh (Waverley).

Cheap train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York

Train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York start at £16.90 one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we’ll help you find the cheapest tickets.

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 Edinburgh (Waverley) to York 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.

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 blog

We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. We also believe about taking those journeys and sharing our experiences with you, so you can sit back, relax and get the most out of your trip.

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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