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Trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York

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CrossCountry
TransPennine Express

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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

Edinburgh (Waverley) to York by train

It takes an average of 3h 12m to travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York by train, over a distance of around 161 miles (259 km). There are normally 54 trains per day travelling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York and tickets for this journey start from £20.40 when you book in advance.

First train

04:45

Last train

21:00

Departure stationEdinburgh (Waverley)
Arrival stationYork
Journey time

From 2h 22m

Distance

161 miles (259 km)

Frequency

54 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £20.40

Train operators

CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, London North Eastern Railway

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.

FAQs 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 3 hours and 12 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 2 hours and 22 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 3 hours and 12 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 2 hours and 22 minutes. You'll usually find 54 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 £20.40 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 22 minutes.

Cheap train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York

Train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York start at £20.40‡ 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

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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