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London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train
It takes an average of 5h 11m to travel from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train, over a distance of around 330 miles (531 km). There are normally 39 trains per day travelling from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) and tickets for this journey start from £34.90 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:48 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:27 | |
| Departure station | London Kings Cross | |
| Arrival station | Edinburgh (Waverley) | |
| Journey time | From 4h 11m | |
| Distance | 330 miles (531 km) | |
| Frequency | 39 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £34.90 | |
| Train operators |
Taking the train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley
Planning your trip from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from London King's Cross to Edinburgh typically takes around 5 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest services can complete the journey in just 4 hours and 11 minutes. With approximately 39 trains running daily on this popular route, you can board a direct service and make yourself comfortable for the journey. You'll be travelling with either London North Eastern Railway (LNER) or Lumo.
To save money on your train tickets from London King's Cross to Edinburgh, consider travelling during Off-Peak times or booking an Advance ticket, as these options are usually cheaper than purchasing tickets on the day of travel.
Once you get off your train, you’ll find yourself in the bustling centre of the Scottish capital. From here, you can walk to some of Scotland’s most famous landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and the National Museum of Scotland.
Ready to book? Start a search for cheap train tickets from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. If you want to find out more about the journey first, keep reading for information on:
- LNER simpler fares
- Related FAQs
- Train operators from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh
- LNER train classes
- Lumo train classes
- Services on trains from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh
- Travelling to King’s Cross station
- Arriving in Edinburgh
- Using public transport in Edinburgh
- Things to see and do in Edinburgh and Scotland
- Reviews of the journey from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley)? 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 London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) take?
The average journey time by train between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh (Waverley) is 5 hours and 11 minutes, with around 39 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 London Kings Cross and Edinburgh (Waverley) by train?
The fastest journey time by train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) is 4 hours and 11 minutes.
How much does the train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) cost?
Train ticket prices from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) can start from as little as £34.90 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 London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
Yes, it is possible to travel from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) without having to change trains. There are 39 direct trains from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) leave?
The first train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) leaves at 04:48. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) leave?
The last train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) leaves at 20:27. 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 London Kings Cross and Edinburgh (Waverley) by train?
Trains travelling from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) cover a distance of around 330 miles (531 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London Kings Cross. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley).
Cheap train tickets from London Kings Cross 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 Kings Cross 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.
Enjoy Simpler Fares from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh with LNER
LNER’s new Simpler Fares pilot launched on the journey between London and Edinburgh in January 2024. There are now just three ticket types available to buy for travel, to make planning your journey easier:
Advance (non-flexible)
This ticket remains the same and is valid for a specific time and date that you book in advance. Find out more about Advance train tickets.
70min Flex (semi-flexible)
This new ticket type is valid for a single journey and allows you to travel on any LNER service that departs up to 70 minutes before or after your original booked train. Like Advance tickets, you’ll have a seat reservation on your original booked train, but can simply board another valid train and find an available seat with your 70min Flex ticket.
Anytime (fully-flexible)
This ticket remains the same and is valid on any service within the booked date validity. Find out more about Anytime train tickets.
Can I book the 70min Flex ticket on Trainline?
Yes you can! Once you search for times and tickets, you’ll be able to find the new 70min Flex ticket in the ‘Compare all ticket types’ section on our website and ‘First Class and more’ section on our app.
LNER and Lumo trains from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh
You can travel from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh on LNER and Lumo trains. Read on for more information.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER)
Since June 2018, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has been operating trains on the East Coast Main Line, covering routes from London King's Cross to popular destinations such as Edinburgh, Leeds, Harrogate, York, Hull, Newcastle, Glasgow, Inverness, and Aberdeen.
Learn more about LNER trains.
Lumo
Launched in 2021, Lumo operates between London King's Cross and Edinburgh via the East Coast Main Line, offering low-cost, fully digital, and 100% electric travel. By providing affordable fares for journeys between London and Scotland, Lumo encourages people to switch from coach and air travel to more eco-friendly long-distance rail travel across iconic cities on the route.
Learn more about Lumo trains.
LNER train classes from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh
LNER offers different seating classes to suit all budgets, whether you're travelling for work, pleasure, or a bit of both.
Standard Class
In Standard Class, you’ll benefit from family-sized tables, plug sockets and quiet carriages, all at an affordable price.
Standard Class
| Plug sockets | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Free WiFi | ✔ |
| Table at every seat | ✔ |
| Luggage 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 | ✔ |
| Plug sockets and USB outlets at seats | ✔ |
| Ambient lighting | ✔ |
| LNER’s best-ever WiFi connection | ✔ |
Lumo train classes from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh
Lumo trains offer Standard Class only, but the service includes a variety of amenities to ensure a highly comfortable journey.
Standard Class
When travelling 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 | ✔ |
Onboard services on trains from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh
On your way from London King's Cross to Edinburgh, you can enjoy plenty of amenities on board, no matter which train company you're travelling with. Read on for a summary of the services provided by each train operator.
Food and drinks
Luggage
Entertainment
Pets
Bikes
How to get to London King’s Cross station
London King’s Cross station is conveniently located in the centre of the capital, and 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: 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.
What’s on offer at London King’s Cross station?
Waiting for your train to arrive at the platform? There are plenty of amenities at London King’s Cross station:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Shops
- Cash machines
- Customer information point
- Family Lounge
- First Class Lounge
- Lost property
- Luggage storage
- Photo booths
- Seating
- Showers
- Telephones
- Toilets (including a Changing Places toilet)
- Trolleys
- Water fountain
- Wheelchairs
- WiFi.
What is LNER's First Class Lounge?
Travelling in First Class with LNER from London to Edinburgh? You can unwind in their newly redesigned First Class Lounge at London King’s Cross. If you're not familiar with the location of the Lounge inside King’s Cross station, you'll discover the entrance close to Waitrose. Here are some of the facilities you’ll find in LNER’s First Class Lounge:
- Comfortable modern seating
- Complimentary hot and cold drinks and light snacks
- TVs showing the latest news
- Free WiFi
- Wireless phone chargers
- Toilets.
Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley station from London King’s Cross
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.
Once 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 Andrew Square which connects you with the rest of Edinburgh.
- Taxi: The closest taxi rank is on Market Street.
- On foot: Edinburgh city centre 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 Andrew Square and catch the tram to the airport, which takes around 35 minutes.
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 use 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
Edinburgh’s 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 takes roughly 35 minutes to get from Edinburgh Airport to Princes Street (the closest stop to the city centre).
Things to see and do in Edinburgh and Scotland
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, but unsure where to visit first, here are some ideas for things to see and do in Edinburgh and elsewhere in Scotland:
Where to travel next after Edinburgh
Want to explore somewhere else after visiting Edinburgh? We’ve got you covered. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from Edinburgh:
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.
Travelling from London to Edinburgh by train
In September 2023, I took the train from London to Edinburgh with LNER, travelling in one of their First Class. carriages. 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 luggage storage on board, which was useful. I was also able to charge my devices thanks to the plug sockets at my seat.
There were also toilet facilities on board, as well as a quiet carriage 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 travelling 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, travelling 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 plug sockets 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.