First train | 04:48 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 23:45 | |
Departure station | London | |
Arrival station | Edinburgh (Waverley) | |
Journey time | From 4h 11m | |
Distance | 332 miles (534 km) | |
Frequency | 55 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From £28.90 | |
Train operators | Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, London North Eastern Railway, Lumo |
If you want to travel from London to Edinburgh by train, you've come to the right place.
The train from London to Edinburgh usually takes around 5 hours and 45 minutes but can take just 4 hours and 11 minutes on the fastest services, with around 59 trains running on this popular route every day. As soon as you board the train, you'll be able to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the journey as there are direct services available.
You'll be travelling with Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Lumo or Caledonian Sleeper on this route depending on the railway station you'll be leaving from. LNER and Lumo trains depart from London Kings Cross, while Avanti West Coast and Caledonian Sleeper services depart from London Euston station.
If you’d like to save money on your train tickets from London to Edinburgh, make sure you travel at Off-Peak times or try booking an Advance ticket, as it’s usually cheaper than booking tickets on the day of travel. You can compare all times and prices in our Journey Planner at the top of the page.
Once you’ve stepped off the 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 to Edinburgh in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. Want to find out more about the journey first? Keep reading for information on:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
This ticket remains the same and is valid on any service within the booked date validity. Find out more about Anytime train tickets.
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.
Trains from London to Edinburgh are operated by London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Lumo, Avanti and Caledonian Sleeper.
The stops will vary depending on the train you’re travelling with. However, most trains will stop at York, Durham and Newcastle before reaching Edinburgh Waverley station.
The Caledonian Sleeper usually departs at 23:45 from London Euston station and arrives at 07:30 at Edinburgh Waverley station, taking 7 hours and 45 minutes in total.
If you’re travelling from London to Edinburgh by train, read our top tips for finding cheap train tickets below or check out the latest train deals and discounts:
You can travel from London to Edinburgh on LNER, Avanti West Coast, Lumo and Caledonian Sleeper trains. Keep reading for more details.
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 like Edinburgh, Leeds, Harrogate, York, Hull, Newcastle, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen.
Learn more about LNER trains.
One of the primary rail operators in the UK, Avanti West Coast provides services from London Euston to several terminals including Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street and Edinburgh Waverley.
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.
Learn more about Avanti West Coast trains.
Launched in 2021, Lumo runs between London King’s 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 travelling between London and Scotland, Lumo aims to help people switch from coach and air travel to more eco-friendly long-distance rail travel.
Learn more about Lumo trains.
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.
Learn more about Caledonian Sleeper trains.
LNER offers different seating classes to suit all budgets, whether you're travelling for work, pleasure or a bit of both.
In Standard Class, you’ll benefit from family-sized tables, plug sockets and quiet carriages, all at an affordable price.
Plug sockets | ✔ |
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Free WiFi | ✔ |
Table at every seat | ✔ |
Luggage storage | ✔ |
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 | ✔ |
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Plenty of legroom | ✔ |
Larger tables | ✔ |
Reclining seats | ✔ |
Plug sockets and USB outlets at seats | ✔ |
Ambient lighting | ✔ |
LNER’s best-ever WiFi connection | ✔ |
As well as Standard and First Class, Avanti also has a new class that offers some of the perks of First Class at a cheaper price.
Avanti West Coast’s Standard Class is the ideal class for travellers looking for low-budget fuss-free travel. On board, you will enjoy:
Free WiFi | ✔ |
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Access to onboard entertainment system | ✔ |
Plug sockets | ✔ |
At-seat order | ✔ |
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 | ✔ |
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Extra legroom | ✔ |
Table at every seat | ✔ |
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 | ✔ |
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Access to First Class lounge | ✔ |
Reclining seats | ✔ |
Lumo trains come with Standard Class only, but the service offers plenty of amenities on board that will make your journey super comfortable.
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 | ✔ |
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Free WiFi | ✔ |
LumoEats at-seat catering | ✔ |
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 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 | ✔ |
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Tray table | ✔ |
Individual reading lights | ✔ |
USB charging port and plug socket | ✔ |
WiFi | ✔ |
Secure overhead storage | ✔ |
Dedicated food and drink menu | ✔ |
Complimentary sleep kit | ✔ |
Luggage storage area | ✔ |
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 | ✔ |
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Breakfast available | ✔ |
In-room sink | ✔ |
WiFi | ✔ |
Plug sockets | ✔ |
Room service | ✔ |
Keycard entry | ✔ |
Temperature control | ✔ |
Dimmable lights | ✔ |
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 | ✔ |
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Breakfast included | ✔ |
Complimentary beauty and grooming products | ✔ |
Station Lounge access | ✔ |
Priority Club Car access | ✔ |
Priority boarding | ✔ |
Complimentary chocolate | ✔ |
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 | ✔ |
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Complimentary beauty and grooming products bag | ✔ |
En-suite toilet with shower | ✔ |
On your way from London to Edinburgh, you can enjoy food and drinks no matter which train company you're travelling with. Read on for a summary of the food and drinks provided by each train operator.
Learn more about the onboard services offered by each train company operating from London to Edinburgh.
When travelling 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.
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.
Located in the heart of the capital, London Euston station is easy to get to from all parts of the city. If you’re in the city centre, you can simply walk to the station to take your train. Alternatively, you can get to the station with one of the following modes of transport:
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.
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:
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, which takes around 35 minutes.
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.
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.
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 thirty-five minutes to get from Edinburgh Airport to Princes Street (the closest stop to the city centre).
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:
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: