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Edinburgh to Leeds train ticket prices
€32.47
On Tue 24 Feb
Edinburgh to Leeds train timetable
Travelling from Edinburgh to Leeds, the fastest train takes 3h 11m with an average travel time of 3h 27m. 35 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 05:43 and the last at 19:00. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
18:30 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 3h 24m, 1 change | 21:54 Leeds | LNER | Find tickets |
18:30 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 3h 51m, 1 change | 22:21 Leeds | LNER | Find tickets |
19:00 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 3h 10m, 1 change | 22:10 Leeds | LNER | Find tickets |
19:20 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 3h 8m, 1 change | 22:28 Leeds | Lumo | Find tickets |
19:25 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 3h 31m, 1 change | 22:56 Leeds | LNER | Find tickets |
Edinburgh to Leeds train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Edinburgh to Leeds with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
CrossCountry: Edinburgh to Leeds trains
It takes precisely three hours to get from Edinburgh to Leeds with CrossCountry.
As you travel to Leeds, you’ll head south from Edinburgh through the romantic Scottish Borders and wild Northumberland, passing through County Durham where, if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Durham’s distinguished cathedral. From there, you’ll continue into North Yorkshire, enjoying its delightful farmland, rolling moors, and traditional country pubs on your way to Leeds.
CrossCountry offers an extensive rail network linking numerous towns and cities across England, Scotland, and Wales. This enables fast and convenient travel to major British cities such as Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham.
Departing from Edinburgh Waverley
Edinburgh Waverley is an excellently placed station from which to depart. It’s situated right in the middle of the ‘old’ town of Edinburgh with its cavernous Medieval alleyways and dwellings and the gallant, stocky and stately buildings along the Royal Mile, like Edinburgh Castle. While the ‘new’ town comprises light and airy 18th-century neoclassical townhouses and ornate 19th-century Victorian architecture.
Its central location makes it an excellent departure point, as buses and Edinburgh’s tram network can drop you near the station on Princes Street. Taxis can also drop you off directly at the station.
If you’ve arrived from Edinburgh Airport, you can take a tram from Edinburgh Park station that will take you directly to Princes Street as well.
LNER, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, ScotRail and Lumo run from Edinburgh Waverley.
Main stops
There are six stops from Edinburgh Waverley to Leeds:
Although these may change due to scheduling, engineering work, poor weather, or train faults, it’s best to check before you travel to avoid disappointment.
If you want to buy cheap train tickets, it’s best to use sites like TrainPal to find the cheapest fares. Plus, if you add a Railcard you can bag yourself an extra discount.
Arriving at Leeds
Arriving at Leeds Station puts you right in the heart of the action. The station is south of the city centre, beside many public transport options and exciting ways to explore the city. It is located on New Station Street, south of City Square and nearby Bishopgate Street.
A taxi rank can be found outside the Aire Street entrance, and plenty of local bus routes operate around Leeds City and the rest of West Yorkshire beside the station.
Leeds is a city with so much going for it. It has a whole flask of exciting bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs to choose from to suit anyone’s tastes and budget. There’s the Royal Armouries Museum and Leeds City Museum if you’d like to dabble in some history, or Trinity Leeds is only a short walk from the station if you need some retail therapy.
Leeds station is the fourth busiest station in the UK outside of London, behind only Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly, and Glasgow Central. This is because it’s a central hub on the UK’s rail network, linking the west and east. It’s also the terminus of the Leeds branch of the East Coast Mainline. Accordingly, LNER, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, and Northern all run services through Leeds.
CrossCountry train classes
- Standard Class: Onboard Wi-Fi, charging points, and tables. Snacks and drinks are available from the onboard shop.
- First Class: A CrossCountry Edinburgh to Leeds First Class ticket provides a more spacious and comfortable journey with larger seats and complimentary refreshments.
CrossCountry train travel advice
- Luggage: A maximum of three items: one small item, one medium-sized bag, and one large suitcase.
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small pets are free of charge. They must be well-behaved and do not disturb other passengers. Two pets per passenger.
- Bicycles: Bicycle reservations are required before travelling.
- Children: Children receive cheaper tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
- Passenger Assist: Provide assistance at stations and on trains, or during transfers, help with luggage, offer discounts for disabled passengers, and other services.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Edinburgh to Leeds train travel guide
Travelling by train from Edinburgh to Leeds is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Edinburgh, you can reach Leeds in just 3h 11m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Edinburgh to Leeds?
The average ticket fare from Edinburgh to Leeds is about €32.47, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.
How do I find the best train route from Edinburgh to Leeds?
What is the fastest train from Edinburgh to Leeds?
The fastest train journey time from Edinburgh to Leeds is 3h 11m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Edinburgh to Leeds?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Edinburgh to Leeds. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Edinburgh to Leeds?
Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.

Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Edinburgh to Leeds train timetables?
Edinburgh to Leeds trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Edinburgh to Leeds trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Edinburgh to Leeds are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by train operator.

Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the Edinburgh to Leeds route?
The Edinburgh to Leeds route is operated by CrossCountry. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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Pets
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap Edinburgh to Leeds train tickets

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds

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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.





















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