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Edinburgh to Leeds train ticket prices
€35.45
On Mon 11 May
Edinburgh to Leeds train timetable
Travelling from Edinburgh to Leeds, the fastest train takes 2h 51m with an average travel time of 2h 57m. 51 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 05:37 and the last at 22:00. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
07:00 Waverley | 2h 54m, 1 change | 09:54 Leeds | LNER | Find tickets |
07:03 Waverley | 3h 2m, Direct | 10:05 Leeds | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
07:30 Waverley | 2h 57m, 1 change | 10:27 Leeds | LNER | Find tickets |
08:00 Waverley | 2h 54m, 1 change | 10:54 Leeds | LNER | Find tickets |
08:08 Waverley | 2h 57m, Direct | 11:05 Leeds | CrossCountry | 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
Taking the train from Edinburgh to Leeds is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Edinburgh, you can arrive at Leeds in just 2h 51m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling 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 €35.45, 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 2h 51m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
Are there direct trains from Edinburgh to Leeds?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Edinburgh to Leeds. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Edinburgh to Leeds?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.

Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Edinburgh to Leeds train timetables?
While Edinburgh to Leeds trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Edinburgh to Leeds is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do Edinburgh to Leeds trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Edinburgh to Leeds route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
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?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
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
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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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
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted 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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