No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
Leeds to Edinburgh train ticket prices
£24.10
On Tue 17 Feb
Leeds to Edinburgh train timetable
Travelling from Leeds to Edinburgh, the fastest train takes 3h 5m with an average travel time of 3h 25m. 27 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 08:10 and the last at 23:36. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
23:46 Leeds | 11h 45m, 1 change | 11:31 Edinburgh (Waverley) | Northern | Find tickets |
Leeds to Edinburgh train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Leeds to Edinburgh 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: Leeds to Edinburgh trains
On average, it takes around three hours to get from Leeds to Edinburgh with CrossCountry.
On your journey, you'll travel across West and North Yorkshire, passing the grand medieval city of York before heading into the brisk countryside of County Durham and Northumberland. Then, once you arrive at the Scottish Borders you'll notice the majesty of the Scottish countryside before arriving in the cosy, romantic city of Edinburgh.
CrossCountry provides an extensive network of train services linking towns and cities throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. This makes it easy to travel between key British cities such as Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham, ensuring a quick and convenient means of exploring the country in style.
Departing from Leeds
Leeds train station is in a brilliant location to travel from. It can be found on New Street Station, south of the City Square, at the foot of Park Row behind Queens Hotel. This means it's right on the edge of the city centre of Leeds and is very easily accessible by bus and taxi.
The station is the fourth busiest train station in the UK, which means it’s also accessible via light rail from around West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester, such as from smaller towns like Knaresborough.
The station is a central hub for the Leeds section of the East Coast Mainline. So, it's an essential stop on the Cross Country between the North, East, South and West. As a result, many UK train operators use this station including: LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express, and CrossCountry.
Main stops
There are usually six stations from Leeds to Edinburgh. These are: York, Darlington, Durham, Newcastle, Morpeth, and Berwick-upon-Tweed. It's worth remembering, however, that these routes may change due to faults, scheduling, or poor weather. It's best to check before you travel.
Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley
Edinburgh Waverley is located on Princess Street, directly in the centre of Edinburgh, between the ‘old’ and ‘new’ towns. The station is wonderfully accessible, as there are so many travel options right near the station. For example, Market Street has a taxi rank, and public buses and trams are available on Princess Street and North Bridge.
Edinburgh Waverley serves as the northern terminus of the electrified East Coast Mainline, attracting many UK train operators like LNER, Lumo, TransPennine Express, and the Caledonian Sleeper.
CrossCountry train classes
- Standard Class: Onboard Wi-Fi, charging points, and tables. Snacks and drinks are available from the onboard shop.
- First Class: Leeds to Edinburgh First Class tickets provide 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 traveling.
- Children: Children receive cheaper tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together.
- 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.
Leeds to Edinburgh train travel guide
Travelling by train from Leeds to Edinburgh is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Leeds, you can reach Edinburgh in just 3h 5m, 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 Leeds to Edinburgh?
The average ticket fare from Leeds to Edinburgh is about £24.10, 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 Leeds to Edinburgh?
What is the fastest train from Leeds to Edinburgh?
The fastest train journey time from Leeds to Edinburgh is 3h 5m. 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 Leeds to Edinburgh?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Leeds to Edinburgh. 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 Leeds to Edinburgh?
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?
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 Leeds to Edinburgh train timetables?
Leeds to Edinburgh 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?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
Do Leeds to Edinburgh trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Leeds to Edinburgh 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?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the 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 Leeds to Edinburgh route?
The route from Leeds to Edinburgh is operated by CrossCountry. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
-
Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
-
Bicycle
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 Leeds to Edinburgh train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
More train routes
* 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.
New user welcome pack