No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
Leeds to Edinburgh train ticket prices
£32.10
On Sun 08 Feb
Leeds to Edinburgh train timetable
Travelling from Leeds to Edinburgh, the fastest train takes 2h 52m with an average travel time of 3h 2m. 57 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 03:20 and the last at 20:05. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
18:10 Leeds | 2h 59m, Direct | 21:09 Edinburgh (Waverley) | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
18:30 Leeds | 3h 4m, 1 change | 21:34 Edinburgh (Waverley) | Northern | Find tickets |
18:40 Leeds | 3h 55m, 1 change | 22:35 Edinburgh (Waverley) | LNER | Find tickets |
18:42 Leeds | 2h 58m, 1 change | 21:40 Edinburgh (Waverley) | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
19:30 Leeds | 3h 5m, 1 change | 22:35 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
Taking the train from Leeds to Edinburgh is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Leeds, you can arrive at Edinburgh in just 2h 52m, 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 Leeds to Edinburgh?
The average fare from Leeds to Edinburgh is approximately £32.10, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific 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 2h 52m . 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 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, 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?
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
Are Leeds to Edinburgh trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While Leeds to Edinburgh 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 Leeds to Edinburgh 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?
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 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?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
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?
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 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
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.
-
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.
-
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
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
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