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London Kings Cross to Edinburgh train ticket prices
€41.17
On Mon 31 Aug
London Kings Cross to Edinburgh train timetable
From London Kings Cross to Edinburgh, take the fastest train in 4h 6m, typically 4h 51m. Daily, 117 trains depart from London Kings Cross, with the first at 00:07 and the last at 23:44. During Off-Peak times starting at 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter space with fewer people. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. We save you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
06:45 London Kings Cross | 4h 48m, 1 change | 11:33 Edinburgh (Waverley) | LNER | Find tickets |
06:51 London Kings Cross | 6h 19m, 2 change | 13:10 Edinburgh (Waverley) | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
07:03 London Kings Cross | 4h 30m, Direct | 11:33 Edinburgh (Waverley) | LNER | Find tickets |
07:10 London Kings Cross | 5h 20m, 1 change | 12:30 Edinburgh (Waverley) | LNER | Find tickets |
07:18 London Kings Cross | 5h 12m, 1 change | 12:30 Edinburgh (Waverley) | LNER | Find tickets |
London Kings Cross to Edinburgh train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London Kings Cross 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.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LNER | 4h 10m | London King’s Cross | Business travel, frequent departures & First Class comfort | Complimentary First Class dining and LNER loyalty rewards. |
Lumo | 4h 20m | London King’s Cross | Low fares & greener journeys | All-electric trains with typically the lowest advance fares. |
- LNER runs the most frequent services on the route, with trains departing at least twice an hour from London King’s Cross railway station. It’s the best choice for travellers looking for flexibility and a premium onboard experience, including the option of First Class with complimentary dining.
- Lumo offers a single-class, all-electric service between London and Scotland, focused on simple, low-cost travel. With a streamlined service onboard and competitive pricing, it’s often the cheapest option for advance tickets on the route.
Train travel from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh
From the bustling energy of King’s Cross to the medieval skyline of Edinburgh, this 380-mile journey connects two of Britain’s great cities by rail. Make the most of these insider tips to maximise your journey from London to the Scottish capital.
London King’s Cross: Getting to the Platform
- The Platform Tip: LNER and Lumo both run Edinburgh services from King’s Cross, but they often depart from different parts of the station. LNER trains usually depart from platforms 8-11 on the main concourse, while Lumo frequently departs from the suburban platforms 1-2, a short 2-minute walk to the left of the main departure boards. Platforms are only announced shortly before departure, so keep an eye on the boards.
- Pre-Departure: For a relaxed start to your journey, drop by The Parcel Yard pub and restaurant for coffee or breakfast with views over the platforms. If you’re visiting for the first time, the Platform 9¾ Harry Potter shop near platforms 9-11 is also definitely worth a quick look.
Onboard trains from London King's Cross to Edinburgh
Once onboard, the journey north along the East Coast Main Line offers some of the most beautiful railway scenery in Britain, linking historic cities, cathedral towns and dramatic coastal landscapes between England and Scotland.
- The View Alert: For the best scenery, aim to sit on the right-hand side of the train as you face north. After Newcastle, the line hugs the Northumberland coast, offering sweeping views of the North Sea, with its sandy beaches and rugged cliffs.
- Key Landmarks: As the train heads north, look out for dramatic views of Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle rising above the River Wear. The route then passes through Newcastle upon Tyne, where the city’s famous bridges span the River Tyne.
Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley
- The Princes Street Exit: Use this exit for Princes Street, St Andrew Square and the New Town. It’s also the easiest way to reach bus stops and the Edinburgh Tram, which connects the city centre with Edinburgh Airport.
- The Market Street Exit: Choose the Market Street side if you’re heading uphill towards the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle or the university district. The taxi rank is also located here.
- Onward Travel: Taxis and ride pickups operate from Market Street, while frequent buses run along Princes Street above the station. Most major attractions are within easy walking distance if you don’t mind tackling a few hills.
Why book London Kings Cross to Edinburgh trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh start from just €41.17 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, Greater Anglia on the London Kings Cross to Edinburgh route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
London Kings Cross to Edinburgh train travel guide
Taking the train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from London Kings Cross, you can arrive at Edinburgh in just 4h 6m, 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 London Kings Cross to Edinburgh?
Ticket prices from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh average around €41.17, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
How do I find the best train route from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh?
What is the fastest train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh?
The fastest train journey time from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh is 4h 6m. 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 London Kings Cross to Edinburgh?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh. 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 London Kings Cross 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 London Kings Cross to Edinburgh trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
London Kings Cross to Edinburgh trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
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 London Kings Cross to Edinburgh trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh 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?
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?
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 London Kings Cross to Edinburgh route?
The train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh is operated by Avanti West Coast. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search 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 London Kings Cross to Edinburgh 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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