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Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) train ticket prices
£13.00
On Fri 03 Apr
Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) train timetable
Travelling from Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley), the fastest train takes 4h 11m with an average travel time of 4h 46m. 41 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 01:47 and the last at 23:09. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
06:03 Birmingham New Street | 5h 5m, Direct | 11:08 Waverley | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
06:05 Birmingham New Street | 4h 13m, Direct | 10:18 Waverley | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
06:09 Birmingham New Street | 5h 24m, 2 change | 11:33 Waverley | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
07:03 Birmingham New Street | 5h 9m, Direct | 12:12 Waverley | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
07:07 Birmingham New Street | 4h 30m, 1 change | 11:37 Waverley | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) 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: Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh Waverley trains
You can travel from Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh Waverley in about 5 hours with CrossCountry's direct service.
It's a spectacular journey, too. Trains go past the Peak District National Park, through the Yorkshire Dales and along Scotland's coast before arriving into Edinburgh's city centre. It's popular with tourists wanting to explore this famous city and the wider Highlands area.
CrossCountry provides fast train services from Birmingham to major cities across the region, including Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh.
Departing from Birmingham New Street
Birmingham New Street's central location means it's easy to reach from anywhere in the city and the surrounding areas. You can walk there from the main shopping areas like the Bullring, or take a bus or Midland Metro - the stops are close by.
As Birmingham's main station, there are departures to cities across the country. Avanti West Coast runs fast trains to London Euston and up to Scotland, while CrossCountry has services to Manchester, Cardiff and the South West.
West Midlands Railway handles local services around the region, and Chiltern Railways offers an alternative route to London Marylebone from Birmingham Moor Street station — this is about a 10-minute walk away.
Main stops
This service from Birmingham to Edinburgh stops at some of the North's biggest cities, including Derby, Sheffield, Leeds, York and Newcastle.
Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley
Edinburgh Waverley is right in the heart of Scotland's capital, making it a breeze to explore the city or connect to onward travel. The station is located between the historic Old Town and Georgian New Town, just off Princes Street. Edinburgh Castle is only a 10-minute walk away, while the famous Royal Mile and main shopping streets are all within easy reach.
The station has 4 main exits, so pick the right one for where you're heading - Princes Street for the New Town shopping area, or Market Street if you're exploring the Old Town and Royal Mile.
It's one of Scotland's busiest stations, with services run by ScotRail, LNER, CrossCountry and TransPennine Express. From here you can catch direct trains to London King's Cross, Glasgow Queen Street, Inverness, Aberdeen and Newcastle. There are also long-distance services to Birmingham, Bristol and Plymouth, plus overnight sleeper trains to London.
CrossCountry train classes
CrossCountry trains generally have 2 main classes on their Voyager trains to Scotland.
- Standard Class: Comfy seating, free Wi-Fi and plug sockets are some of the features of Standard Class. Food and drinks are available to buy on most of CrossCountry's Voyager trains, either at an on-board shop or via a trolley service.
- First Class: Offers larger reclining seats with extra space in quieter carriages. Each seat comes with a table, extra Wi-Fi allowance, and complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on select services.
CrossCountry train travel advice
- Luggage: You should only bring 1 bag with maximum dimensions of 30 x 70 x 90 cm as space is tight on CrossCountry services. Some Voyager trains have a dedicated luggage space on coaches D and J - be sure to double-check before booking.
- Bikes: CrossCountry trains have 2 reservable bike spaces, plus 1 space for an unreserved bike on Voyager trains. This is available on a first come, first served basis, so it's a good idea to reserve a space in advance. It's free.
- Families: With a Family & Friends Railcard you could save 1/3 on adult fares and even more on kids' fares. Without a railcard, kids under 5 travel for free while young ones between 5 and 15 get 50% off.
- Pets: You can travel with 2 pets for free on trains as long as you follow a few rules: small animals will need to be in a container and dogs on a lead, neither can occupy a seat.
- Passenger Assistance: If you need help with things like boarding, or would like to book a wheelchair space, you can reserve these at least 2 hours in advance.
Avanti West Coast: Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh Waverley trains
On Avanti West Coast's direct trains, it takes just over 4 hours to travel from Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh Waverley. Trains generally depart every 2 hours towards Scotland.
You're in for scenic views on this route, too - the line goes through the Southern Uplands, over Beattock Summit and between the Lake District and Pennines - it's one of Britain's most scenic rail journeys with dramatic landscapes between Motherwell and Lancaster.
Avanti West Coast operates long-distance services on the West Coast Main Line, linking cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Main stops
On this route, Avanti West Coast stops at Wolverhampton, Stafford, Wigan, Crewe and Preston (Lancs).
Avanti West Coast train classes
Avanti West Coast offers 3 classes on their trains:
- Standard Class: Gives you free Wi-Fi, plug sockets at select seats and access to the onboard shop where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Standard Premium: Offers all the perks of Standard with extra legroom, a guaranteed table and plug sockets at every window seat.
- First Class: Treats you to larger seats with more room to stretch out, guaranteed tables and complimentary food and drink (on select services). Passengers can also unwind at the Avanti West Coast lounge in Birmingham New Street before their departure (be sure to check opening times before you travel).
Avanti West Coast train travel advice
- Luggage: It's best to bring only small cases on board Avanti West Coast - as trains are optimised for speed, space can be limited. Bags shouldn't be bigger than 30 x 70 x 90 cm in size.
- Bicycles: You can travel with a bike for free on Avanti West Coast trains; you'll just have to make a reservation. Where your bike goes depends on the train, so be sure to arrive at Birmingham New Street 10 minutes ahead of departure for directions from station staff.
- Children: Children under 5 are free, and 5-15 year olds get 50% of the adult fare. If you have small children, prams and pushchairs are allowed. The Friends & Family railcard is also valid on Avanti West Coast services to Edinburgh.
- Pets: Good news - you can bring up to 2 pets without paying extra. Just keep smaller animals in carriers and dogs on leads, and make sure they don't take up seats.
- Passenger Assistance: You can reserve help through the nationwide Passenger Assistance app or website up to 2 hours before you travel. This covers things like boarding and reserving a wheelchair space.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) train travel guide
Taking the train from Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Birmingham New Street, you can arrive at Edinburgh (Waverley) in just 4h 11m, 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 Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
The average fare from Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) is approximately £13.00, 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.
What is the best way to travel from Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train?
What is the fastest train from Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
The fastest train journey time from Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) is 4h 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 Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley). 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 Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
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?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) 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 Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) 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?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
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 Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) route?
The route from Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) is operated by Avanti West Coast. 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
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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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.
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Children
Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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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 Birmingham New Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) 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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