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Birmingham to Edinburgh train ticket prices
€35.73
On Tue 14 Jul
Birmingham to Edinburgh train timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
11:03 Birmingham New Street | 5h 4m, Direct | 16:07 Edinburgh (Waverley) | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
11:07 Birmingham New Street | 4h 29m, 1 change | 15:36 Edinburgh (Waverley) | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
11:27 Birmingham New Street | 4h 40m, 1 change | 16:07 Edinburgh (Waverley) | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
12:03 Birmingham New Street | 5h 6m, Direct | 17:09 Edinburgh (Waverley) | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
12:07 Birmingham New Street | 4h 11m, Direct | 16:18 Edinburgh (Waverley) | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
Birmingham to Edinburgh train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Birmingham 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.
Avanti West Coast vs CrossCountry: Which is best?
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Avanti West Coast | 4h 14m | Business, faster trains, upgrade options | Cheaper Advance tickets, Standard Premium Class (First Class benefits at a lower price) | |
CrossCountry | 5h 6m | Birmingham New Street | Frequent departures | First Class upgrade option |
- Avanti West Coast offers the fastest and cheapest trains, running every hour via Preston and Carlisle and taking as little as 4 hours and 11 minutes. Choose from three train classes for a range of onboard perks.
- CrossCountry services also run every hour and take a slightly longer but scenic route past York and along the coast via Berwick-upon-Tweed. You can also book a Birmingham to Edinburgh First Class ticket for more comfort.
Train travel from Birmingham to Edinburgh
Birmingham New Street: Getting to the platform
- Colour-coded zones: Three colours are used for the station’s three platform groups. Platforms 1A–5A are in the Blue zone, platforms 6A–12A are in the Green zone, and platforms 1B–12B belong to the Red zone. Both CrossCountry and Avanti services tend to depart from platforms in the Blue and Green zones.
- Platform layout: Birmingham New Street has 12 main platforms divided into A and B sections (excluding platforms 4A, 4B and 4C). Check the departures board and leave plenty of time to reach the right part of the platform.
- Pre-departure shopping: Whether you need last-minute essentials or food to go, you’ll find it all in the Grand Central and Bullring shopping complex above or within the station below. Grab travel items from Boots, a takeaway bento from Wasabi or a coffee from Costa in the station concourse.
On board trains from Birmingham to Edinburgh
No need to keep your eyes on the road and miss the spectacular scenery. Birmingham to Edinburgh train journeys give you the time to relax and views you won’t find elsewhere.
- View alert: If you’re on a CrossCountry train, book a seat on the right for dreamy views over Durham Castle and Cathedral, the Tyne Bridge and Berwick-upon-Tweed’s clifftops as the train hugs the coastline between Newcastle and Edinburgh. The Avanti West Coast route offers scenic river crossings, magnificent hills and waterside views, including the River Ribble near Preston, the Lake District and the Shap Summit in Cumbria. Enjoy the landscapes on the left side of the train.
- Onboard refreshments: Order whatever you fancy, from light bites and hot drinks to meal deals. CrossCountry passengers enjoy at-seat delivery, while Avanti travellers can skip the queue and pick up their order from the onboard café. Birmingham to Edinburgh First Class ticket holders get complimentary catering served straight to their table.
Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley
The Birmingham to Edinburgh train stops at Edinburgh Waverley, which couldn’t be better located for exploring the city and connecting to other modes of transport.
- Princes Street exit: Waverley station’s northern exit leads to Edinburgh’s New Town, shops and city centre.
- Market Street exit: Leading to the Old Town, this exit is ideal for reaching the Royal Mile or the University of Edinburgh.
- Waverley Bridge exit: If you’re boarding a sightseeing bus or taking the Airlink 100 bus to the airport, head this way out.
- Calton Road exit: This exit beside platform 2 has a dedicated pick-up point for drivers to meet passengers.
- Onward travel: The city centre and surrounding attractions are all within walking distance - just be prepared for a few hills. Alternatively, you can take a Lothian or Borders bus route from Princes Street, North Bridge or The Mound. Edinburgh Waverley also connects you to Edinburgh Trams from St Andrew Square and taxi ranks on Market Street and Waverley Bridge.
Birmingham to Edinburgh train travel guide
Travelling by train from Birmingham to Edinburgh is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Birmingham, you can reach Edinburgh in just 4h 11m, 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 Birmingham to Edinburgh?
The average fare from Birmingham to Edinburgh is approximately €35.73, 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 Birmingham to Edinburgh?
What is the fastest train from Birmingham to Edinburgh?
The fastest train journey time from Birmingham to Edinburgh 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 to Edinburgh?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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?
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 Birmingham to Edinburgh trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Birmingham 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?
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 Birmingham to Edinburgh trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Birmingham 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?
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?
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 Birmingham to Edinburgh route?
The train from Birmingham 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
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
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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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
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 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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