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Birmingham to Edinburgh train ticket prices
£32.50
On Mon 19
Birmingham to Edinburgh train timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
06:03 Birmingham New Street | 5h 5m, Direct | 11:08 Edinburgh (Waverley) | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
06:04 Birmingham New Street | 4h 14m, Direct | 10:18 Edinburgh (Waverley) | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
06:09 Birmingham New Street | 5h 24m, 3 change | 11:33 Edinburgh (Waverley) | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
06:49 Birmingham New Street | 5h 24m, 1 change | 12:13 Edinburgh (Waverley) | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
07:03 Birmingham New Street | 5h 10m, Direct | 12:13 Edinburgh (Waverley) | CrossCountry | 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.
Why book Birmingham to Edinburgh trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
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 Birmingham to Edinburgh start from just £32.50 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., CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast on the Birmingham to Edinburgh route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
Birmingham to Edinburgh train travel guide
Taking the train from Birmingham to Edinburgh is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Birmingham, you can arrive at Edinburgh 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 to Edinburgh?
The average ticket fare from Birmingham to Edinburgh is about £32.50, 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 Birmingham to Edinburgh?
What is the fastest train from Birmingham to Edinburgh?
The quickest train journey from Birmingham to Edinburgh takes 4h 11m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
Are there direct trains from Birmingham to Edinburgh?
No, there are no direct trains from Birmingham to Edinburgh. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
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?
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 to Edinburgh trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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?
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 Birmingham 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?
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?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the Birmingham to Edinburgh route?
The route from Birmingham 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
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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
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 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
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee 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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