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Birmingham to Edinburgh train ticket prices
£32.50
On Tue 07 Apr
Birmingham to Edinburgh train timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
16:03 Birmingham New Street | 5h 6m, Direct | 21:09 Waverley | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
16:07 Birmingham New Street | 4h 17m, Direct | 20:24 Waverley | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
16:28 Birmingham New Street | 4h 41m, 1 change | 21:09 Waverley | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
17:03 Birmingham New Street | 5h 11m, Direct | 22:14 Waverley | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
17:07 Birmingham New Street | 4h 31m, 1 change | 21:38 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?
Swap the hassle of traffic and getting to the airport for a reliable, eco-friendly train from Birmingham to Edinburgh. CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast services to the Scottish capital run frequently throughout the day. Compare each operator with this side-by-side comparison:
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
Zoom through 246 miles (395 kilometres) on the high-speed Birmingham to Edinburgh train, and get from the heart of one city to another. Our frequent-traveller tips will help you navigate the stations and buy cheap train tickets for the best seats in the carriage.
Birmingham New Street: Getting to the platform
Sitting beneath the Grand Central shopping centre, the centrally located Birmingham New Street station is easy to reach on foot, by local bus or from Wolverhampton on the West Midlands Metro. Get to know the colour-coded lounge-style concourse and find your train faster.
- 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.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
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 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, 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
How do I find Birmingham to Edinburgh train timetables?
Birmingham 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 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?
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?
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 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
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
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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