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Birmingham to Edinburgh train ticket prices
€36.89
On Tue 19 May
Birmingham to Edinburgh train timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
12:25 Birmingham New Street | 4h 44m, 1 change | 17:09 Waverley | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
13:03 Birmingham New Street | 5h 7m, Direct | 18:10 Waverley | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
13:07 Birmingham New Street | 4h 33m, 1 change | 17:40 Waverley | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
13:28 Birmingham New Street | 4h 42m, 1 change | 18:10 Waverley | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
14:03 Birmingham New Street | 5h 8m, Direct | 19:11 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.
Birmingham to Edinburgh train travel guide
The train journey from Birmingham to Edinburgh combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Birmingham, you can get to Edinburgh in just 4h 11m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Birmingham to Edinburgh?
Ticket prices from Birmingham to Edinburgh average around €36.89, 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 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 a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
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?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
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?
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 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
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
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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