Dunbar to Edinburgh (Waverley) Trains From €6.57*

While all operators serve the same line, differences in speed, onboard facilities, luggage space and ticket flexibility can influence which service best suits your journey. The table below compares the four train operators serving the Dunbar to Edinburgh Waverley route.

• Fastest operator: LNER offers the quickest journeys, completing the trip in around 25 minutes.
• Best value: ScotRail provides competitive off-peak fares and flexible commuter ticket options.
• Most luggage space: LNER and CrossCountry offer larger luggage areas than regional commuter services.

The journey from Dunbar to Edinburgh Waverley is one of the most scenic short rail trips in Scotland.

Departure from Dunbar

Dunbar railway station lies approximately 0.25 miles south-east of the town centre and handles more than 400,000 passenger journeys annually.

Specific transport links

• East Coast Buses X7: Provides a frequent connection between Dunbar and Edinburgh, stopping directly outside the station entrance on Station Road.
• East Coast Buses 107: Offers local links across East Lothian, with convenient stops located a short walk away on Dunbar High Street.
• East Coach Buses 120: Serves local destinations across the region, with connections available within a short walk of the station.

Station layout

• Platform 2: Northbound trains towards Edinburgh Waverley depart from this platform via the footbridge or lift access.
• Platform 1: Southbound services towards Berwick-upon-Tweed and Newcastle depart from the platform beside the station building.

Pre-departure essentials

Dunbar station has vending facilities for drinks and snacks, but travellers seeking a better selection should head into the nearby town centre. Graze Coffee & Chocolate House and Parker's Dunbar are both within a five-minute walk and offer fresh coffee, pastries and light meals before departure.

Onboard trains from Dunbar to Edinburgh (Waverley)

Although brief, this route delivers some of Scotland's most impressive coastal scenery, particularly between Dunbar and Longniddry.

The scenic side

• Sit on the right-hand side when travelling northbound, for uninterrupted views across the North Sea and Firth of Forth coastline.
• Sit on the left-hand side for views featuring East Lothian farmland, golf courses and glimpses of the Lammermuir Hills.

Key landmarks

• Bass Rock: This striking volcanic island supports one of the world's largest northern gannet colonies and is visible shortly after departure.
• Gullane coastline: Passengers can spot sections of the coastline associated with some of Scotland's most famous golf courses.
• Firth of Forth: Extensive coastal panoramas appear on clear days as the railway approaches Edinburgh.
• Arthur's Seat: Edinburgh's ancient volcano becomes visible as trains near the capital and prepare to enter Waverley station.

Arriving at Edinburgh (Waverley)

Edinburgh Waverley is Scotland's second-busiest railway station, handling more than 23 million passengers annually across 20 platforms.

The correct exit

• Princes Street Exit: Ideal for Princes Street shopping, New Town hotels and immediate views towards Edinburgh Castle.
• Market Street Exit: The preferred exit for the official taxi rank and quick access to the Royal Mile and Old Town.
• Waverley Steps Exit: Provides direct access to Princes Street, city-centre bus services and nearby shopping areas.
• Calton Road Exit: Useful for passengers heading towards eastern city-centre districts and nearby accommodation.
• Step-free routes: Lifts and escalators are available from the main concourse to all principal station exits.

Onward travel

• Edinburgh Trams: Reach St Andrew Square or Princes Street tram stops within five minutes for services to Edinburgh Airport.
• Lothian Buses: Extensive city bus routes operate from Princes Street and Waterloo Place immediately outside the station.
• Airlink 100: Provides a direct express bus connection between the city centre and Edinburgh Airport.
• Edinburgh Bus Station: Located approximately five minutes away on foot via St Andrew Square for long-distance coach services.
• Taxi rank: Available directly outside the Market Street exit for immediate onward journeys across the city.

Walkability

Princes Street, the Royal Mile, St James Quarter and many major attractions can all be reached within 5-10 minutes of leaving the station. Travellers heading towards the Old Town should be prepared for some steep gradients, but no shuttle transport is required for most central destinations.