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Dundee to Edinburgh train ticket prices
€7.11
On Sun 02 Aug
Dundee to Edinburgh train timetable
Travelling from Dundee to Edinburgh, the fastest train takes 1h 1m with an average travel time of 1h 15m. 31 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 05:41 and the last at 20:44. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
19:15 Dundee | 1h 39m, 1 change | 20:54 Edinburgh Gateway | ScotRail | Find tickets |
19:34 Dundee | 1h 15m, Direct | 20:49 Edinburgh (Waverley) | LNER | Find tickets |
19:34 Dundee | 1h 20m, 1 change | 20:54 Edinburgh Gateway | LNER | Find tickets |
19:43 Dundee | 1h 17m, Direct | 21:00 Edinburgh Gateway | ScotRail | Find tickets |
20:30 Dundee | 1h 20m, Direct | 21:50 Edinburgh (Waverley) | ScotRail | Find tickets |
Dundee to Edinburgh train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Dundee 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.
Scotrail vs LNER vs CrossCountry: Which should you choose?
Whether you're after the most frequent services or a more comfortable First Class journey, use our comparison below to find the right operator for this one-hour trip into the Scottish capital.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1h 10m | Dundee | Frequent, flexible travel | Regular direct services throughout the day, free Wi-Fi, plug sockets, and often the best-value fares. | |
LNER | 1h 18m | Dundee | First Class comfort and dining | Modern Azuma trains with at-seat food ordering, free Wi-Fi, and First Class lounge access at Edinburgh Waverley. |
CrossCountry | 1h 20m | Dundee | Budget-friendly travel | Direct services along the East Coast Main Line on Voyager trains, with Wi-Fi and an onboard shop. |
- ScotRail: The most frequent service on the route, with direct trains roughly every 30 minutes throughout the day. Some services terminate at Edinburgh Waverley in around 1h 11m, while others run to Edinburgh Gateway in around 1h 17m, useful for tram connections to the airport.
- LNER: Travel on modern Azuma trains with free Wi-Fi, plug sockets and at-seat food ordering. First Class includes complimentary food and drinks, plus access to LNER's First Class lounge at Edinburgh Waverley, making it the premium choice for this route.
- CrossCountry: Serves the route on Voyager trains, with a journey time of around 1h 20m and often some of the most competitive fares available. Wi-Fi and an onboard shop are available throughout the journey.
Train travel from Dundee to Edinburgh
At around 55 miles, the journey from Dundee to Edinburgh is one of Scotland's most scenic intercity routes, crossing both the Tay and Forth bridges before arriving in the capital in just over an hour.
Dundee: Getting to the Platform
- The Platform Tip: Trains bound for Edinburgh depart from Platform 1, the westbound through platform. Note that the platforms sit below the level of the main station entrance, so check the departure boards before heading down.
- Pre-Departure: The concourse has a Costa Coffee as well as a WHSmith café serving sandwiches and hot drinks. There is also a Tesco Express just outside the main entrance for anything else you might need before boarding. Taxis queue directly outside the station building, and the main bus interchange in the city centre is just a half-mile walk away.
Onboard trains from Dundee to Edinburgh
- The View Alert: Sit on the right-hand side heading south for the best views. The train crosses the Tay estuary almost immediately after leaving Dundee, with wide water views opening up on both sides. Further south, the crossing of the Forth Rail Bridge is one of the most dramatic moments on any British rail journey, with the Forth Road Bridge and the newer Queensferry Crossing visible alongside.
- Key Landmarks: The Tay Rail Bridge is over two miles long, making it one of the longest rail bridges in Britain and offering a sweeping crossing of one of Scotland's broadest estuaries. Near Edinburgh, the Forth Rail Bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great achievements of Victorian engineering, its cantilever spans rising above the Firth of Forth as the train crosses into the city.
Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley
- The Princes Street Exit: Head this way for Princes Street, the New Town and St Andrew's Square. This is also the quickest route to the Edinburgh Tram stop, which runs west to Edinburgh Airport, and to the main bus stops along Princes Street.
- The Market Street Exit: Take this exit if you're heading for the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle or the university quarter. The taxi rank is on Market Street, and the climb up into the Old Town from here is short.
- Onward Travel: Much of central Edinburgh is walkable from Waverley, though the Old Town does involve some uphill stretches. Taxis depart from Market Street, and buses run frequently along Princes Street for longer journeys across the city.
Dundee to Edinburgh train travel guide
Travelling by train from Dundee to Edinburgh is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Dundee, you can reach Edinburgh in just 1h 1m, 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 Dundee to Edinburgh?
Ticket prices from Dundee to Edinburgh average around €7.11, 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 Dundee to Edinburgh?
What is the fastest train from Dundee to Edinburgh?
The quickest train journey from Dundee to Edinburgh takes 1h 1m . 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 Dundee to Edinburgh?
No, there are no direct trains from Dundee 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 Dundee 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?
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
Are Dundee to Edinburgh trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Dundee 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 Dundee to Edinburgh trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Dundee 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?
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?
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 Dundee to Edinburgh route?
The Dundee to Edinburgh route is operated by CrossCountry. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the 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
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
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
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 Dundee to Edinburgh train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
* 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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