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Dundee to Edinburgh train ticket prices
€13.03
On Fri 19 Jun
Dundee to Edinburgh train timetable
From Dundee to Edinburgh, take the fastest train in 1h 5m, typically 1h 17m. Daily, 18 trains depart from Dundee, with the first at 07:36 and the last at 22:31. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
13:04 Dundee | 1h 17m, Direct | 14:21 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
13:20 Dundee | 1h 14m, Direct | 14:34 Edinburgh Gateway | ScotRail | Find tickets |
14:06 Dundee | 1h 17m, Direct | 15:23 Waverley | ScotRail | Find tickets |
15:04 Dundee | 1h 18m, Direct | 16:22 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
15:20 Dundee | 1h 17m, Direct | 16:37 Edinburgh Gateway | 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 5m, 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?
The average fare from Dundee to Edinburgh is approximately €13.03, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
What is the best way to travel from Dundee to Edinburgh by train?
What is the fastest train from Dundee to Edinburgh?
The quickest train journey from Dundee to Edinburgh takes 1h 5m . 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, you will need to transfer when travelling from Dundee to Edinburgh. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Dundee 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?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Dundee to Edinburgh train timetables?
Dundee 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?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Dundee to Edinburgh trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Dundee 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?
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
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
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 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
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
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
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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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