Edinburgh to Dundee Trains From £9.60*

Getting from Edinburgh to Dundee is fast and convenient. It only takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Dundee, so it’s perfect for a day trip. The comfortable journey takes you north, past the Forth Bridge and up the East Coast towards Dundee.

Three major train services offer direct connections between Edinburgh and Dundee. These are ScotRail, LNER, and CrossCountry.

ScotRail provides extensive services connecting major cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Inverness to smaller towns and cities across Scotland. Additionally, they offer cross-border services to Northern England, including Carlisle and Newcastle.

Departing from Edinburgh Waverley

Edinburgh Waverley is Scotland’s second busiest railway station, after Glasgow Central. That’s because it serves as a crucial hub at the end of the East Coast Mainline from London Kings Cross.

But don’t let its size and significance fool you. Edinburgh Waverley is one of the UK’s most beautifully decorated Victorian train stations. What’s more, its central location right in between the ‘old’ and ‘new’ towns of Edinburgh makes it incredibly easy to get to.

It’s easily accessible by buses, trains, taxis, and trams, which run directly opposite the station along Princess Street.

Departing from Edinburgh Gateway

In contrast, Edinburgh Gateway is a modern station that serves as a transport hub for Edinburgh’s trams, and it is also linked to the station by tram to Edinburgh Airport. Although it is not as central as Edinburgh Waverley, Gateway is easily accessible via tram, bus and taxi.

Main stops

There are only four stops from Edinburgh Waverley to Dundee. These are: Haymarket, Inverkeithing, Kirkcaldy, and Leuchars. From Edinburgh Gateway to Dundee the main stops are slightly different. Here, the main stops are: Inverkeithing, Kirkcaldy, Markinch, Ladybank, Cupar, and Leuchars.

However, it’s imperative to check which stations you’ll be stopping at before travelling. Weather, engineering works, or issues with the train line can impact which stops you will be passing through.

Arriving at Dundee

Dundee train station is located on South Union Street, in the city centre. It’s situated on the non-electrified East Coast Mainline, meaning it’s well-connected to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen for connections in Scotland, and linked all the way to London Kings Cross station in the south.

Once you’re in Dundee, there’s so much to see and do. For example, the city houses the Victoria & Albert Museum Dundee, which holds an impressive collection of history, art, and design and is a regional museum based on the V&A Museum in London. If you like to get outside and active, you could visit Dundee Law, which offers panoramic views of the city and the River Tay.

ScotRail train classes

• Standard Class: Passengers benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi and convenient plug sockets for all devices.
• First Class: ScotRail offers a First Class ticket from Edinburgh to Dundee. Every seat has a table, a dedicated charging station, and Wi-Fi. However, free catering services are unavailable on the Edinburgh to Dundee route.

ScotRail travel advice

• Luggage: You can bring a maximum of three items of luggage. This includes two larger items and one smaller bag.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Reservations are highly recommended, as each train has only two cycle spaces. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to book early.
• Children: Children aged 5 to 15 can travel for £1 each with a fare-paying guardian. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
• Passenger Assist: Boarding and alighting assistance, luggage carrying, and support for station issues ensure a smooth and successful trip.

Traveling between Edinburgh and Dundee with CrossCountry is always the cheapest option for exploring Scotland's vibrant cities. The journey covers approximately 36 miles and typically takes around 1h 20m, allowing you ample time to enjoy Edinburgh's rich cultural heritage and attractions.

CrossCountry is renowned for its extensive network across the UK, connecting major cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Cardiff, and Reading. This makes it a preferred choice for travelers seeking both local and long-distance journeys.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: Onboard Wi-Fi, charging points, and tables. Snacks and drinks are available from the onboard shop.
• First Class: Edinburgh to Dundee First Class tickets provide for a more spacious and comfortable journey with larger seats and complimentary refreshments.

CrossCountry travel advice

• Luggage: A maximum of three items: one small item, one medium-sized bag, and one large suitcase.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small pets are free of charge. They must be well-behaved and do not disturb other passengers. Two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Bicycle reservations are required before traveling.
• Children: Children receive cheaper tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together.
• Passenger Assist: Provide assistance at stations and on trains, or during transfers, help with luggage, offer discounts for disabled passengers, and other services.

Experience the convenience and comfort of traveling from Edinburgh to Dundee with LNER on the East Coast Mainline. This rail service efficiently covers the 36-mile stretch in just over an hour, connecting cities on the East Coast of Scotland and the North of England with London.

LNER is a key player on the Edinburgh to Dundee route, alongside ScotRail and CrossCountry. Known for its reliable and high-speed services, LNER links Scotland with major English cities such as London, York, and Newcastle. With a commitment to delivering a superior travel experience, LNER is a top choice for those seeking a seamless and enjoyable journey between Dundee and Edinburgh, as well as to other prominent destinations across the UK.

LNER train classes

• Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
• First Class: Complimentary food and drinks, larger seats and tables. Edinburgh to Dundee First Class tickets give you access to free wi-fi, refreshments, as well as larger and more spacious seats.

LNER train travel advice

• Luggage: Passengers can bring up to three pieces of luggage.
• Pets: Pets travel free on LNER. Dogs must be on leads, and other animals in carriers. Maximum of two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Reservations are required. Folding bikes can be taken onboard as luggage.
• Children: Up to two children aged four and under can travel for free with a paying adult guardian. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together.The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs
• Passenger Assist: Get travel advice for the station you wish to use, seat reservations, ticket assistance, and help with arrivals and transfers, plus discounts for disabled passengers.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.