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Edinburgh to York train ticket prices
€34.37
On Tue 25 Aug
Edinburgh to York train timetable
Travelling from Edinburgh to York, the fastest train takes 2h 14m with an average travel time of 2h 27m. 50 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 05:37 and the last at 23:24. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
07:00 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 2h 14m, Direct | 09:14 York | LNER | Find tickets |
07:03 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 2h 35m, Direct | 09:38 York | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
07:30 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 2h 22m, Direct | 09:52 York | LNER | Find tickets |
08:00 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 2h 14m, Direct | 10:14 York | LNER | Find tickets |
08:08 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 2h 30m, Direct | 10:38 York | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
Edinburgh to York train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Edinburgh to York 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.
LNER vs CrossCountry: Which should you choose?
For a direct journey from Edinburgh to York, choose from two direct routes on the East Coast Main Line. Fast LNER services from Edinburgh to York depart every half an hour, or less frequent but cheaper tickets are available from CrossCountry.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LNER | 2h 27m | Edinburgh (Waverley) | Fastest Direct Route, First Class, Regular Departures | Hot food in First Class, Eat At Your Seat |
CrossCountry | 2h 33m | Edinburgh (Waverley) | Cheaper Prices, First Class | Seat reservations |
- LNER runs fast, frequent services from Edinburgh to York on the East Coast Main Line. For a luxury travel experience, book your complimentary meal with First Class.
- CrossCountry runs services around all four corners of Great Britain, with services from Plymouth to Edinburgh. Expect comfort and simplicity on CrossCountry trains.
Train travel from Edinburgh to York
On the southbound service from an iconic Scottish city to one of England’s top railway cities, experience an efficient trip with our local station secrets. The journey from Edinburgh to York takes around two and a half hours.
Edinburgh (Waverley): Getting to the Platform
Edinburgh (Waverley) can be confusing to navigate if you don’t know the station design well. Here’s how to get to the second busiest station in Scotland.
- Here’s the way in: Located between the city’s Old Town and Georgian New Town, Edinburgh (Waverley) is easy to access from the city centre. If you’re coming from the New Town, you’ll likely arrive through the Princes Street entrance. Alternative ways into Edinburgh Station include the Market Street entrance, ideal for the fastest access from the Royal Mile or Edinburgh Castle.
- Arrive by public transport: Hop aboard the Edinburgh Tram, or board a bus with Lothian Buses to get to the station from further around Edinburgh.
- Grab a brew: On your way in, grab a hot drink and snack from Waverley Coffee on Market Street. From the north side, you’ll find Holy Cow only a few minutes from the station on Elder Street, and big-name chains like Caffè Nero
Onboard trains from Edinburgh to York
- Key Landmarks: Coming down from Scotland, your route to York is scenic, including long stretches of the Northumberland Coast National Landscape. Other natural highlights include Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, and Alnmouth Beach.
- The View Alert: For the best views of the Northumberland coast, choose a seat on the Left-Hand Side of the carriage (facing South).
Arriving at York
- Leaving the station: York is a large station with one main exit. From Edinburgh, follow exit signs across the footbridge, or use lifts for step-free access. Getting out into the city can take a few minutes, especially at busy times, even though York does not typically have ticket barriers in operation.
- Heritage days out: After leaving York Station, follow Queens Road, turn left (keeping the city wall on the right) and within a few minutes, you’ll be able to cross the River Ouse to the medieval heart of the city. There’s so much history within a few miles, and you can learn about a lot of the Victorian era at York Castle Museum.
Why book Edinburgh to York trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from Edinburgh to York start from just €34.37 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., CrossCountry, LNER, TransPennine Express on the Edinburgh to York route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
Edinburgh to York train travel guide
Travelling by train from Edinburgh to York is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Edinburgh, you can reach York in just 2h 14m, 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 Edinburgh to York?
The average fare from Edinburgh to York is approximately €34.37, 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.
How do I find the best train route from Edinburgh to York?
What is the fastest train from Edinburgh to York?
The fastest train journey time from Edinburgh to York is 2h 14m. 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 Edinburgh to York?
No, there are no direct trains from Edinburgh to York. 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 Edinburgh to York?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
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 Edinburgh to York trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Edinburgh to York 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?
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 Edinburgh to York trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Edinburgh to York 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?
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?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by 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 Edinburgh to York route?
The route from Edinburgh to York is operated by CrossCountry. 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
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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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
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 Edinburgh to York 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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