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Edinburgh to York train ticket prices
£30.50
On Mon 12
Edinburgh to York train timetable
The journey from Edinburgh to York on the fastest train in 2h 14m, usually 2h 27m. Each day, 50 trains leave from Edinburgh, starting at 05:37 and ending at 22:00. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:37 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 2h 16m, Direct | 07:53 York | LNER | Find tickets |
05:50 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 2h 38m, Direct | 08:28 York | LNER | Find tickets |
06:02 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 2h 36m, Direct | 08:38 York | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
06:30 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 2h 22m, Direct | 08:52 York | LNER | Find tickets |
07:00 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 2h 14m, Direct | 09:14 York | LNER | 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
Along your journey to York, you’ll see so many beautiful landscapes and heritage before you’ve even reached the Viking city.
- 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?
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 £30.50 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., LNER, CrossCountry 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
Taking the train from Edinburgh to York is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Edinburgh, you can arrive at York in just 2h 14m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Edinburgh to York?
Ticket prices from Edinburgh to York average around £30.50, 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 Edinburgh to York?
What is the fastest train from Edinburgh to York?
The quickest train journey from Edinburgh to York takes 2h 14m . 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 Edinburgh to York?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Edinburgh to York. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Edinburgh to York?
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
How do I find Edinburgh to York train timetables?
While Edinburgh to York trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Edinburgh to York is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover 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 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?
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?
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?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the Edinburgh to York route?
The route from Edinburgh to York is operated by LNER. 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
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
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 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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