Edinburgh (Waverley) to Leeds Trains From £20.85*

Travelling from Edinburgh Waverley to Leeds with CrossCountry offers a fast and scenic way to get from Edinburgh to the city of Leeds in approximately 3 hours. The route takes you through various landscapes, including the Scottish Borders and the countryside of Northumberland and Yorkshire, passing quaint towns, rural villages and moorlands.

Running services that span England, Scotland and Wales, CrossCountry routes stretch from Aberdeen and Edinburgh, to Penzance and Bournemouth in the south. CrossCountry services link major cities such as Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Bristol and Reading.

Departing from Edinburgh Waverley

Edinburgh Waverley is the main railway station in the capital of Scotland, and it’s in the heart of the city, between the Old Town and the New Town. The station is a short walk from Princes Street, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, meaning it’s ideally situated for visitors and exploring the city. The station is easily accessible by local bus and tram services, which also connect Edinburgh Waverley with Edinburgh Airport.

From Edinburgh Waverley, you can travel north to Aberdeen and Inverness, or head south to cities like Newcastle, York, Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol and London.

The station is served by several major train operators including ScotRail, LNER, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express and CrossCountry, giving passengers a broad choice of intercity and regional services. 

Main stops

The main stops between Edinburgh Waverley and Leeds on the CrossCountry route include Berwick-upon-Tweed, Morpeth, Newcastle, Durham, Darlington and York.

Arriving at Leeds

Leeds Station is located just a short walk from key shopping areas, business districts and popular attractions. Situated on New Station Street, it's easily accessible by foot, taxi or local buses, and acts as a major gateway for anyone visiting West Yorkshire.

Leeds Station offers direct services to a wide range of destinations including Manchester, Sheffield, York, London, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Newcastle. It’s served by several operators including CrossCountry, LNER, TransPennine Express, Northern and East Midlands Railway, making it a key link between the north and south.

The station is close to Trinity Leeds shopping centre, Leeds Art Gallery, Millennium Square, and Leeds Dock. Don’t forget to check out the nearby Leeds Corn Exchange and Kirkgate Market are ideal for exploring local food and independent shops.

CrossCountry train classes 

• Standard Class: If you want to buy cheap train tickets from Edinburgh to Leeds, consider CrossCountry’s Standard Class. You’ll find comfortable seating, plenty of luggage space, and access to power sockets and Wi-Fi on most services. Don’t forget, using a railcard is the easiest way to buy cheap train tickets, reducing the price by up to a third.
• First Class: You may also have the choice to travel from Edinburgh Waverley to Leeds First Class, depending on the time and route you take. Travelling First Class with CrossCountry gives you a more spacious and relaxing experience, with wider seats, extra legroom and a quieter environment. Amenities vary by route, many First Class journeys include complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks.

CrossCountry train travel advice

Here’s everything you need to know to make your travel experience with CrossCountry smooth and comfortable.

• Luggage - CrossCountry recommends bringing one medium-sized item of luggage due to limited storage space on board. A smaller bag can be stored under your seat or in the overhead racks.
• Bicycles - Bikes are welcome on CrossCountry trains, but space is limited. Each train includes two reservable bike spaces, and Voyager trains offer one additional space. 
• Children - Children under 5 travel for free but aren’t guaranteed a seat. For families with kids aged 5 to 15, the Family and Friends Railcard provides 33% off adult fares and 60% off children’s fares.
• Pets - CrossCountry allows you to bring up to two small pets on board free of charge. Dogs must remain on a lead at all times unless they're in a basket or carrier.
• Passenger Assist - CrossCountry supports the national Passenger Assist scheme. If you have a disability, a non-visible condition, mobility challenges or require some extra support, you can pre-book assistance.

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