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Edinburgh (Waverley) to York train ticket prices

Travelling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York by train? Find fares from as low as £22.99. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest

£22.99󰄽

On Sat 22 Aug

  • Sat22 Aug
  • £36.00󰄽
    Sun23 Aug
  • £32.10󰄽
    Mon24 Aug
  • £28.00󰄽
    Tue25 Aug
  • £27.00󰄽
    Wed26 Aug
  • £34.66󰄽
    Thu27 Aug
  • £40.82󰄽
    Fri28 Aug

Edinburgh (Waverley) to York train timetable

From Edinburgh (Waverley) to York, take the fastest train in 2h 14m, typically 2h 28m. Daily, 45 trains depart from Edinburgh (Waverley), with the first at 05:37 and the last at 20:16. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.

DepartsArrivesOperator

11:00

Edinburgh (Waverley)
2h 14m, Direct

13:14

York
LNER
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11:05

Edinburgh (Waverley)
2h 33m, Direct

13:38

York
CrossCountry
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11:30

Edinburgh (Waverley)
2h 22m, Direct

13:52

York
LNER
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11:30

Edinburgh (Waverley)
2h 31m, 1 change

14:01

York
LNER
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12:00

Edinburgh (Waverley)
2h 14m, Direct

14:14

York
LNER
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Edinburgh (Waverley) to York train tickets and times

Plan your journey from Edinburgh (Waverley) 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.

Price
From £22.99
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
161 miles (259km)
Journey time
2h 14m
First train
05:37
Last train
20:16
Frequency
45

LNER vs CrossCountry: Which one should you choose?

By Rosaline Nancy Kargbo | Updated June 26, 2026
Arrive a stone’s throw from the heart of the Viking city when you take an Edinburgh to York train. See your train provider options and how they differ.
Train operators
Avg. duration
Departure station
Best for
Feature services
LNER

2h 18m

Edinburgh (Waverley)

Frequent services, speed, dining

Catering, First Class lounge access, LNER Perks loyalty credit

CrossCountry

2h 33m

Edinburgh (Waverley)

Budget, students

First Class seating option, seat reservations

  • LNER run services up to twice an hour, with the quickest taking just 2 hours and 14 minutes. It’s the only operator to offer catering on this route, as well as lounge access for Edinburgh to York First Class ticket holders.
  • CrossCountry trains from Edinburgh Waverley to York tend to have more intermediary stops, but the fares are usually the most budget-friendly. While you can upgrade to First Class, not all services offer catering or trolley service.

Train travel from Edinburgh Waverley to York

Zoom across the border and complete the 161 miles (259 kilometres) between the cities with the best onboard experience.

Edinburgh Waverley: Getting to the platform

Begin your journey at the Scottish capital’s main railway hub, bridging the Old Town, city centre and New Town. Take a short walk (no more than 15 minutes) from the central areas or arrive by bus, tram or taxi.

  • Platform and facilities layout: Edinburgh Waverley’s shops, ticket office and other amenities are located on a central island platform, surrounded by 20 numbered platforms. Platforms 8 and 9 are further separated into “e” (east) and “w” (west). The Edinburgh to York train doesn’t always depart from the same platform, so you’ll have to check the departure boards and listen out for announcements.
  • Coffee stop and shop: The central island has many outlets selling beverages, pastries and even books for the journey. Your options include Caffè Nero, Pret and WHSmith. If you fancy a pint, head to The Beer House opposite the ticket office or The Booking Office by the Waverley Bridge entrance.
  • First Class lounge: If you’re travelling from Edinburgh to York first class with LNER, relax in the exclusive First Class lounges at both stations and tuck into complimentary refreshments. Waverley’s lounge is on platform 5.

On board trains from Edinburgh Waverley to York

A train ride from Edinburgh Waverley to York is seven times greener than driving and more enjoyable, offering picture-perfect views.

  • The scenic route: The East Coast Main Line lives up to its name with stunning sea sights between Edinburgh and Alnmouth. The approach to Berwick-upon-Tweed passes dramatic clifftops before crossing the Royal Border Bridge. Sit on the left for coastal and city gems - you can spot Bass Rock, Newcastle’s Tyne Bridge and Durham Castle.
  • Catering options: Both operators offer snacks, meals and beverages (complimentary for Edinburgh to York First Class passengers). If you’re travelling with CrossCountry on an early morning or late evening, stock up on drinks and snacks at the station, as the trolley service may not be available.

Arriving at York

Your high-speed train drops you off at York station, which is among the ten stations out of 100 to be rated five stars. Reach the rest of the city with ease.

  • Station Road exit: York station’s main exit conveniently leads to the city centre, taxi rank, short-stay car park and local bus routes.
  • Lounge access: Keep the free refreshments flowing upon arrival at York station’s LNER First Class lounge on platform 3. You’ll also find accessible toilets, charging points and complimentary guest Wi-Fi.
  • Getting to the city: York is extremely walkable with large pedestrian-only zones and a flat city centre. You’re 15 minutes away from the iconic attractions from York station, and getting from one end of the city walls to the other takes about 20 minutes on foot. The station has plenty of transport links, including First, East Yorkshire and Transdev buses. You’ll find the taxi rank immediately in front of the exit.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.

Why book Edinburgh (Waverley) 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 (Waverley) to York start from just £22.99 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 (Waverley) to York route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.

Edinburgh (Waverley) to York train travel guide

Travelling by train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Edinburgh (Waverley), 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

Planning and booking

How much does it cost for a train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York?

Ticket prices from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York average around £22.99, 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 (Waverley) to York?

Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. Find the best train route from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York.

What is the fastest train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York?

The fastest train journey time from Edinburgh (Waverley) 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 (Waverley) to York?

No, there are no direct trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) 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 (Waverley) 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?

You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.

Check timetables and during the journey

Check timetables and during the journey

How do I find Edinburgh (Waverley) to York train timetables?

Edinburgh (Waverley) 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?

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 (Waverley) to York trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

Yes, most trains on the route from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company

How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?

Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.

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

Other things you might be interested

Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes. Our Railcards offer discounts on UK train tickets. Students can use the 16-17 Saver or 16-25 Railcard for up to 1/3 off most fares. Seniors aged 60 and over can use the Senior Railcard for 1/3 off. Railcards can be purchased online with a choice of one-year or three-year validity. The more you travel, the more you save.

Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, the refund and exchange policies for train tickets vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. Advance Tickets are usually non-refundable but can sometimes be exchanged for a fee. Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets offer more generous refund and exchange options. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket or visit UK train ticket types for specific details.

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 Edinburgh (Waverley) to York route?

The train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to York is operated by CrossCountry. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.

Essential onboard rules and facilities

  • Luggage

    Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.

  • Bicycle

    A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.

  • 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.

  • Pets

    Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.

  • 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 (Waverley) to York train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
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Compensation and refunds

Your plans have changed?

To change your journey or request a refund, please visit our dedicated ticket refunds and changes page for step-by-step instructions.

Your train was disrupted?

If your journey was affected by a delay, cancellation, or strike, please visit our delays and disruptions page or UK rail strike page. There, you will find live service information and instructions on how to claim Delay Repay compensation.

* 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.