Edinburgh (Waverley) to York Trains From £26.12*

• 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.

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.