Liverpool Lime Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) Trains From £9.85*

Few journeys capture the contrast between two great cities quite like the trip from Liverpool to Edinburgh. In just 3 hours and 33 minutes, Northern and Avanti West Coast whisk you 176 miles from the music-filled streets of Merseyside to the historic heart of Scotland’s capital.

Along the way, the train threads through rolling hills, stone-built villages and stretches of wild countryside before crossing the Pennines and following the River Tyne north. It’s a route that offers as much to look at as it does to look forward to, blending comfort, speed and some of the UK’s most striking scenery.

By using a combination of Avanti West Coast and Northern trains, you can travel from Liverpool to Edinburgh in comfort, knowing you’ll be there before you know it.

Departing from Liverpool Lime Street

Your journey from Liverpool to Edinburgh begins at Liverpool Lime Street, the main railway station in Liverpool. Conveniently located in the heart of the city centre, Liverpool Lime Street is within easy walking distance of shopping areas, restaurants and local attractions.

From Liverpool Lime Street, you can travel north to destinations across Scotland, including Edinburgh and Glasgow. You can also head south to Birmingham, London and the South West. Regional services also connect Liverpool with nearby cities.

Several major operators serve Liverpool Lime Street, including Avanti West Coast, Northern and TransPennine Express, which link Liverpool with Manchester and Leeds. Liverpool Lime Street is the perfect place to start your journey to Edinburgh.

Main stops

The first part of your journey to Edinburgh involves travelling from Liverpool Lime Street to Wigan North Western. This Northern service stops at many stations along the way, including Edge Hill, Wavertree Technology Park, Broad Green, Roby, Huyton, Precot, Eccleston Park, Thatto Heath, St Helens Central and Garswood, before arriving in Wigan.

You will then swap to an Avanti West Coast service from Wigan North Western to Edinburgh Waverley, which stops at Preston (Lancs), Lancaster, Penrith, Carlisle and Haymarket, before pulling into Edinburgh Waverley.

Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley

When you’re making the trip from Liverpool to Edinburgh, you’ll arrive at Edinburgh Waverley.

Found in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, Edinburgh Waverley sits in a stunning valley between the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. It offers easy access to the city’s main streets, attractions and cultural sites, which you can start exploring immediately.

Edinburgh Waverley runs services that connect Scotland with the rest of the UK. ScotRail operates routes across Scotland, linking the station to Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, and Dundee. Plus, Avanti West Coast and LNER provide connections to London, Newcastle and other major cities.

Once you've arrived in Edinburgh Waverley, you’ll immediately find yourself within walking distance of some of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks. The Royal Mile takes you to Edinburgh Castle, while Princes Street with its shops, gardens and stunning views is just across the road. Other nearby highlights include the Scottish National Gallery and the Scott Monument.

Northern and Avanti West Coast train classes

• Standard Class: Travel in comfort and convenience from Liverpool to Edinburgh in Standard Class with both Northern and Avanti West Coast. Wifi makes it easy to stay connected, whether you’re catching up on emails or streaming your favourite television show. Some trains also provide access to plug sockets, so you can keep your devices charged throughout the journey.
• Standard Premium: On Avanti West Coast, you also have the option of travelling in Standard Premium. This gives you a little extra space, roomier seats, more legroom and tables with plug sockets. Standard Premium is ideal if you want to work, relax or enjoy the scenic views as you travel to Scotland.
• First Class: Though there’s no First Class on Northern trains, Avanti West Coast does provide the service. You can travel from Liverpool Lime Street to Edinburgh Waverley First Class and enjoy a more luxurious experience, quieter carriages and complimentary food and drink on some trains. Some stations also offer exclusive lounge access before you board, making your journey feel special from start to finish.

Northern and Avanti West Coast train travel advice

We’ve gathered everything you need to know when you travel from Liverpool to Edinburgh with Northern and Avanti West Coast.

• Luggage - You can bring luggage free of charge on both services, with space available in overhead racks, under seats and in larger storage areas.
• Bikes - Standard bikes and e-bikes are welcome on many trains between Liverpool and Edinburgh, though spaces are limited. It’s always a good idea to see if you can make a reservation in advance, to avoid disappointment.
• Children - Kids under 5 travel free with a paying adult, and children aged between 5 and 15 can get 50% off most tickets. For teens, the 16 - 17 Saver Railcard offers a generous discount on fares, as does the Family & Friends Railcard.
• Pets - You can bring up to two pets on Avanti West Coast and Northern trains free of charge. Pets must be on a lead or in a carrier, and kept off seats.
• Passenger Assist - Assistance is available if you need extra support, from boarding and luggage help to wheelchair space bookings. It’s best to arrange this in advance.