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London Kings Cross to Edinburgh train ticket prices
£40.00
On Mon 04 May
London Kings Cross to Edinburgh train timetable
Journey from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh on the fastest train in 4h 6m, usually 4h 29m. Every day, 48 trains leave from London Kings Cross, starting at 05:45 and ending at 23:33. During Off-Peak Times from 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter and less crowded journey. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:45 London Kings Cross | 4h 12m, Direct | 09:57 Waverley | Lumo | Find tickets |
05:48 London Kings Cross | 4h 40m, Direct | 10:28 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
06:30 London Kings Cross | 4h 8m, Direct | 10:38 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
06:33 London Kings Cross | 4h 35m, 1 change | 11:08 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
07:03 London Kings Cross | 4h 30m, Direct | 11:33 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
London Kings Cross to Edinburgh train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh 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.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LNER | 4h 10m | London King’s Cross | Business travel, frequent departures & First Class comfort | Complimentary First Class dining and LNER loyalty rewards. |
Lumo | 4h 20m | London King’s Cross | Low fares & greener journeys | All-electric trains with typically the lowest advance fares. |
- LNER runs the most frequent services on the route, with trains departing at least twice an hour from London King’s Cross railway station. It’s the best choice for travellers looking for flexibility and a premium onboard experience, including the option of First Class with complimentary dining.
- Lumo offers a single-class, all-electric service between London and Scotland, focused on simple, low-cost travel. With a streamlined service onboard and competitive pricing, it’s often the cheapest option for advance tickets on the route.
Train travel from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh
From the bustling energy of King’s Cross to the medieval skyline of Edinburgh, this 380-mile journey connects two of Britain’s great cities by rail. Make the most of these insider tips to maximise your journey from London to the Scottish capital.
London King’s Cross: Getting to the Platform
- The Platform Tip: LNER and Lumo both run Edinburgh services from King’s Cross, but they often depart from different parts of the station. LNER trains usually depart from platforms 8-11 on the main concourse, while Lumo frequently departs from the suburban platforms 1-2, a short 2-minute walk to the left of the main departure boards. Platforms are only announced shortly before departure, so keep an eye on the boards.
- Pre-Departure: For a relaxed start to your journey, drop by The Parcel Yard pub and restaurant for coffee or breakfast with views over the platforms. If you’re visiting for the first time, the Platform 9¾ Harry Potter shop near platforms 9-11 is also definitely worth a quick look.
Onboard trains from London King's Cross to Edinburgh
Once onboard, the journey north along the East Coast Main Line offers some of the most beautiful railway scenery in Britain, linking historic cities, cathedral towns and dramatic coastal landscapes between England and Scotland.
- The View Alert: For the best scenery, aim to sit on the right-hand side of the train as you face north. After Newcastle, the line hugs the Northumberland coast, offering sweeping views of the North Sea, with its sandy beaches and rugged cliffs.
- Key Landmarks: As the train heads north, look out for dramatic views of Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle rising above the River Wear. The route then passes through Newcastle upon Tyne, where the city’s famous bridges span the River Tyne.
Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley
Set in a natural valley beneath Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Waverley sits directly between the city’s Old Town and New Town, making it one of the most central stations in the UK. Picking the right exit helps you reach both parts of town quickly.
- The Princes Street Exit: Use this exit for Princes Street, St Andrew Square and the New Town. It’s also the easiest way to reach bus stops and the Edinburgh Tram, which connects the city centre with Edinburgh Airport.
- The Market Street Exit: Choose the Market Street side if you’re heading uphill towards the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle or the university district. The taxi rank is also located here.
- Onward Travel: Taxis and ride pickups operate from Market Street, while frequent buses run along Princes Street above the station. Most major attractions are within easy walking distance if you don’t mind tackling a few hills.
London Kings Cross to Edinburgh train travel guide
Travelling by train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from London Kings Cross, you can reach Edinburgh in just 4h 6m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh?
The average ticket fare from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh is about £40.00, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.
What is the best way to travel from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh by train?
What is the fastest train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh?
The quickest train journey from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh takes 4h 6m . 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 London Kings Cross to Edinburgh?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh?
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
How do I find London Kings Cross to Edinburgh train timetables?
London Kings Cross to Edinburgh 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?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do London Kings Cross to Edinburgh trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the London Kings Cross to Edinburgh 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?
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 London Kings Cross to Edinburgh route?
The train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh 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
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
How to buy cheap London Kings Cross to Edinburgh train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* 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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