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London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) train ticket prices
£37.90
On Fri 27 Mar
London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) train timetable
Travelling from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley), the fastest train takes 4h 6m with an average travel time of 4h 21m. With 36 daily trains, the first departs at 05:45 and the last at 23:33. Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 on weekdays, and all-day Off-Peak on weekends and bank holidays. Keep informed of live train status, times, delays, and cancellations with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
13:03 London Kings Cross | 4h 28m, Direct | 17:31 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
13:30 London Kings Cross | 4h 8m, Direct | 17:38 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
14:03 London Kings Cross | 4h 25m, Direct | 18:28 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
14:15 London Kings Cross | 4h 17m, Direct | 18:32 Waverley | Lumo | Find tickets |
14:30 London Kings Cross | 4h 10m, Direct | 18:40 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) 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.
LNER vs Lumo
Travelling from London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley offers two main direct options, depending on your priorities: speed or budget. While LNER dominates in frequency and amenities, Lumo provides a budget-friendly, fully electric alternative. The table below summarises the main differences for easy comparison.
Train operator | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Featured services |
LNER | 4h 8m | Frequency & comfort | Free Wi-Fi, "Let’s Eat" at-seat ordering, First Class dining, quiet coaches | |
Lumo | 4h 30m | London King's Cross | Budget travelers | 100% Electric, Free Wi-Fi ("LumoGo"), one-class "LumoEats" pre-order |
Key comparison facts:
- Connectivity: All services offer Free Wi-Fi, though LNER’s Azuma trains generally provide the most reliable connection for work.
- Sustainability: Lumo is fully electric, offering the lowest carbon footprint for domestic travellers.
- Luggage: LNER has generous luggage racks, while Lumo restricts larger suitcases to maximise seating.
Train travels from London King's Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley)
The journey between London King's Cross and Edinburgh Waverley takes 4–4.5 hours on the fastest services. LNER dominates with multiple daily departures, but Lumo and indirect services are also options. Knowing station layouts, local transport links, and scenic seating enhances both comfort and enjoyment.
Departure from London King's Cross
King’s Cross is a busy, iconic terminus managed by Network Rail and serves as the southern terminus of the East Coast Main Line.
Specific transport links
- London Underground: Six lines serve the station – Victoria, Piccadilly, Northern (Bank branch), Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan.
- Victoria Line: Fastest link to Victoria, Oxford Circus, and Brixton.
- Piccadilly Line: Direct route to Heathrow Airport.
- Local Buses: Stops outside on Euston Road/York Way; key routes include 73, 390, 91.
- Proximity: 2-minute walk to St Pancras International; 10-minute walk to Euston Station.
Station layout
- Main Concourse: Platforms 0–8 for long-distance services, including LNER to Edinburgh.
- Suburban Platforms: Platforms 9–11, now relabelled, serve regional trains.
- Platform 9 ¾: Photo spot near main concourse entrances.
Pre-departure essentials
For a quick coffee, try Pret A Manger or Caffe Nero. Grab a “meal deal” from M&S Simply Food or Little Waitrose, or enjoy a hot meal at Leon. If time permits, The Parcel Yard pub offers a sit-down option. These facilities make boarding relaxed and convenient.
Onboard trains from London King's Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley)
During the 4–4.5-hour journey, passengers can enjoy the striking scenery along the East Coast Main Line, with specific seating and information on key landmarks enhancing the experience.
The scenic side
- Sit on the right-hand side for the best views north, including the Northumberland coast and the cliffside section between Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Key landmarks
- Durham Cathedral & Castle: Visible from the left-hand window when passing Durham station.
- Royal Border Bridge: Panoramic views on the right before crossing into Scotland at Berwick-upon-Tweed.
- North Sea coastline: Stretching from Alnmouth to Berwick, ideal for photographers.
- River Tweed: Beautiful river vistas as the train approaches the Scottish border.
Arriving at Edinburgh (Waverley)
Edinburgh Waverley sits in a valley between Old Town and New Town. Knowing the correct exit and onward travel options ensures you reach your destination efficiently and avoids unnecessary hills or steps.
The correct exit
- Princes Street (Exit 1): Best for New Town, shopping, luxury hotels like The Balmoral, and the Scottish National Gallery.
- Market Street (Exit 3): Leads directly to the Old Town, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and main taxi rank.
- Waverley Bridge (Exit 2): Ideal for airport buses (Airlink 100) and sightseeing tours.
Onward travel
- Trams: St Andrew Square stop, 5-minute walk from Princes Street exit, links to Murrayfield Stadium and Edinburgh Airport.
- Buses: Frequent Lothian Bus services along Princes Street (North exit) and North Bridge.
- Coaches: Edinburgh Bus Station is a 5-minute walk north via the Princes Street exit.
- Taxis: Available from the Market Street exit, especially useful with luggage.
Walkability
Waverley is at the geographic heart of Edinburgh. The Royal Mile is a 5-minute uphill walk from the Market Street exit; Princes Street Gardens are immediately accessible from the north. Edinburgh’s steep terrain may necessitate taxis if carrying heavy luggage, but the city remains highly walkable for sightseeing and short transfers.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) train travel guide
The train journey from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London Kings Cross, you can get to Edinburgh (Waverley) in just 4h 6m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
The average fare from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) is approximately £37.90, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
How do I find the best train route from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
What is the fastest train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
The fastest train journey time from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) is 4h 6m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
Are there direct trains from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
No, there are no direct trains from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley). 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 London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
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 (Waverley) train timetables?
London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
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 (Waverley) trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) 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?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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 (Waverley) route?
The London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) route is operated by LNER. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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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 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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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
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley) 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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