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London to Edinburgh train ticket prices
£31.90
On Sat 13 Jun
London to Edinburgh train timetable
Journey from London to Edinburgh on the fastest train in 4h 6m, usually 4h 31m. Every day, 56 trains leave from London, starting at 05:45 and ending at 23:45. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
18:30 London Kings Cross | 4h 10m, Direct | 22:40 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
19:00 London Kings Cross | 4h 35m, Direct | 23:35 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
19:30 London Kings Cross | 4h 9m, Direct | 23:39 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
20:03 London Kings Cross | 4h 35m, Direct | 00:38 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
20:30 London Kings Cross | 4h 12m, Direct | 00:42 Waverley | Lumo | Find tickets |
London to Edinburgh train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London 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.
Choose between the main operators on the East Coast Main Line. Whether you value a premium experience with First Class and special meals, a budget-friendly option, or a fully electric and eco-conscious journey.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
LNER | 4h 10m | Business, Speed & First Class | Hot food in First Class, "Perks" loyalty credit. | |
Lumo | 4h 20m | London Kings Cross | Students, Budget / Eco | 100% Electric, usually the cheapest advance fares. |
5h 40m | West Coast Views | Standard Premium (more room without First Class price). | ||
7h 30m | London Euston | Business/Overnight | Wake up in Scotland; hotel-style cabins. |
- LNER is the flagship service, running twice an hour from London Kings Cross. It is the best choice for those wanting the full "First Class" experience with complimentary dining.
- Lumo is a single-class, electric service designed to compete with budget airlines; it’s often the cheapest option but has stricter luggage policies.
- Avanti services depart from Euston and take a longer, westerly route—ideal only if you specifically want to see the Lake District en route.
Train travel from London to Edinburgh
Taking a 400-mile journey across the border is no problem if you know all the secrets of the local stations. Here is what you need to know to travel to the heart of Midlothian.
London King’s Cross: Getting to the Platform
- The "0-8" Secret: Most Edinburgh-bound trains (especially Lumo) depart from Platforms 0–8. These are located in a separate concourse to the right of the main departures board. Allow an extra 2–3 minutes to walk there.
- Pre-Departure: Avoid the main concourse queues and grab a coffee at The Parcel Yard pub—it has plenty of space and charging points. For a classic tourist snap, the Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾ shop is located near the entrance to platforms 9-11.
Onboard trains from London to Edinburgh
Once you’ve boarded, the East Coast Main Line offers some of the UK’s most iconic railway views.
- The View Alert: To see the best of the British coastline, ensure you book a seat on the Right-Hand Side of the carriage (facing North).
- Key Landmarks: Keep your camera ready about 3 hours into the journey. You’ll get a magnificent view of Durham Cathedral as you cross the viaduct. Shortly after, as you pass Berwick-upon-Tweed, you’ll cross the Royal Border Bridge with stunning views of the North Sea and the rugged Northumberland cliffs.
Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley
Edinburgh Waverley is tucked in a valley between the historic Old Town and the Georgian New Town. It can be a maze of ramps and lifts, so picking the right exit is key.
- The Princes Street Exit: Head this way (via the northern ramps) for high-street shopping, the Edinburgh Tram link to the airport, and easy access to the New Town.
- The Market Street Exit: Use the southern exit if you are heading to the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, or the university. This exit is flatter but leads directly into the heart of the historic Old Town.
London to Edinburgh train travel guide
Taking the train from London to Edinburgh is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can arrive at Edinburgh in just 4h 6m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Edinburgh?
The average fare from London to Edinburgh is approximately £31.90, 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 to Edinburgh?
What is the fastest train from London to Edinburgh?
The quickest train journey from London 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 to Edinburgh?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from London to Edinburgh. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from London 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?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find London to Edinburgh train timetables?
While London to Edinburgh trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from London to Edinburgh is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover 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 London to Edinburgh trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the London 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?
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?
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
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 to Edinburgh route?
The train from London to Edinburgh is operated by Avanti West Coast. 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
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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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.
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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.
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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 London 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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