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London to Edinburgh train ticket prices
€40.98
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London to Edinburgh train timetable
From London to Edinburgh, take the fastest train in 4h 6m, typically 5h 16m. Daily, 194 trains depart from London, with the first at 00:04 and the last at 23:59. During Off-Peak times starting at 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter space with fewer people. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. We save you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
10:30 London Kings Cross | 4h 9m, Direct | 14:39 Edinburgh (Waverley) | LNER | Find tickets |
10:33 London Kings Cross | 4h 37m, 1 change | 15:10 Edinburgh (Waverley) | LNER | Find tickets |
10:33 London Kings Cross | 5h 1m, 1 change | 15:34 Edinburgh (Waverley) | LNER | Find tickets |
10:33 London Euston | 5h 45m, 1 change | 16:18 Edinburgh (Waverley) | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
10:40 London Kings Cross | 4h 54m, 1 change | 15:34 Edinburgh (Waverley) | LNER | 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.
Related travel guides
Why book London to Edinburgh trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from London to Edinburgh start from just €40.98 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., Lumo, Great Northern, Thameslink on the London to Edinburgh route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
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 €40.98, 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.
What is the best way to travel from London to Edinburgh by train?
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?
London to Edinburgh 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?
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?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
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?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the London to Edinburgh route?
The train from London to Edinburgh is operated by Lumo. 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
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.
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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
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 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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