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London to Edinburgh train ticket prices
€41.40
On Tue 07 Apr
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
11:30 London Kings Cross | 4h 8m, Direct | 15:38 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
11:33 London Kings Cross | 4h 34m, 1 change | 16:07 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
12:03 London Kings Cross | 4h 24m, Direct | 16:27 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
12:14 London Kings Cross | 4h 21m, Direct | 16:35 Waverley | Lumo | Find tickets |
12:30 London Kings Cross | 4h 12m, Direct | 16:42 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.
LNER vs Lumo: Which should you choose?
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 | London Kings Cross | 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. |
Avanti West Coast | 5h 40m | London Euston | West Coast Views | Standard Premium (more room without First Class price). |
Caledonian Sleeper | 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
The train journey from London to Edinburgh combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can get to Edinburgh 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 to Edinburgh?
Ticket prices from London to Edinburgh average around €41.40, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
What is the best way to travel from London to Edinburgh by train?
What is the fastest train from London to Edinburgh?
The fastest train journey time from London to Edinburgh is 4h 6m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
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, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.
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
Are London to Edinburgh trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
London 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?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
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?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the London to Edinburgh route?
The route from London to Edinburgh is operated by Avanti West Coast. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
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
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
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed 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 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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