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London to Edinburgh train ticket prices
€43.68
On Thu 07 May
London to Edinburgh train timetable
Travelling from London to Edinburgh, the fastest train takes 4h 6m with an average travel time of 4h 31m. With 56 daily trains, the first departs at 05:45 and the last at 23:45. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
12:33 London Kings Cross | 4h 36m, 1 change | 17:09 Waverley | LNER | Find tickets |
12:40 London Euston | 5h 40m, Direct | 18:20 Waverley | Avanti West Coast | 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?
The average ticket fare from London to Edinburgh is about €43.68, 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 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, there are no direct trains from London to Edinburgh. 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 to Edinburgh?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
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
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?
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 to Edinburgh route?
The London to Edinburgh route is operated by Avanti West Coast. 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
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
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
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
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
* 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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