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London to Edinburgh (Waverley) train ticket prices

Travelling from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train? Find fares from as low as £38.49. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest

£38.49󰄽

On Sat 25 Jul

  • £63.00󰄽
    Fri24 Jul
  • Sat25 Jul
  • £66.60󰄽
    Sun26 Jul
  • £47.90󰄽
    Mon27 Jul
  • £39.90󰄽
    Tue28 Jul
  • £41.40󰄽
    Wed29 Jul
  • £48.90󰄽
    Thu30 Jul

London to Edinburgh (Waverley) train timetable

Travelling from London to Edinburgh (Waverley), the fastest train takes 4h 6m with an average travel time of 4h 40m. With 97 daily trains, the first departs at 00:39 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.

DepartsArrivesOperator

16:00

London Kings Cross
4h 29m, Direct

20:29

Edinburgh (Waverley)
LNER
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16:30

London Kings Cross
4h 6m, Direct

20:36

Edinburgh (Waverley)
LNER
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16:33

London Kings Cross
4h 36m, 1 change

21:09

Edinburgh (Waverley)
CrossCountry
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16:39

London Kings Cross
4h 55m, 1 change

21:34

Edinburgh (Waverley)
LNER
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16:40

London Euston
5h 41m, Direct

22:21

Edinburgh (Waverley)
Avanti West Coast
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London to Edinburgh (Waverley) train tickets and times

Plan your journey from London 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.

Price
From £38.49
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
332 miles (534km)
Journey time
4h 6m
First train
00:39
Last train
23:45
Frequency
97

LNER vs Lumo: Which should you choose?

By Daniel Clark | Updated June 4, 2026

You can personalise your journey from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) according to your travel priorities. Pick between the two main operators on the East Coast Main Line for a fast direct route or budget-friendly, eco-conscious trip.

Train operators
Avg. duration
Departure station
Best for
Feature services
LNER

4h 10m

Business, Speed & First Class

Hot food in First Class, fastest direct route.

Lumo

4h 20m

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 runs twice hourly services from London King's Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley). Enjoy a flagship rail experience with this premium carrier, which includes a luxury First Class offering. 
  • Lumo is a single-class, electric service that provides fast connections between London and Edinburgh. For budget-conscious travellers, this is often the cheapest option, though be aware that it has stricter luggage policies. 
  • Avanti West Coast trains are an alternative, slower option for travel from London to Edinburgh (Waverley). Departing from London Euston, these services offer scenic Lake District views on the West Coast Main Line route.

Train travel from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)

Between the southernmost and northernmost points of the East Coast Main, experience on the UK’s most iconic railway journeys in all its glory. Across 400 miles, our local station secrets will help you get the most out of your trip.

London King’s Cross: Getting to the Platform

King’s Cross is exceptionally well-connected via the London Underground (Northern, Victoria, Piccadilly, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines). If you’re coming from the West End, take the Piccadilly Line for the fastest connection to LNER or Lumo trains.
  • Which King’s Cross concourse?: Most Edinburgh-bound trains depart from Platforms 0 to 8. These platforms are located in a separate concourse passing beneath the main departures board, and at the opposite end of the station to the toilets and other facilities. Make sure to allow plenty of time to walk to your platform!
  • Drinks aplenty: King’s Cross has many places to buy drinks and snacks inside the station, though the best places are around the station. If you have time, head to The After School Cookie Club for premium hand-topped sweet treats. It’s a few minutes north of the station in the regenerated Canal Square, just past Battle Bridge Place (where you can swing in a birdcage!).

Onboard trains from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)

The East Coast Main Line provides some of the UK’s most iconic railway views, from leaving the Big Smoke to arriving in the historic Scottish capital.

  • The View Alert: For the best journey up from London, choose a seat on the Right-Hand Side of the carriage (facing North).
  • Key Landmarks: Some of the best views come near the end of your trip to Edinburgh. After about three hours, you’ll get a stunning vista down to Durham Cathedral as you cross the viaduct. Then, keep an eye out for the Royal Border Bridge, which follows soon after, and offers magnificent views of the North Sea and the rugged Northumberland cliffs.

Arriving at Edinburgh (Waverley)

After four hours, you’ll pull into Edinburgh Waverley. This characterful station is tucked in a valley between the historic Old Town and the Georgian New Town. Finding the right exit from Edinburgh Waverley can be a challenge – especially if you’re weary from your journey! Here’s what to look for.

  • The Princes Street Exit: Head this way if you’re making a beeline for high-street shopping. It's also a great choice for the Edinburgh Tram, which provides access around Edinburgh and beyond, as well as for easy access to the New Town. This exit uses northern ramps, so involves some climbing.
  • The Market Street Exit: Use the southern exit if you are heading to the Royal Mile, an iconic series of streets forming the main thoroughfare of the Old Town. Culture seekers can race to Edinburgh Castle from this exit, while students and visitors will be able to get to Edinburgh University. The Market Street Exit is flatter to navigate.
  • Onward Travel: Walking around Edinburgh is a brilliant way to experience the sights of this famous city, though be warned that it is very hilly! If you have a lot of luggage or the city centre isn’t your final destination, you’ll find taxis at the Market Street taxi rank

London to Edinburgh (Waverley) train travel guide

The train journey from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can get to Edinburgh (Waverley) in just 4h 6m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

How much does it cost for a train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)?

The average ticket fare from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) is about £38.49, 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 (Waverley) by train?

Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. Find the best train route from London to Edinburgh (Waverley).

What is the fastest train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)?

The fastest train journey time from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) 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 (Waverley)?

No, you will need to transfer when travelling from London to Edinburgh (Waverley). TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.

Is it worth taking a train from London 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?

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

Check timetables and during the journey

Are London to Edinburgh (Waverley) trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?

London 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 to Edinburgh (Waverley) trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

Yes, most trains on the route from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company

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?

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

Other things you might be interested

Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes, in the UK, students and seniors can benefit from various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard offers students up to 1/3 off most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy similar savings. Both Railcards can be purchased online or at train stations and are valid for one year, providing great value for frequent travellers

Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.

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 (Waverley) route?

The London to Edinburgh (Waverley) 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Children

    Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.

  • 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.

  • 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 (Waverley) train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
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Compensation and refunds

Your plans have changed?

To change your journey or request a refund, please visit our dedicated ticket refunds and changes page for step-by-step instructions.

Your train was disrupted?

For information on claiming Delay Repay compensation due to a delayed, cancelled, or strike-affected service, consult our delays and disruptions page or our UK rail strike page. These pages also provide live service updates.

* 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.