York to Edinburgh (Waverley) Trains From £9.65*

Travel from one of the UK’s most historic and atmospheric cities to another with a direct LNER train from York to Edinburgh Waverley, arriving in the Scottish capital in just under three hours.

Enjoy views as you make your way north aboard this York to Edinburgh Waverley train of Northumberland’s golden beaches, the dramatic silhouettes of Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh Castles, and the breathtaking North Sea coast with its rugged coves and headlands.

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) operates high-speed trains up and down the East Coast Main Line, linking London King’s Cross with major cities such as Leeds, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh, as well as regional hubs including Peterborough, Doncaster and Wakefield.

Departing from York

Just a short walk from the historic city walls and only 15-minutes from the city’s medieval heart, York railway station is a key stop on the East Coast Main Line and one of the grandest and busiest stations in northern England.

With its sweeping curved roof, Victorian architecture and elegant concourse, York railway station offers step-free access, lifts, shops, cafés, ticket machines and public Wi-Fi. Managed by LNER, the station is easily accessible by bus, car and taxi with a short-stay car park, and pick-up and drop-off points conveniently right outside.

From York, LNER operates frequent high-speed trains south to London King’s Cross and north to Newcastle and Edinburgh, while CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, Northern, and Grand Central provide connections to a wide variety of destinations across the region, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Scarborough and Sunderland.

Main stops

Travelling from York to Edinburgh Waverley with CrossCountry, your journey will take you through the historic cities of Darlington, Durham, and Newcastle, before continuing north through Morpeth and Berwick-upon-Tweed and on to the Scottish capital. LNER services typically also call at Darlington, Newcastle, and Berwick-upon-Tweed, though some services offer a few extra stops along the scenic East Coast Main Line, calling at Northallerton, Durham, Morpeth, and Alnmouth.

Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley

Arriving into Edinburgh Waverley station, you’ll alight right in the beating heart of Scotland’s capital, nestled between the medieval Old Town and the elegant Georgian New Town. From the Market Street exit, it’s just a short walk to the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh Waverley railway station serves not only as Edinburgh’s main rail hub but also as a launchpad for adventures all across Scotland, with direct services to Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness and the Highlands.

Step out of the station and dive straight into the magic of Scotland’s capital, from where you can explore the elegant boutique-lined curve of Victoria Street, tour the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse and the dramatic Holyrood Park and Abbey ruins, or stroll along the Water of Leith to Dean Village, one of Edinburgh’s most enchanting hidden gems.

LNER train classes

• Standard Class: Enjoy a smooth ride from York to Edinburgh Waverley onboard one of LNER’s state-of-the-art Azuma trains. Settle into your ergonomic seat, make use of the free Wi-Fi and power sockets, and enjoy locally sourced food and drinks from the onboard café.
• First Class: Travel York to Edinburgh Waverley first class for a more premium experience, complete with spacious reclining seats, larger tables, and a complimentary refreshment service made from locally sourced ingredients and served directly to your seat.

LNER travel advice

If you’re planning your train journey from York to Edinburgh Waverley with LNER, here’s everything you need to know before you go – from travelling with luggage and bikes to family tickets, pets, and accessibility support.

• Luggage: Passengers can bring up to three items onboard LNER services for free, including a holdall, cabin case or large suitcase. Luggage should be stowed in overhead racks, at end-of-carriage luggage stacks, or under your seat, keeping aisles and doorways clear.
• Bicycles: LNER welcomes standard bikes and e-bikes onboard its services with a free reservation. Space, however, is limited, so it’s best to book ahead, especially for travel during peak hours. Folding bikes can be brought on board at any time and on any service, as long as they are folded and stored as luggage. E-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: Kids under five can travel free of charge, while children aged 5-15 only pay 50% on standard and first-class fares. Older children can also access half-price tickets with a 16-17 Saver railcard.
• Pets: Passengers may bring up to two pets on board free of charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead and off seats, and smaller animals should be transported securely in a pet carrier.
• Passenger Assist: If you require help with boarding, handling luggage or navigating stations, you can book Passenger Assist in advance, either at the time of booking, via the app or by requesting help from staff at major stations on the day of travel.

Take a direct CrossCountry train from York to Edinburgh Waverley and travel from one iconic city rich in history and legend to another, arriving in the Scottish capital in around two hours and forty minutes.

Climb aboard your York to Edinburgh Waverley train and enjoy some of Britain’s most spectacular scenery – from Northumberland’s wide golden beaches, the rugged cliffs around Berwick-upon-Tweed, and the shimmering seas and sweeping bays of the North Sea coast.

Spanning the length of Britain all the way from Penzance to Aberdeen, CrossCountry runs one of the UK’s most extensive long-distance rail networks. With Birmingham as its central hub, the network links key destinations such as Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Newcastle and Edinburgh.

CrossCountry train classes 

• Standard Class: Whether you’re travelling on a high-speed Voyager or a regional Turbostar, onboard CrossCountry services you can enjoy spacious seating and free Wi-Fi throughout your journey. Most services also include a trolley or at-seat catering service, so you can sit back and unwind with a snack or drink as the scenery rolls by.
• First Class: Travel from York to Edinburgh Waverley first class for a quieter, more spacious experience with reclining seats, generous legroom, and tables ideal for working or relaxing. Complimentary drinks and light refreshments are available on most services.

CrossCountry train travel advice

Before you board your York to Edinburgh Waverley train with CrossCountry, here’s a quick guide covering everything you need to know in advance, from travelling with luggage and bikes to children’s tickets, pets and accessibility support.

• Luggage: As storage space can be limited on some services, CrossCountry advises travelling with just one medium-sized bag. On Voyager trains, larger suitcases can be stored in the dedicated racks found in Coaches D and J.
• Bicycles: Both standard bikes and electric bikes are welcome on board CrossCountry services with a free reservation, though spaces are limited, so it’s recommended to book early. Folding bikes do not require a reservation and can be brought on board at any time as long as they are folded and stowed as luggage.
• Children: Kids under five can travel free of charge, while children aged 5-15 get 50% off standard adult fares. Families can save even more with a Family & Friends railcard, offering a third off adult fares and 60% off children’s fares, and 16- and 17-year-olds can also save 50% on tickets with a 16–17 Saver railcard.
• Pets: Passengers may bring up to two pets on board CrossCountry trains free of charge. Dogs, however, must be kept on a lead or transported securely in a pet carrier.
• Passenger Assist: If you need a hand with boarding, carrying luggage, or getting around stations, you can pre-book Passenger Assist (either through the app or at the time of purchasing your tickets) or request assistance from staff on the day of travel.