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Edinburgh to London train ticket prices
£38.37
On Wed 12 Aug
Edinburgh to London train timetable
From Edinburgh to London, take the fastest train in 4h 10m, typically 5h 36m. Daily, 229 trains depart from Edinburgh, with the first at 00:25 and the last at 23:45. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:20 Edinburgh Airport (By Bus or Tram) | 7h 42m, 2 change | 13:02 London Kings Cross | LNER | Find tickets |
05:37 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 4h 13m, Direct | 09:50 London Kings Cross | LNER | Find tickets |
05:37 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 5h 2m, 1 change | 10:39 London Kings Cross | LNER | Find tickets |
05:50 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 4h 43m, Direct | 10:33 London Kings Cross | LNER | Find tickets |
05:50 Edinburgh (Waverley) | 4h 54m, 1 change | 10:44 London St. Pancras International | LNER | Find tickets |
Edinburgh to London train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Edinburgh to London 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 | Edinburgh Waverley | Business, Speed & First Class | Hot food in First Class, "Perks" loyalty credit. |
Lumo | 4h 20m | Edinburgh Waverley | Students, Budget / Eco | 100% Electric, usually the cheapest advance fares. |
5h 40m | Edinburgh Waverley | West Coast Views | Standard Premium (more room without First Class price). | |
7h 30m | Edinburgh Waverley | Business/Overnight | Wake up in Scotland; hotel-style cabins. |
- LNER is the flagship service, running twice an hour from Edinburgh Waverley. It is the best choice for those wanting the full "First Class" experience with complimentary dining and arriving at London Kings Cross in just over 4 hours.
Lumo is a single-class, full-electric service designed to compete with budget airlines; it's often the cheapest option but has stricter luggage policies. Departing from Edinburgh Waverley with the same frequency as LNER, it offers excellent value for budget-conscious travellers.
Avanti services take a longer, westerly route via the Lake District—ideal only if you specifically want to see the Lake District en route and don't mind the additional 90 minutes of travel time.
Caledonian Sleeper provides an overnight service departing Edinburgh Waverley in the evening, allowing you to wake refreshed in London the following morning in hotel-style cabins, perfect for business travellers and those wanting to maximise their time.
Train travel from Edinburgh to London
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 from the heart of Midlothian to the British capital.
Edinburgh Waverley: Getting to the Platform
Edinburgh Waverley is exceptionally well-connected via local transport links, with Waverley Bridge providing direct access to the city centre and multiple bus routes serving the station.
- The Platform Layout: Most London-bound trains (especially Lumo and LNER services) depart from Platforms 10–20, located at the far end of the main concourse. Allow an extra 2–3 minutes to walk to your platform, particularly during peak travel times.
- Pre-Departure: Avoid the main concourse queues and grab something to eat at one of the station's cafés—they offer plenty of space and charging points for your devices. The station has comfortable waiting areas and shops. For a classic Scottish souvenir, the station bookshop and gift shops near the main entrance stock a range of travel reads and local products.
Onboard trains from Edinburgh to London
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 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. Soon after, you’ll get a magnificent view of Durham Cathedral as you cross the viaduct.
Arriving at London Kings Cross
London Kings Cross is located close to Camden Town, in the Central-north part of the city. As you arrive, you can head toward Kings Cross underground inside the station to move in any direction within London or get a bicycle or taxi just outside in the parking space.
- The Regent's Canal Exit (Towards King's Cross Quarter): Follow the exit signs for Regent's Canal and you'll exit the station at the German Gymnasium restaurant. Here you can walk to King's Boulevard to reach Granary Square and the Coal Drops Yard shopping area just across the canal.
- The King's Cross Tunnel: A pedestrian subway tunnel connects King's Cross and St Pancras International stations towards Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard.
- Harry Potter fans: Platform 9¾ is located on the wall in the main station concourse — look for a luggage trolley embedded in the wall. A Harry Potter shop is located right next door.
Onward Travel
King's Cross has two major rail terminals — King's Cross and St Pancras International — with Euston Station just 500 metres away. Direct connections include Heathrow (1 hour on the Piccadilly line), Gatwick (46 mins on National Rail) and Luton (32 mins on National Rail).
Walkability
The King's Cross neighbourhood has been transformed in recent years into one of London's most vibrant new districts. Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard — with restaurants, bars, independent shops and the Regent's Canal — are a five-minute walk from the main concourse via the Regent's Canal exit. The British Library is two minutes' walk to the west.
Edinburgh to London train travel guide
Taking the train from Edinburgh to London is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Edinburgh, you can arrive at London in just 4h 10m, 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 Edinburgh to London?
The average fare from Edinburgh to London is approximately £38.37, 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 Edinburgh to London by train?
What is the fastest train from Edinburgh to London?
The fastest train journey time from Edinburgh to London is 4h 10m. 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 Edinburgh to London?
No, there are no direct trains from Edinburgh to London. 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 Edinburgh to London?
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 Edinburgh to London train timetables?
Edinburgh to London 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 Edinburgh to London trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Edinburgh to London 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?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
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?
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 Edinburgh to London route?
The train from Edinburgh to London is operated by Avanti West Coast. 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
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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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.
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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.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals 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 Edinburgh to London 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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