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Edinburgh to London train ticket prices
£40.60
On Wed 13 May
Edinburgh to London train timetable
Travelling from Edinburgh to London, the fastest train takes 4h 9m with an average travel time of 4h 32m. With 50 daily trains, the first departs at 05:37 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
14:52 Waverley | 6h 2m, Direct | 20:54 London Euston | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
15:00 Waverley | 4h 19m, Direct | 19:19 London Kings Cross | LNER | Find tickets |
15:26 Waverley | 4h 11m, Direct | 19:37 London Kings Cross | Lumo | Find tickets |
15:30 Waverley | 4h 31m, Direct | 20:01 London Kings Cross | LNER | Find tickets |
16:00 Waverley | 4h 11m, Direct | 20:11 London Kings Cross | 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.
LNER, Lumo, Avanti or Caledonian: 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 | 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. |
Avanti West Coast | 5h 40m | Edinburgh Waverley | West Coast Views | Standard Premium (more room without First Class price). |
Caledonian Sleeper | 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 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
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
Travelling by train from Edinburgh to London is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Edinburgh, you can reach London in just 4h 9m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Edinburgh to London?
The average ticket fare from Edinburgh to London is about £40.60, 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.
How do I find the best train route from Edinburgh to London?
What is the fastest train from Edinburgh to London?
The fastest train journey time from Edinburgh to London is 4h 9m. 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, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Edinburgh to London. 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 Edinburgh to London?
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
How do I find Edinburgh to London train timetables?
Edinburgh to London 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?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
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?
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?
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 Edinburgh to London route?
The Edinburgh to London 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
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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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
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.
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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 Edinburgh to London 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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