- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum with collections spanning natural history, science, design, fashion, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$65
Average price
$159
Fastest journey
4 h 6 m
Average duration
4 h 7 m
Trains per day
50
Distance
534 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Edinburgh will cost around $159 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.
Of the 50 trains that leave London for Edinburgh on Fri, Jun 05, 41 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 05 the direct trains cover the 534 km distance in an average of 4 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 6 m .
On Fri, Jun 05 the slowest trains will take 4 h 8 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
G25678
G25677
G25679
C01971
G80274
G80257
G80209
G80251
G80215
G80226Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $26.
Distance: 331 miles (534 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$126 Average price | $61 Average price Cheapest | $140 Average price | $199 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 6m Average total duration 4h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 14m Average total duration 5h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 21m Average total duration Fastest 4h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 1.6 - 3.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Edinburgh:
A bus is $66 (€53) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Edinburgh costing on average $126 (€102).
A bus is $79 (€64) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Edinburgh costing on average $140 (€113).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 36m.
Bus takes on average 5h 44m.
The journey is about 3h 18m faster (4h 36m by train vs 7h 54m by car) and roughly $73 (€59) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($126 (€102) vs $199 (€160)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with London North Eastern Railway, Lumo, Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Lumo.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for London to Edinburgh trains for today, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G80272 | 7:00 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h35 | 11:35 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80274 | On time 8:03 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h35 | 12:38 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G25678 | On time 8:30 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h12 | 12:42 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 5 | |||||
G25677 | 5:45 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h12 | 9:57 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01971 | 5:48 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h40 | 10:28 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80198 | 6:30 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h08 | 10:38 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02049+ G66982 | 6:33 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h35 | 11:08 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W34144 | 6:33 AM London Euston (EUS) | 5h47 | 12:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80199 | 7:03 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h30 | 11:33 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80203 | 7:30 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h08 | 11:38 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02010+ G01055 | 7:33 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h39 | 12:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G80205 | 8:03 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h27 | 12:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80209 | 8:30 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h07 | 12:37 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02000+ G66987 | 8:33 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h37 | 1:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W33941 | 8:40 AM London Euston (EUS) | 5h39 | 2:19 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80211 | 9:03 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h29 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80215 | 9:30 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h08 | 1:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02036+ G01060 | 9:33 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h37 | 2:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G80216 | 10:03 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h24 | 2:27 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G25698 | 10:15 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h17 | 2:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80221 | 10:30 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h09 | 2:39 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34286 | 10:40 AM London Euston (EUS) | 5h38 | 4:18 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80224 | 11:03 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h31 | 3:34 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80226 | 11:30 AM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h08 | 3:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80228 | 12:03 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h24 | 4:27 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G25679 | 12:14 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h21 | 4:35 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80232 | 12:30 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h12 | 4:42 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02047+ G01067 | 12:33 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h36 | 5:09 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W34290 | 12:40 PM London Euston (EUS) | 5h40 | 6:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80234 | 1:03 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h28 | 5:31 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80237 | 1:30 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h08 | 5:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80241 | 2:03 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h27 | 6:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G25683 | 2:15 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h17 | 6:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80245 | 2:30 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h10 | 6:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02040+ G01073 | 2:33 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h38 | 7:11 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W34289 | 2:40 PM London Euston (EUS) | 5h44 | 8:24 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80247 | 3:03 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h30 | 7:33 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80251 | 3:30 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h07 | 7:37 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01984+ G01074 | 3:33 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h32 | 8:05 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C01943 | 4:00 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h29 | 8:29 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80257 | 4:30 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h06 | 8:36 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80147+ G01080 | 4:33 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h36 | 9:09 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W34291 | 4:40 PM London Euston (EUS) | 5h41 | 10:21 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80259 | 5:03 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h31 | 9:34 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80263 | 5:30 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h10 | 9:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80148+ G01082 | 5:33 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h41 | 10:14 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G80266 | 6:00 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h35 | 10:35 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80268 | 6:30 PM London Kings Cross (KGX) | 4h10 | 10:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
By Jessica Owen
When traveling from London to Edinburgh by train, you can choose from three companies: Avanti, LNER, or Lumo. In this guide, I’ll compare all three operators so you can make the best choice for your trip. My preference is LNER due to their more frequent trains and excellent onboard facilities. However, that’s not to say the other options are bad.

The grand Victorian exterior of London King's Cross train station.
LNER and Lumo both depart from London King’s Cross and travel along the East Coast Mainline. Avanti operates from London Euston station and up the West Coast Mainline. All arrive at Edinburgh Waverley station. Lumo has the fastest journey times from London to Edinburgh at 4 hours and 17 minutes, followed by LNER, taking 4 hours and 20 minutes. Avanti is the slowest at 5 hours and 40 minutes, which is why I avoid Avanti for this route. For details on Avanti, check out Omio's London to Manchester guide. I advise not taking a flight from London to Edinburgh. While the flight itself takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, London’s airports are far from the city center. By the time you factor in travel to the airport, security checks, and waiting around, you could already be halfway to Edinburgh aboard a train cruising at 125 mph (200 km/h), which is a far more relaxing option!
Booking on Omio was easy. I simply chose my time and class of travel, and within moments of booking, my ticket was ready to use! Although LNER and Lumo operate similar Hitachi-built trains, the onboard experience is quite different, as I detail below.
After checking the departure boards for my platform, I went through the automatic ticket barriers and proceeded to board my train. On Lumo, all tickets come with a seat reservation. Trains are always very full, so ensure you sit in your assigned seat. With LNER, off-peak trains are less busy. If you have an assigned seat, I recommend sitting there. Otherwise, you’re free to sit at any unreserved seat (indicated by a green light above each seat).
Lumo Lumo operates on a low-cost model (think Ryanair on rails!). With just five services per day, the choice is limited. There are strict baggage limits (one small and one medium suitcase only). No bulky items or bicycles are allowed. Lumo only offers Standard Class seating, with 25 rows per carriage and just two tables, so legroom is limited, and the carriages can feel cramped. LNER LNER trains from London to Edinburgh depart every 30 minutes, with 26 services per day. LNER is a more enjoyable traveling experience, with a maximum of 23 seat rows and eight tables per carriage. The state-run operator offers a more generous baggage allowance (including bicycles), as well as the option to upgrade to First Class. Onboard Food & Drinks Lumo: Offers an at-seat trolley service that sells sandwiches, snacks like biscuits and crisps, and drinks like coffee, tea, and soda. LNER: Has an onboard shop you can visit at your leisure. By scanning a QR code, you can order hot meals, snacks, and drinks such as coffee and wine and get them to your seat. I tried the Curry Nanster (a curry-filled naan wrap) with a glass of white wine. Both Lumo and LNER have Wi-Fi on board, though it’s quite slow and has patchy coverage. It’s fine for general browsing and streaming music, but you may struggle to stream video with it. I recommend you download some content before you head out! Omio made it super easy to book my London to Edinburgh train tickets. I just picked my departure time and how flexible I wanted my ticket to be, and then my ticket was ready to go. Tickets usually go on sale 12 weeks in advance, but for some dates, you can book as early as 6 months before. Lumo is often cheaper than LNER, but those low fares sell out fast, so it’s worth booking early!
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €60.90 |
| Food & drinks | €6 |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 66.9 |
Traveling from London to Edinburgh by train with Lumo might be cheaper and a bit quicker than with LNER, but I prefer the ambiance and overall experience on LNER trains. Their more frequent service is a real advantage during disruptions, but honestly, there’s nothing wrong with Lumo if you plan ahead.

Trains from London to Edinburgh run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 (€38) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by flight.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 331 miles (534 km) distance in 4h 8m.
Distance 331 miles (534 km) |
Average train duration 4h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 4h 8m |
First train 4:45 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
Scotland’s flagship museum with collections spanning natural history, science, design, fashion, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.
The national art gallery in central Edinburgh, known for European masters and Scottish art. Easy to combine with Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Mile.
A striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of people who shaped Scottish history and culture. Popular for both the collection and the architecture.
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street, linking the castle and Holyroodhouse through closes, courtyards, shops, and major heritage sites.
A central public garden below the castle with iconic skyline views, floral displays, and easy access to both Old and New Town sights.
One of the city’s classic viewpoints, known for panoramic views, monuments, and sunrise or sunset photography. Especially popular on social media.
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a savory pudding traditionally made with minced offal, oats, onion, and spices, served with mashed turnips and potatoes.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, closely associated with the northeast but widely loved in Edinburgh.
A hearty traditional soup made with barley, root vegetables, and usually lamb or mutton, valued as classic Scottish comfort food.
A popular gastropub by Tom Kitchin serving refined Scottish pub classics in a warm, stylish, and relaxed setting.
A long-established local favorite serving traditional Scottish dishes with local ingredients in a comfortable, accessible city-center setting.
One of Scotland’s oldest pubs, offering classic Scottish food and a historic tavern atmosphere slightly outside the city center.
Expensive by UK standards. Hotels peak in summer and festival season, while pubs and casual dining are more manageable.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not already included. Round up for taxis. Tips are optional in pubs and cafes.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Edinburgh by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need