Trains from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)
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London to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train
It takes an average of 5h 39m to travel from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train, over a distance of around 332 miles (534 km). There are normally 59 trains per day travelling from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) and tickets for this journey start from £34.90 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:45 | |
| Departure station | London | |
| Arrival station | Edinburgh (Waverley) | |
| Journey time | From 4h 11m | |
| Distance | 332 miles (534 km) | |
| Frequency | 59 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £34.90 | |
| Train operators | Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, London North Eastern Railway, Lumo |
Travelling from London to Edinburgh by train
If you want to travel from London to Edinburgh by train, you've come to the right place.
The train from London to Edinburgh usually takes around 5 hours and 45 minutes but can take just 4 hours and 11 minutes on the fastest services, with around 59 trains running on this popular route every day. As soon as you board the train, you'll be able to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the journey as there are direct services available.
You'll be travelling with Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Lumo or Caledonian Sleeper on this route depending on the railway station you'll be leaving from. LNER and Lumo trains depart from London Kings Cross, while Avanti West Coast and Caledonian Sleeper services depart from London Euston station.
If you’d like to save money on your train tickets from London to Edinburgh, make sure you travel at Off-Peak times or try booking an Advance ticket, as it’s usually cheaper than booking tickets on the day of travel. You can compare all times and prices in our Journey Planner at the top of the page.
Once you’ve stepped off the train, you’ll find yourself in the bustling centre of the Scottish capital. From here, you can walk to some of Scotland’s most famous landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and the National Museum of Scotland.
Ready to book? Start a search for cheap train tickets from London to Edinburgh in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. Want to find out more about the journey first? Keep reading for information on:
- LNER simpler fares
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Train operators from London to Edinburgh
- LNER train classes
- Avanti train classes
- Lumo train classes
- Caledonian Sleeper classes
- Food and drinks on trains from London to Edinburgh
- Services on trains from London to Edinburgh
- Travelling to the train station in London
- What to know about London train stations
- Arriving in Edinburgh
- Using public transport in Edinburgh
- Things to see and do in Edinburgh and Scotland
- Popular train journeys from Edinburgh
- Reviews of the journey from London to Edinburgh.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) take?
The average journey time by train between London and Edinburgh (Waverley) is 5 hours and 39 minutes, with around 59 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between London and Edinburgh (Waverley) by train?
The fastest journey time by train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) is 4 hours and 11 minutes.
How much does the train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) cost?
Train ticket prices from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) can start from as little as £34.90 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
Yes, it is possible to travel from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) without having to change trains. There are 59 direct trains from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) leave?
The first train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) leaves at 04:46. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) leave?
The last train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) leaves at 23:45. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between London and Edinburgh (Waverley) by train?
Trains travelling from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) cover a distance of around 332 miles (534 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from London to Edinburgh (Waverley).
Cheap train tickets from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for London to Edinburgh (Waverley) is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.
Enjoy Simpler Fares from London to Edinburgh with LNER
LNER’s new Simpler Fares pilot launched on the journey between London and Edinburgh in January 2024. There are now just three ticket types available to buy for travel, to make planning your journey easier:
Advance (non-flexible)
This ticket remains the same and is valid for a specific time and date that you book in advance. Find out more about Advance train tickets.
70min Flex (semi-flexible)
This new ticket type is valid for a single journey and allows you to travel on any LNER service that departs up to 70 minutes before or after your original booked train. Like Advance tickets, you’ll have a seat reservation on your original booked train, but can simply board another valid train and find an available seat with your 70min Flex ticket.
Anytime (fully-flexible)
This ticket remains the same and is valid on any service within the booked date validity. Find out more about Anytime train tickets.
Can I book the 70min Flex ticket on Trainline?
Yes you can! Once you search for times and tickets, you’ll be able to find the new 70min Flex ticket in the ‘Compare all ticket types’ section on our website and ‘First Class and more’ section on our app.
Related FAQs on the train journey from London to Edinburgh
Which train company goes from London to Edinburgh?
Trains from London to Edinburgh are operated by London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Lumo, Avanti and Caledonian Sleeper.
What stations does the train from London to Edinburgh stop at?
The stops will vary depending on the train you’re travelling with. However, most trains will stop at York, Durham and Newcastle before reaching Edinburgh Waverley station.
How long does the sleeper train from London to Edinburgh take?
The Caledonian Sleeper usually departs at 23:45 from London Euston station and arrives at 07:30 at Edinburgh Waverley station, taking 7 hours and 45 minutes in total.
What’s the cheapest way to get from London to Edinburgh by train?
If you’re travelling from London to Edinburgh by train, read our top tips for finding cheap train tickets below or check out the latest train deals and discounts:
- Get a Railcard: Save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year – find out more about Railcards
- Book in advance: Most train companies in the UK usually release tickets 12 weeks in advance
- Travel Off-Peak: Tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends compared to Peak times
- Use GroupSave: If you're travelling in a group of 3-9 people, you can save up to 34% on eligible journeys at Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak times with GroupSave
- Split your train tickets with SplitSave, our split-ticketing app feature.
LNER, Avanti West Coast, Lumo and Caledonian Sleeper trains from London to Edinburgh
You can travel from London to Edinburgh on LNER, Avanti West Coast, Lumo and Caledonian Sleeper trains. Keep reading for more details.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER)
Operating trains on the East Coast mainline since June 2018, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) covers journeys from London King's Cross to popular destinations like Edinburgh, Leeds, Harrogate, York, Hull, Newcastle, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen.
Learn more about LNER trains.
Avanti West Coast
One of the primary rail operators in the UK, Avanti West Coast provides services from London Euston to several terminals including Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street and Edinburgh Waverley.
Many of the routes feature high-speed services with no changes required, making Avanti West Coast an excellent alternative to air travel if you're looking to traverse up or down the length of the country.
Learn more about Avanti West Coast trains.
Lumo
Launched in 2021, Lumo runs between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh via the East Coast Main Line. Lumo provides low-cost, fully digital, 100% electric travel across iconic cities on the route from Edinburgh to London and vice versa.
Offering low fares to people travelling between London and Scotland, Lumo aims to help people switch from coach and air travel to more eco-friendly long-distance rail travel.
Learn more about Lumo trains.
Caledonian Sleeper
The Caledonian Sleeper is one of the best sleeper trains to take from London. Six nights a week, the Caledonian Sleeper runs overnight from London to Scotland. If you want to save on a hotel room and maximize your time in Scotland’s capital, this could be a good option for you.
On the Lowlander route, you can travel from London Euston to either Edinburgh or Glasgow. There are 4 different classes to choose from: Seated Coach, Classic Room, Club Room and the Caledonian Double.
Learn more about Caledonian Sleeper trains.
LNER train classes from London to Edinburgh
LNER offers different seating classes to suit all budgets, whether you're travelling for work, pleasure or a bit of both.
Standard Class
In Standard Class, you’ll benefit from family-sized tables, plug sockets and quiet carriages, all at an affordable price.
Standard Class
| Plug sockets | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Free WiFi | ✔ |
| Table at every seat | ✔ |
| Luggage storage | ✔ |
First Class
In LNER’S First Class, you’ll get access to a few extra perks before, during and after your trip, as well as all the usual amenities you'll find in Standard Class.
| Complimentary food and drinks | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Plenty of legroom | ✔ |
| Larger tables | ✔ |
| Reclining seats | ✔ |
| Plug sockets and USB outlets at seats | ✔ |
| Ambient lighting | ✔ |
| LNER’s best-ever WiFi connection | ✔ |
Avanti West Coast train classes from London to Edinburgh
As well as Standard and First Class, Avanti also has a new class that offers some of the perks of First Class at a cheaper price.
Standard Class
Avanti West Coast’s Standard Class is the ideal class for travellers looking for low-budget fuss-free travel. On board, you will enjoy:
| Free WiFi | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Access to onboard entertainment system | ✔ |
| Plug sockets | ✔ |
| At-seat order | ✔ |
Standard Premium Class
Standard Premium Class sits between Standard and First Class and offers the usual amenities you’ll find in Standard Class, as well as a few extra perks, including:
| Wider, more comfortable seating | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Extra legroom | ✔ |
| Table at every seat | ✔ |
First Class
If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to Avanti West Coast’s First Class and enjoy complimentary food and drink, as well as access to the First Class lounge at London Euston station.
| Complimentary food and drink | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Access to First Class lounge | ✔ |
| Reclining seats | ✔ |
Lumo train classes from London to Edinburgh
Lumo trains come with Standard Class only, but the service offers plenty of amenities on board that will make your journey super comfortable.
Standard Class
When travelling in Lumo’s Standard Class, you can take advantage of the free WiFi and order food through the LumoEats service from the comfort of your seat.
| Comfortable seating | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Free WiFi | ✔ |
| LumoEats at-seat catering | ✔ |
Caledonian Sleeper train classes from London to Edinburgh
On the Caledonian Sleeper, you can travel in 4 different classes, from the comfortable seats of Seated Coach to the luxury of Caledonian Double.
Seated Coach
Seated Coach offers an economical Caledonian Sleeper experience, but still ensures a stylish and comfortable journey. On board, you will find the following amenities:
| Adjustable headrest and footrest | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Tray table | ✔ |
| Individual reading lights | ✔ |
| USB charging port and plug socket | ✔ |
| WiFi | ✔ |
| Secure overhead storage | ✔ |
| Dedicated food and drink menu | ✔ |
| Complimentary sleep kit | ✔ |
| Luggage storage area | ✔ |
Classic Room
Choose the Classic Room and travel between London and Edinburgh in your own personal room, with twin bunk beds and a sink.
| Twin bunk beds | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Breakfast available | ✔ |
| In-room sink | ✔ |
| WiFi | ✔ |
| Plug sockets | ✔ |
| Room service | ✔ |
| Keycard entry | ✔ |
| Temperature control | ✔ |
| Dimmable lights | ✔ |
Club Room
Club Rooms include an en-suite with shower, as well as comfortable mattresses to ensure a great night’s sleep.
| En-suite with toilet and shower | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Breakfast included | ✔ |
| Complimentary beauty and grooming products | ✔ |
| Station Lounge access | ✔ |
| Priority Club Car access | ✔ |
| Priority boarding | ✔ |
| Complimentary chocolate | ✔ |
Caledonian Double
The Caledonian Double offers a truly luxurious experience, with a double bed and a complimentary breakfast to start your day in Edinburgh the right way.
| Double bed | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Complimentary beauty and grooming products bag | ✔ |
| En-suite toilet with shower | ✔ |
Food and drink on board trains from London to Edinburgh
On your way from London to Edinburgh, you can enjoy food and drinks no matter which train company you're travelling with. Read on for a summary of the food and drinks provided by each train operator.
LNER
Avanti West Coast
Lumo
Caledonian Sleeper
Onboard services from London to Edinburgh
Learn more about the onboard services offered by each train company operating from London to Edinburgh.
Luggage
Entertainment
Pets
Bikes
How to get to London train stations
When travelling from London to Edinburgh, your train will depart from either London King’s Cross station or London Euston station. Not sure how to get to either one? Read on for more information on how to navigate the city’s public transport to your train.
How to get to London King’s Cross station
London King’s Cross station is conveniently located in the centre of the capital, and can be easily reached by National Rail, London Underground, bus services or car.
King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station is served by 6 Tube lines: the Hammersmith & City (pink line), Circle (yellow line), Metropolitan (purple line), Northern (black line), Piccadilly (dark blue line) and Victoria (light blue) lines.
You’ll also be able to get a taxi to King’s Cross station, though this will likely be more expensive than using public transport.
If you’re driving to London King’s Cross station, you’ll find a Click and Park car park at nearby London St Pancras International station – it has 315 spaces and is always open, with staff on hand 24/7. If you’re cycling to the station, there are plenty of cycle spaces to store your bike safely.
How to get to London Euston station
Located in the heart of the capital, London Euston station is easy to get to from all parts of the city. If you’re in the city centre, you can simply walk to the station to take your train. Alternatively, you can get to the station with one of the following modes of transport:
- London Overground: services run between Watford Junction and London Euston station.
- London Underground: the Northern (black) and Victoria (light blue) lines stop at London Euston station. The Hammersmith and City (pink), Circle (yellow) and Metropolitan (magenta) lines stop at Euston Square station; from here, it’s a short walk to Euston train station.
- Transport for London (TfL) buses: Bus lines 1, 18, 30, 68, 73, 91, 168, 205, 253, 390 and night bus lines N5, N20, N73, N91, N205 and N253 stop at London Euston.
Everything you need to know about London stations
While you're waiting for your train, there's plenty of things to do at London King's Cross station and London Euston station. Read on to find everything you need to know, including information on facilities and first class lounges.
What's on offer at London King's Cross station?
What's on offer at London Euston station?
What is LNER's First Class lounge?
What is Avanti West Coast’s First Class Lounge?
Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley station from London
No matter which train operator you decide to travel with, you’ll arrive at Edinburgh Waverley station. The station lies between the Old Town and modern Edinburgh, close to Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle.
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll want to start soaking up the city’s atmosphere as soon as possible. All areas of Edinburgh are easily accessible due to the city’s public transport system:
- Bus: Local buses leave from Princes Street and North Bridge to all areas of the city.
- Tram: The nearest stop is St Andrew Square which connects you with the rest of Edinburgh.
- Taxi: The closest taxi rank is on Market Street.
- On foot: Edinburgh city centre is easy to explore on foot – though be prepared to walk up some hills!
Want to travel from Edinburgh Waverley station to Edinburgh Airport? You can simply walk to St Andrews Square and catch the tram to the airport, which takes around 35 minutes.
Using public transport in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a small city, so everywhere is easy to reach on foot. Plus, you’ll pass historic architecture as you walk. However, if you want to reach somewhere quickly, Edinburgh boasts a modern public transport system to help you navigate the city.
Taking the bus in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has multiple bus companies that operate in the heart of the city, but the most prominent are Lothian and First. Both companies use the same bus stops, but the bus numbers vary, and each company has its own ticket.
Lothian is the leading city operator with the largest number of buses and routes, while First has fewer bus routes and concentrates on the outskirts of the city.
Taking the tram in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s tram system features one route that links York Place to Edinburgh Airport. This route includes fifteen stops, all of which are equipped for wheelchair access.
It takes roughly thirty-five minutes to get from Edinburgh Airport to Princes Street (the closest stop to the city centre).
Things to see and do in Edinburgh and Scotland
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, but unsure where to visit first, here are some ideas for things to see and do in Edinburgh and elsewhere in Scotland:
Where to travel next after Edinburgh
Want to explore somewhere else after visiting Edinburgh? We’ve got you covered. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from Edinburgh:
Tips and tricks from our Trainline team
We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.
Travelling from London to Edinburgh by train
In September 2023, I took the train from London to Edinburgh with LNER, travelling in one of their First Class. carriages. It took around four and a half hours to get from London King’s Cross station to Edinburgh Waverley station by train.
What I enjoyed about the journey
The train was clean, the seating was comfortable, and I was happy with the amount of legroom I had in First Class. There was plenty of luggage storage on board, which was useful. I was also able to charge my devices thanks to the plug sockets at my seat.
There were also toilet facilities on board, as well as a quiet carriage for passengers who prefer to travel in quieter surroundings.
I was pleased with the food and drink options available on board. Since the journey is around 4 and a half hours long, it’s good to know you can get a snack if you want one!
During the journey, I was able to sit back and relax. As I looked out of the window, I saw some great views as we whizzed through the British countryside.
What I didn’t like about the journey
One thing I didn’t like about my trip was the lack of WiFi on the journey. LNER usually offer free WiFi for all customers on their trains, but it wasn’t available when I took this trip.
That said, overall I really enjoyed travelling in First Class with LNER. My train was on time and the trip from London to Edinburgh was smooth, quick and fuss-free.
About Andrew
Andrew, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between London and Edinburgh. The review has been written by one of our travel writers, based on a survey including multiple-choice questions regarding pros and cons of the journey.
An enjoyable journey from London to Edinburgh by train
I recently took the train from London to Edinburgh with LNER, travelling in First Class. It took around four and a half hours to get from London King’s Cross station to Edinburgh Waverley station by train.
What I enjoyed about the journey
During the journey, I enjoyed gazing out of the window at the British landscape. In particular, the views from the right-hand side of the train after we left Newcastle were stunning. The train was so close to the coast, and I had a lovely Scottish woman next to me pointing things out.
I even saw the Flying Scotsman just after we stopped at York station, when I looked out of the left-hand side window.
I was able to sit back and relax in one of the train's comfy seats. I was pleased that the train was air-conditioned, and there were toilet facilities on board too.
In addition, the catering on board offered a good range of food and drinks, and the staff were all very helpful. I also liked that I could charge my devices on the go thanks to the plug sockets at my seat.
I was impressed with how quick the journey was – I was able to travel from England’s capital to Scotland’s capital in under five hours!
What I didn’t like about the journey
One thing I didn’t like about my trip was the train’s WiFi availability. The connection was pretty poor on my outbound journey, though it was much better when I took the trip back from Edinburgh to London.
That said, my train trip from London to Edinburgh was pretty good overall. I was happy with all the facilities that LNER offered on board, and the train itself was clean and comfortable.
About Matt
Matt, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between London and Edinburgh. The review has been written by one of our travel writers, based on a survey including multiple-choice questions regarding pros and cons of the journey.