For many UK visitors, train travel is the easiest and most pleasant way to get around the country. Traveling from London to Edinburgh by train is a scenic treat. It’s also far more convenient and comfortable than driving or flying.
Several train companies operate along this route and planning your travel can seem daunting. In this guide, I break down what you need to know about the trains and what it’s like to ride the rails here. You’ll also find details on pricing and the tips you should keep in mind to have a pleasant journey.
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Know before you go
The best way to book train tickets is on Trainline. Check train routes, ticket prices, and get tickets delivered to your phone.
Why You Should Travel From London to Edinburgh by Train
I always recommend taking the train from London to Edinburgh instead of flying or driving. It is by far the least stressful way to travel and offers several benefits, including:
- More comfort. Way more legroom than you’ll get on a plane, and you can get up to stretch or walk around while still on your way.
- Better views. You’ll see parts of the countryside and coast that aren’t visible when driving or flying. You also can look to your heart’s content since you aren’t busy white-knuckling your way through driving on the left.
- Convenient travel. Start in the center of one city and end in the center of another. Unlike flying, you don’t have to factor in getting to the airport or struggling through security. You also don’t have to navigate city traffic or find a parking spot on arrival.
- Eco-Friendly experience. Your carbon emissions are much smaller on trains than on planes. You also won’t have to stop for expensive petrol along the way like you would driving.
Train Services from London to Edinburgh
There are four train service operators that run trains between London and Edinburgh. These are:
- LNER (London North Eastern Railway) – fast, regular service
- Lumo – budget and eco-friendly travel
- Avanti West Coast – less direct routing with change likely in Carlisle or Glasgow
- Caledonian Sleeper – overnight travel with sleeper car options
If you’re choosing to travel during the day, then compare pricing and time tables for LNER, Lumo and Avanti West Coast. The easiest way to do this is to use a price comparison tool like Trainline.
I use Trainline whether I’m booking a day trip into London or a week-long trip across the country because it’s the easiest way I’ve found to compare and purchase the best available tickets.
The Caledonian Sleeper is a standalone because it only runs at night. If the romance of a sleeper train appeals, then this is a great bucket list item to cross off.
Choose from a deluxe room that includes a double bed and en-suite shower room, or a mid-range room with bunk beds. The cheapest tickets on this route are reclining seats, which I personally wouldn’t choose over a daytime train unless you are comfortable sleeping sitting up.
Images courtesy Caledonian Sleeper
London to Edinburgh Train Ticket Cost
You can find advertisements for individual train tickets as cheap as £20 one way, but a more realistic estimate is £60-80 one way. This assumes an adult ticket with no railcard.
Train pricing in the UK can be hard to predict and pretty frustrating at times. How much you will pay depends on factors like when you book your ticket, which train operator you select, which travel class you choose, and the route you travel.
How To Save Money on Train Tickets Between London and Edinburgh
Finding the best prices for your travel can take some research, but keep these tips in mind to find cheap fares quickly.
Use Trainline to Find the Best Prices and Routes
Before we get into the different ways you can save on train tickets, let’s look at the tool I always use to find the best fares. Trainline looks across all of the train operators and displays all of the available fares on your travel dates to help you pick the best one. They also pull hidden discounts like split fares to get you the best price.
Look into Railcards
Railcards provide a significant discount on train travel between cities in the U.K. I use my railcard regularly to get discounted train fares. These usually aren’t marketed towards tourists, but can be a great savings on London to Edinburgh trips.
For example, I ran a search on Trainline for two adults round trip from London to Edinburgh in mid-March. The search found some discounts through split fares, but the overall price came out to £222 total. If those same two adults had a Two Together railcard then the same trip price drops to £142. The railcard cost is £30 total to cover both adults, but saves £80 on this one journey.
If you are planning on more train travel on National Rail, then the savings can add up even more. Learn more about railcards and pick the right option for your travel plans with this handy Trainline quiz.
Book in Advance
An advance train fare is a limited availability offer that must be booked well before travel and is typically non-refundable. Train operators only make tickets available between 12 and 24 weeks out, so you don’t have to plan years in advance to be on top of things.
You can only buy advance fare tickets one way – called an Advance Single fare. However, the discounts on these tickets can be large enough that you benefit by buying two single journeys instead of one round trip.
Travel Off-Peak
It makes sense that prices are higher when you travel during rush hour or other popular times. Off-peak and Super Off-peak fares are discounted rates for traveling during less popular hours.
You can most often find off-peak rates on travel during the week between 9:30am and 4pm, or after 7pm. Weekends and holidays are sometimes off-peak for the whole day.
Save with Split Tickets
A split ticket takes advantage of less costly legs along your journey. For example, this happens when the cost of a ticket from London to York plus a ticket from York to Edinburgh is cheaper than the cost of a direct ticket London to Edinburgh.
Buying a split ticket does not mean you have to get off the train where your journey splits – it just means you have two tickets for your journey instead of one. Trainline searches for these split tickets automatically, and will offer you these discounts where they can be found along your route.
Skip First Class
Is first class worth it for the train from London to Edinburgh? In most cases, I’d say no. First class tickets get you access to a lounge at the station, a reserved seat in the often quieter first class car, and usually some sort of meal at your seat.
This is all really nice, but the regular train cars are also comfortable and it’s easy to buy snacks or a sandwich meal in the train station before you depart.
If you’re traveling on a budget, I’d say first class train tickets are probably not the area to splurge.
Travel Tip: No matter what ticket you buy, request a reserved seat. This is a long train journey and you don’t want to be stuck with no place to sit if the train gets overbooked.
What to Expect on the Train from London to Edinburgh
I always say that if you can navigate airports to get yourself to the UK, then getting around by train will be a piece of cake. It’s probably going to be simpler in the end and you might even grab a piece of cake on your journey!
London King’s Cross
Most trains departing London for Edinburgh leave from King’s Cross station. Avanti West Coast leaves from London Euston, which is a short walk down the road. If you’re planning a London and Edinburgh itinerary, staying close to King’s Cross will make it easier to get going.
King’s Cross is a big station and just across the street from the even larger St. Pancras International station. There are plenty of quick restaurants and corner shops to grab snacks for your journey. Harry Potter fans might want to arrive early to visit the Platform 9 ¾ shop.
If you buy first class LNER tickets, then you can access their lounge in the station. Similar to airport lounges, you can expect a range of seating areas, free wi-fi, and some refreshments while you wait.
Onboard Experience
When your train is ready to board, you will see the platform displayed by your train journey on the departures boards in the station. Head to your platform number to find the train, then walk down the platform until you find the right coach for your seat. This will keep you from walking far through the narrow train aisle.
For example, if your seat is H23 you walk down to Coach H before boarding. Once on the train, there are seat numbers above each seating area similar to what you find on planes.
Travel Tip: Don’t love your reserved seat? Each seat has a screen that indicates whether it is reserved for part or all of the journey. If there is an unreserved seat you prefer, feel free to move into it.
Seats on the train will either be in groups of two or four. The four-seat sets face each other and usually have a table between. These are a great choice for groups or families traveling together.
Most trains have cafes onboard selling snacks and drinks once the train is underway. The conductor will announce where you can find this, but they aren’t always open. I always opt to bring food with me just in case.
WiFi is also available on most services, but it isn’t always reliable. Plan to use cell service or download your entertainment in advance to be sure you have access to what you want.
What to See on the Journey
Most trains from London to Edinburgh follow the same route north through the English countryside before dipping out to the Northumberland coastline as you head in toward Scotland. There is a lot of beautiful scenery along the way, but keep an eye out for these highlights.
- Peterborough Cathedral. Peterborough is the first main stop after the train departs London. Keep an eye out for the spires of this cathedral that is also Katharine of Aragon’s final resting place.
- Durham Cathedral. This cathedral looks a bit like a castle sitting on the hill overlooking the River Wear.
- Angel of the North. Keep an eye out for this unique sculpture perched on the top of a hill shortly before you reach Newcastle. It resembles an angel outline with airplane wings.
- The Tyne Bridge. As you enter Newcastle, you’ll travel over the Tyne River and have a great view of the arched Tyne Bridge.
- Northumberland coast. Once you leave Newcastle behind you move away from countryside views and into a gorgeous coastline outlook over the North Sea.
- Royal Border Bridge. You actually travel over this 28-arch bridge that has stood here since 1850. It is located right as you enter Berwick on Tweed – a town that has shifted between English and Scottish borders many times in history.
Travel Tip: Sit on the right-hand side of the train heading from London to Edinburgh for the best views.
Edinburgh Waverley
You arrive in Edinburgh at the centrally located Edinburgh Waverley station. This station has all the conveniences you may need in terms of snacks or toilets. Once you exit the station, you’ll be able to see Edinburgh Castle looming above you.
Head toward Market Street if you need a taxi, or Princes Street for buses and trams.
If you are instead starting your journey in Edinburgh and taking the train to London, the process is similar to get started. Pick up anything you want to bring along on the journey before finding your platform from the departure boards. First class passengers can find the LNER first class lounge across from platform 4.
Where to Stay Near London King’s Cross
Wake up ready for your train journey right outside the station by staying at the Great Northern Hotel. Located right between King’s Cross and St. Pancras International stations, this location can’t be beat.
The Great Northern Hotel is also well situated for sightseeing in central London and still gets guest praise for being quiet and comfortable. Breakfast is included in some room rates.
“Very clean and friendly service. Wonderful location to Kings Cross, St Pancras, catching the hop on/off bus, Uber or taxi. Plenty of food options to choose from in this area.”
Destiny from United States of America (see more reviews)
Where to Stay Near Edinburgh Waverley
The Scotsman Hotel is an atmospheric beauty. It was built in 1905, is just outside the train station, and is only a short walk from the Royal Mile.
Rooms here are unique and they even offer large family rooms that can sleep up to four. Breakfast is included in some room rates, and the hotel’s Grand Cafe gets rave reviews.
“Lovely traditional hotel with friendly, helpful staff. Very good breakfast and beautiful bar facilities in the evening.”
Les from United Kingdom (see more reviews)
Train Company Reviews
While the train companies that offer service between London and Edinburgh can be split between those that run during the day (LNER, Lumo, and Avanti West Coast) and the one that runs at night (Caledonian Sleeper), there are also some details that separate each experience.
Here’s what you need to know to pick the operator best for your journey.
LNER
Best for: Lots of travel times available and speedy service
Average journey time: 4 hours 20 minutes
The largest number of journeys per day between London and Edinburgh can be found on LNER trains – as frequent as every half hour. The train coaches are comfortable and give you a choice between standard and first class amenities. If you opt for first class, you also get complimentary lounge access at the train station before departure.
Lumo
Best for: Budget and eco-conscious travel
Average journey time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Lumo’s trains are all electric, making the journey with the smallest carbon footprint. The trains are no-frills but still comfortable. They often have the lowest available train fares, and no first class is offered.
Avanti West Coast
Best for: Those that don’t mind a slower journey with changes
Average journey time: 5+ hours
The Avanti West Coast trains don’t run the same route as your other daytime options, instead heading toward the west coast before going to Edinburgh. A common change point is Carlisle, though you may want to opt for a change in Glasgow and leave time to explore there before you head to Edinburgh. Trains are comfortable with first class options available.
Caledonian Sleeper
Best for: A unique travel experience
Average journey time: 7-8 hours overnight
Image courtesy Caledonian Sleeper
The best reason to book the Caledonian Sleeper is to swap a night in a hotel for the romance of a sleeper train. The sleeper cars offer bunk beds or a double bed in the premium rooms.
This journey is more expensive and slower than daytime trains, but comes with the charm of drifting off to sleep to the sound of the rails whooshing by. Wake up ready to tackle the day in Edinburgh.
Train Comparisons At a Glance
| Operator | One-way Price | Travel Time | Day or Night Train |
| LNER | From £32.80 standard or £80.60 first class | 4 hours 20 minutes | Day |
| Lumo | From £19.90 | 4 hours 30 minutes | Day |
| Avanti West Coast | From £35 standard or £130 first class | 5+ hours | Day |
| Caledonian Sleeper | From £170 double occupancy sleeper | 8 hours | Night |
Prices fluctuate and are subject to change.
Train Travel Tips London to Edinburgh
A little preparation can make any travel adventure more enjoyable. Before you head off on your train journey between London and Edinburgh, tick off these travel tips.
- Travel off-peak. You’re most likely to get low fares and less crowded trains if you travel outside peak times. This typically means traveling between 10am and 3:30pm or after 7pm during the week. Weekend travel is also usually off-peak.
- Book a seat reservation. My husband will never forgive me for the long train journey where he was left standing by the bathrooms because I missed getting seat reservations. If you book on Trainline, there should be an option to reserve a seat while you’re selecting your ticket. If you notice your ticket does not have a seat reserved, you can go to the train operator’s website to reserve a seat for free.
- Keep luggage reasonable. Unlike plane travel, there’s no tiny toiletries or luggage limits on the train. However, there is limited luggage space on board, especially at your seat. Travel as light as you can to avoid difficulty finding space for your stuff.
- Buy snacks at the station. First class tickets usually include a meal service onboard and trains often have a cafe car or two. However, if you aren’t traveling first class I highly recommend stopping for snacks in the station to be sure you have the food you want. Pret a Manger has grab and go meals, or you can pick a wide range of snacks from M&S food hall.
- Prepare your tech. WiFi onboard is sometimes unreliable, so download your show or audiobook in advance. It’s also nice to have noise-canceling headphones at the ready. You may want to bring a power bank to keep you charged up over the travel day.
FAQs
Do all trains between London and Edinburgh use the same tracks?
The most common routes run by LNER, Lumo and the Caledonian Sleeper use the same tracks. Avanti West Coast uses a different routing headed toward Glasgow so is not run entirely on the same tracks.
Can I use my ticket from one train company on any service between London and Edinburgh?
No. You will need to stick to the train company you’re booked with. Depending on your ticket restrictions, this may also limit you to only travel at the time you have booked with that company.
How long is it by train from London to Edinburgh?
Trains can travel between London and Edinburgh in as little as 4 hours 20 minutes. Slower routes toward Glasgow are available on Avanti West Coast. The Caledonian Sleeper overnight service takes between seven and eight hours.
Which side of the train should I sit on between London and Edinburgh?
Going from London to Edinburgh, the best views are on the right side of the train. Heading from Edinburgh to London, opt for the left side.
Can you sit anywhere on a train from London to Edinburgh?
I recommend reserving a seat for your train journey from London to Edinburgh. Once onboard you will be able to see a sign at each seat indicating which have been reserved. If you don’t like your seat, you can move to any seat that is not reserved.