Thinking of travelling from Edinburg to London by train? You’re in for a treat! Many find themselves drawn to the romance and allure of the Edinburgh to London train route. The next adventure could be yours!

Overview of train services

Two primary train operators service the Edinburgh to London route — Avanti West Coast and London North Eastern Railway (LNER). Other providers, including Lumo and Caledonian Sleeper serve this route. When searching for tickets on Rail Europe, we will show you all of the providers so you can find the best ticket for your travels.

Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast, renowned for its sleek and modern trains, prioritizes passenger comfort and convenience. A joint venture between British company FirstGroup and Italian national operator Trenitalia, it is one of the most popular modes of transit from Ediburgh to London.

Route

Avanti West Coast trains connect Edinburgh's Waverley Station to London's bustling Euston Station.

Train features

Stepping into an Avanti West Coast carriage, you’ll immediately notice the inviting ambiance created by plush seating and ample legroom. Expansive windows turn the outside scenery into a stunning show. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, staying connected is effortless with complimentary onboard Wi-Fi and in-seat power connections.

Frequency of services

Avanti West Coast trains depart Waverley Station in Ediburgh bound for London Euston Station consistently throughout the day, for a total of 39 trains daily commencing early in the morning and running until late in the evening.

Benefits

• Frequent train service
• Scenic journey through the Lake District
• Affordable
• Variety of service classes
• Easy boarding process
• Depart from the center of the city, rather than a remote airport
• Last-minute journeys often available.

London North Eastern Railway (LNER)

LNER distinguishes itself through a combination of high-speed rail travel and a commitment to creating a truly luxurious journey. From the moment you step foot on their train, you'll notice a clear commitment to excellence, making them a top pick for anyone traveling from Edinburgh to London.

Route

LNER trains connect Edinburgh's Waverley Station to London's famous King’s Cross Station.

Train features

LNER sets itself apart by providing passengers with more than just a mode of transportation. This travel experience is a cut above the rest – complete with comfortable seating, generous legroom, and a laundry list of extras.

Complimentary Wi-Fi keeps you connected, while access to power outlets ensures your devices stay charged.

Frequency of services

LNER trains depart Waverley Station in Ediburgh bound for London King’s Cross Station roughly every 60 minutes, for a total of about 13 services daily.

Benefits

• Extra comfort and luxury
• Even more scenic route, past the Northumberland Coast and Durham Cathedral
• Variety of service classes
• Easy boarding process
• Depart from the center of the city, rather than a remote airport
• Last-minute journeys often available

Schedule details

Quickest journey time

The fastest high-speed train from Edinburgh to London takes roughly 4 hours from station to station.

Total distance

The train journey from Edinburgh to London covers roughly 533 kilometres of distance through the British countryside.

Earliest and latest departure times

The earliest train from Edinburgh to London departs Waverly Station on weekdays at roughly 05:40. The latest train from Edinburgh to London departs Waverly Station on weekdays at roughly 23:40. The earliest weekend train from Edinburgh to London departs Waverly Station at roughly 05:36. The latest weekend train from Edinburgh to London departs Waverly Station at roughly 23:25.

Average number of daily trains

Between Avanti West Coast and LNER, about 39 trains trains depart from Edinburgh Waverly bound for various London stations every day.

Ticket information

Ticket prices

The train ticket cost from Edinburgh to London can vary based on the operator, popularity of the specific itinerary, advanced notice, and other factors. The following is a rough estimate of various ticket prices based on our most up-to-date information:

• Cheapest ticket on the route: US$33.00
• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 30 days in advance: US$61
• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 7 days in advance: US$73

Importance of booking in advance

Securing your tickets early is often the wisest approach. Online booking is incredibly convenient and allows for easy comparisons of pricing, scheduling, and various travel options to fit your individual needs.

Train operators also sometimes offer special deals and discounts when you purchase in advance, saving you money on your Edinburgh to London train tickets.

Point-to-point tickets versus train passes

You have several options when deciding on train tickets — purchase individual point-to-point tickets or take advantage of rail passes like the Eurail Global Pass.

Individual tickets offer simplicity for straightforward journeys like the Edinburgh to London train. It is also the most economical choice. They entitle you to a specific ride on a specific train at a particular day and time from a designated starting point to a designated destination — for example, Edinburgh Waverly to London King’s Cross on a specific LNER train departing Waverly at 06:35.

Train passes are usually pricier, but they offer much more freedom. A rail pass puts the entire rail network at your fingertips – hop-on-hop-off privileges over a certain number of journeys within a set peiod on national operators either all of Britain, a European region, even all of Europe. This allows you to create your perfect journey across multiple routes. Picking the right ticket starts with knowing what you need - it's a personal thing.

Train stations served

Edinburgh Waverley

Named after the series of novels by Sir Walter Scott and situated in the heart of the city, Edinburgh Waverley Train Station is an architectural marvel. One of the oldest train stations in the UK (in service since 1846), Waverley has been renovated extensively in each century. Its position within a valley gives it a unique two-level layout, while an entire ceiling’s worth of glass skylights bathe the 23 million passengers served per year in cheerful sunlight.

​​Facilities and services

• Ticket offices
• Waiting rooms
• Toilets/showers
• Shops/restaurants
• Wi-Fi
• Accessibility services
• Car parking
• Bike storage

London Euston

Opened in 1837 as the first intercity train station, London Euston Train Station was extensively renovated in the 1960s into a modernist transit hub known for its unadorned simplicity that 44 million passengers navigate each year with ease.

Facilities and services

• Ticket offices
• Waiting rooms
• Toilets/showers
• Shops/restaurants
• Wi-Fi
• Accessibility services
• Car parking
• Bike storage
• First Class lounge
• Left luggage

London King’s Cross

London King's Cross is more than just a train station. It's a destination. Of Harry Potter fame, the station now includes a photo opp with a trolley piled high with wizard gear disappearing to the fictitious “Platform 9¾.” Even before it earned its wizarding pedigree, the station was famous for its magnificent facade and classic semi-circular arched train shed, an architectural marvel of its time. In service since 1852, King’s Cross serves 33 million non-fictitious passengers every year — wizard and muggle alike.

Facilities and services

• Ticket offices
• Waiting rooms
• Toilets/showers
• Shops/restaurants
• Wi-Fi
• Accessibility services
• Car parking
• Bike storage
• First Class lounge
• Left luggage

Travelling with LNER and Avanti West Coast

Steps for security and boarding

Security and boarding at Edinburgh Waverley is much quicker than security and boarding at an airport. You will pass your luggage through an X-ray and walk through a body scanner. That’s it — you’re done! Occasionally passengers are selected randomly for a more thorough security search.

Once you have cleared security, find your platform using the electronic departure boards or listen for intercom announcements. Have your ticket, photo ID, and visa (if necessary) ready to present to train officers.

Tips for navigating the stations and boarding

Don’t be intimidated by its grandeur; Edinburgh Waverley is surprisingly easy to navigate. Clearly marked platforms and plenty of signage ensure you'll find your way with ease.

A central concourse houses a comprehensive selection of shops. Grab a quick bite before boarding your train, browse for souvenirs to remember your trip by, or even indulge in some last-minute shopping.

Restrooms are also readily accessible, and both customer service information desks and digital information boards throughout the station can address any travel-related queries you might have.

Avanti West Coast trains to London tend to depart from Platform 10 or 11, near the Southern end of the main concourse.

LNER trains to London tend to depart from Platforms 4, 8, and 9, also on the main concourse.

The classes of services

Avanti West Coast

Standard Class

If you need a cheap train from Edinburgh to London, Avanti West Coast First Class is a fast and comfortable way to do it. The seats are comfy, with sufficient legroom and chargers at each seat.

Standard Premium

If you want an extra level of comfort, you can opt for Standard Premium, which offers more legroom and a bigger seat.

First Class

Avanti West Coast First Class features the most spacious and comfortable seats, with extra privacy and complimentary food and drinks served directly to your seat.

LNER

Standard Class

Standard class is a great option for budget-minded travelers who nevertheless want the extra comfort and luxury of an LNER train experience. Although it's the most affordable choice, you can still expect comfortable seats and power sockets to keep your devices charged. You'll also find a food and drink menu available for purchase if you get hungry or thirsty.

First Class

First Class is perfect if you want some extra comfort. Enjoy wider, more spacious seats and more legroom. This can make a big difference, especially on longer trips. You also get complimentary food and drinks served right to your seat.

Travel documentation and customs requirements

Necessary travel documents

Despite the fact that England and Scotland are separate “kingdoms,” they haven’t had separate governments since 1707. As such, the journey from Edinburgh to London is entirely domestic, with no passport check. You won’t even notice as you cross the Solway-Tweed line across the border.

Since it’s a domestic journey, there is no passport control. All you need is your ticket and a photo ID. Yes, that ID will probably be your passport if you are a foreigner in the UK, and you should have your visa if required. That being said, there’s no official immigration checkpoint on the train route between Edinburge and London, nor will there be one at either station. Just bring your ticket!

Customs Process

Since the journey is domestic, there is no official customs check on the journey from Edinburgh to London and no declaration is necessary. However, standard rules for the transport of goods and currency apply in the UK, and your bag may be subject to random checks by train officials and security personnel.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the train trip from Edinburgh to London?

A fast train from Edinburgh to London, like the high-speed trains operated by LNER and Avanti West Coast, takes approximately 4 hours to finish the journey.

Is there a night train from Edinburgh to London?

There is a sleeper train from Edinburgh to London — the Caledonian Sleeper, operating between Edinburgh Waverly and London Euston. For people who want to sleep the journey away, numerous classes of service are available. In ascending order of privacy and comfort, they are:

• Comfort: Standard train car with reclining seats.
• Standard: Shared sleeper cabin with bunk beds and a shared washbasin.
• First: Private compartment with a single bed and wash basin. Complimentary breakfast, served in either the lounge car or directly to the cabin.
• Club Room: Private compartment with single or double bed and private ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet. Complimentary breakfast, served in either the lounge car or directly to the cabin.
• Caledonian Double: Private compartment with double bed and private ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet. Complimentary breakfast, served in either the lounge car or directly to the cabin.

Is the train from Edinburgh to London scenic?

Very much so. LNER in particular uses the East Coast Main Line, one of the most dramatic routes in the country. Passing by Edinburgh Castle, the route quickly takes you to the dramatic Northumberland coastline. You’ll have stunning views of jagged cliffs, sandy beaches, and the coastal castles of Bamburgh and Lindisfarne, the latter situated on Holy Island like something out of Game Of Thrones. The English portion of the trip passes rolling hills and picturesque villages, as well as a stellar view of Durham Cathedral. The route also passes through the Vale of York and the adorable Yorkshire countryside.

While somewhat less scenic, the Avanti West Coast route is no slouch. The beautiful Scottish Lowlands give way to a breathtaking Lake District, peppered with lakes, mountains, and ancient forests. Passing through Lancashire and Midlands, you will see a mix of urban and rural zones, a fascinating view into the diverse lifestyles of everyday Englishmen and Englishwomen.