Edinburgh to London by train

Traveling by train from Edinburgh to London is fast, convenient, and affordable, with multiple options to suit different needs. Here’s what you need to know:

• Fastest Journey: 4 hours 20 minutes via LNER.
• Operators: LNER, Lumo, Avanti West Coast, and Caledonian Sleeper (overnight service).
• Ticket Prices:
  • Budget-friendly: Lumo from $24.90.
  • Standard: LNER from $43.
  • First Class: Starting at $105.50.
• Daily Trains: Up to 49 services, with 40 direct trains.
• Overnight Option: Caledonian Sleeper with prices starting at $181 for private rooms.
• Booking Tips:
  • Book 8-12 weeks in advance for the best prices.
  • Use railcards for up to 33% off.
  • Travel off-peak for additional savings.

Quick Comparison

Trains run from early morning to late evening, with departures every 30 minutes during peak hours. Whether you’re looking for speed, comfort, or budget options, the train is an excellent way to travel between Edinburgh and London.

Travelling London to Edinburgh on Lumo

Train Tickets and Seating Classes

Traveling by train between Edinburgh and London offers a range of ticket options and seating classes to suit different budgets and preferences.

Standard Class Seats

Standard Class on LNER Azuma trains includes free Wi‑Fi and power outlets at every seat. Passengers can also order from the buffet service using a convenient QR code.

First Class Seats

First Class provides extra comfort with:

• Wider seats and more legroom
• Complimentary food and wine served at your seat
• Access to LNER First Class lounges at London Kings Cross and Edinburgh Waverley
• Seating options like solo seats or face-to-face tables
• A quieter atmosphere, often preferred by business travelers

If you’re traveling overnight, check out the options below for a different experience.

Night Train Options

The Caledonian Sleeper runs between Edinburgh and London Euston from Sunday to Friday nights. Here’s a breakdown of its accommodations:

Club Room guests enjoy perks like lounge access at the station, priority access to the onboard lounge, complimentary breakfast, and Arran Aromatics toiletries.

"Board the Caledonian Sleeper in the evening and wake up in a new city or views of spectacular highland landscapes." – Caledonian Sleeper ^[4]

Ticket Flexibility Levels

In addition to seating choices, tickets come with different levels of flexibility:

• Advance Tickets: The lowest prices, starting at $24.90 (Lumo) and $43 (LNER). These are non-refundable and valid only for the booked train.
• Advance 70 Minute Flex: Allows changes within a 70-minute window before or after the scheduled train. This option will be replaced by February 2024 Super Off‑Peak fares ^[2].
• Anytime Tickets: Fully flexible and valid on any train. Prices range from $116 (Lumo-only) to $256 (all-operator access).

Train Companies and Services

Four major train operators connect Edinburgh and London, each offering a distinct travel experience. Options range from high-speed trips to overnight journeys.

LNER Services

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) runs the primary high-speed service on this route using its modern Azuma trains. Departures from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley occur every 30 minutes between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM ^[2]. The fastest trip takes around 4 hours, with most journeys averaging 4 hours and 20 minutes ^[2].

What to expect with LNER:

• Modern electric trains
• A buffet counter for snacks and drinks
• Standard and First Class seating options

Lumo Trains

Lumo, launched on October 25, 2021, provides a budget-friendly travel option with up to 5 round trips daily ^[2]. Its all-electric trains cover the journey in about 4 hours and 32 minutes ^[2].

Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast offers a scenic alternative, taking a different route through western England. This option allows travelers to enjoy varied landscapes and access additional stations along the way.

Caledonian Sleeper

The Caledonian Sleeper provides an overnight service between Edinburgh and London Euston from Sunday to Friday nights. Unlike traditional trains, this service features sleeping accommodations instead of standard seating.

Train Routes and Connections

Edinburgh and London are connected by three main rail routes, each offering its own travel experience.

East Coast Line

The East Coast Main Line is the fastest and most popular route between the two cities, stretching 393 miles through eastern England. It passes through key cities like Peterborough, York, Newcastle, and Berwick-Upon-Tweed. Trains operated by LNER and Lumo reach speeds of up to 125 mph, with journeys taking as little as 4 hours ^[2]. If you’re after great views, pick your seat based on the direction of travel. For a change of scenery, alternative routes are also available.

West Coast Line

The West Coast Line connects London Euston to Edinburgh, offering a more scenic journey with additional stops. This route passes through Milton Keynes, Crewe, and Carlisle. Avanti West Coast runs one to two services daily on this line ^[2].

Night Train Route

For those who prefer to travel overnight, the Caledonian Sleeper offers a unique experience. This service provides a comfortable overnight journey, allowing you to wake up refreshed at your destination.

How to Buy Tickets

Once you’ve chosen your travel option, the next step is buying your tickets. You can book through several convenient channels depending on your preferences.

Train Company Websites

You can purchase tickets directly from official train operator websites. For instance, LNER offers fee-free booking and a price promise – if you find a cheaper fare elsewhere, they’ll refund the difference ^[3]. Their mobile app provides perks like exclusive LNER Perks offers, real-time updates, and seat selection. New LNER Perks members receive $5 in free credit and earn 2% back on LNER journeys. Other train operators like Lumo, Avanti West Coast, and Caledonian Sleeper also have their own platforms where you can book tickets directly. Booking directly often gives access to all available fares and special deals ^[5].

Online Ticket Platforms

Third-party platforms allow you to compare services across operators, but some may charge booking fees. Be sure to check for any extra costs before finalizing your purchase. Alternatively, some rail websites, like Transport for Wales (tfw.wales), sell tickets for all routes at official prices without added fees.

Station Ticket Offices

For those who prefer in-person service, staffed ticket offices are available at major stations like Edinburgh Waverley and London stations. Edinburgh Waverley’s Travel Centre operates:

• Monday to Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Stations also have welcome hosts, mobility assistance, and information points ^[6]. Additionally, self-service ticket machines are located throughout stations for quick and easy ticket purchases.

Prices and Savings

Ticket Costs

Train fares between Edinburgh and London vary depending on the operator, travel class, and ticket flexibility. LNER, the primary government-contracted operator, offers standard Advance fares starting at $43.50 and first-class tickets from $106.75. Meanwhile, the budget-friendly Lumo service provides standard Advance tickets starting at $25.15.

For those needing flexibility, Anytime tickets are available but come at a higher cost:

• LNER Anytime fare: $259.05
• Lumo Anytime fare: $117.65

Booking tickets in advance often leads to better prices.

Early Booking Savings

Planning ahead can help you save even more. Tickets typically go on sale 8-12 weeks before the travel date ^[2]. On average, booking just one day before travel costs around $75.70, but the lowest price found was $31.50 ^[7].

Another way to cut costs is by booking tickets to or from Finsbury Park instead of central London terminals. For instance, a Super Off-Peak ticket on this route costs $120.70, providing more flexibility than standard Advance fares ^[2].

Discount Cards

Rail discount cards can further lower ticket prices for eligible travelers:

These discounts apply to most ticket types, including Advance and Off-Peak fares ^[7]. Combining a railcard with early booking can lead to significant savings on your trip.

Train Times and Duration

Daily Train Count

The Edinburgh-London route offers frequent options, with up to 49 trains departing from London and 45 trains leaving Edinburgh each day ^[1][8]. During peak hours, there can be as many as three trains per hour connecting the two cities ^[1].

Daily Schedule

Trains run consistently throughout the day, starting early in the morning and continuing until late at night. From Edinburgh Waverley, the first service departs at 5:40 AM, and the last train leaves at 11:45 PM ^[8]. Similarly, London services begin at 5:48 AM, with the final departure at 11:45 PM ^[1].

Here are some key departure times for trains from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley:

Trip Length

Travel times vary depending on the service. LNER high-speed trains typically complete the journey in about 4.5 hours, while Avanti West Coast services take closer to 5.5 hours. Overnight trains, on the other hand, can take almost 8 hours. Overall, direct train durations range from 4 hours 16 minutes to nearly 9 hours, with longer times possible on weekends and holidays ^[1][8][9].

These journey times provide a foundation for understanding ticket pricing and travel policies.

Fees and Rules

Seat Booking Fees

When booking your ticket for Edinburgh-London trains, securing a seat is typically free. However, there are a few important conditions to keep in mind:

• Mandatory reservations are required for:
  • Advance tickets
  • Overnight sleeper services
  • Select routes during bank holidays

For most other ticket types, seat reservations are optional but highly recommended on this long-distance route to ensure a comfortable journey. You can reserve seats through several methods:

• Online booking platforms
• Station ticket offices
• Phone booking services
• Rail-appointed travel agents

These options provide flexibility and align with the earlier-discussed booking and savings strategies. Now, let’s look at how to handle changes or refunds for your tickets.

Changes and Refunds

Ticket changes and refunds depend on the type of ticket you purchased:

Advance Tickets:

• Changes must be made before the scheduled departure.
• A $12.50 admin fee applies for modifications.
• You’ll need to pay any fare difference for the new booking.
• Non-refundable unless the train is canceled or delayed.

Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak Tickets:

• Fully refundable if the train is canceled or delayed.
• A $6.25 admin fee applies for voluntary cancellations.
• Changes are allowed, but you may need to pay a fare difference ^[11].

Anytime Tickets:

• Offers the most flexibility.
• Full refunds are available if the train is disrupted.
• A $6.25 admin fee applies for voluntary cancellations.
• Changes are permitted with any fare difference paid ^[11].

For all ticket types, changes must be made before departure. You’ll need to contact the original ticket retailer to make modifications. LNER customers, for example, must rebook and then request a refund for the original ticket ^[10]. These policies ensure a clear and consistent process for all travelers.

Interrail Pass Use

Pass Coverage

Traveling from Edinburgh to London is fully included with both the Interrail Global Pass and the Interrail One Country Pass (Great Britain version) ^[12]. These passes grant access to:

• LNER services on the East Coast Main Line
• Both standard and first-class carriages
• All regular daytime trains connecting the two cities

The Interrail Global Pass starts at $192 for a 4-day, second-class youth ticket, while the One Country Pass begins at around $54 ^[12]. Both options allow access to over 40,000 rail stations across the UK ^[12].

"Interrail is a flexible rail pass that works at your pace and lets you discover over 40,000 stations across 33 countries of Europe however you want." – National Rail ^[12]

Seat Bookings

To ensure a smooth trip, it’s important to understand seat reservation rules when using your Interrail Pass.

• Day Trains: Reservations aren’t required but are highly recommended ^[13].
• Cost: Seat bookings are free for all UK trains ^[13].
• How to Book:
  • Via the LNER website (LNER.co.uk)
  • At station ticket offices
  • Through the Great Western Railway website for broader UK bookings ^[13]

For LNER services, while your pass is valid on all trains, it’s a good idea to make a free seat reservation ahead of time – especially during peak hours or if traveling with a group ^[14]. If you prefer to keep things flexible, you can opt for an unreserved coach. Just keep in mind, seats may be harder to find during busy periods ^[13].

Summary

The Edinburgh to London train route offers plenty of ticket and schedule options to meet different travel preferences.

Four primary operators manage this route: LNER, Lumo, Avanti West Coast, and Caledonian Sleeper ^[2]. Each day, there are up to 49 trains, including 40 direct services ^[1]. Travel times can be as short as 4 hours 16 minutes, with overnight options also available.

Ticket prices vary depending on the service and travel class:

• Lumo offers budget-friendly fares starting at $24.88 ^[2].
• LNER standard tickets begin at $43 ^[2].
• First-class LNER tickets start at $105.50 ^[2].

To save money on your trip:

• Book tickets up to 3 months in advance ^[2].
• Travel during off-peak hours ^[7].
• Use railcards to get up to 33% off fares ^[7].
• Compare prices between LNER and Lumo services ^[2].

Trains run from 5:48 AM to 11:45 PM ^[1], with journey times ranging from 4 hours 16 minutes to about 5 hours. Overnight services are available through Caledonian Sleeper ^[2]. These details should help you plan a smooth and efficient trip from Edinburgh to London.