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London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley trains
Date & time
Passengers
Travel between capitals for less
Relax and watch the beautiful scenery of England and Scotland fly past the windows as you speed between London and Edinburgh.
With LNER, not only will you arrive feeling ready for the day ahead thanks to our comfy seats and range of refreshments, but you'll also have that little bit extra spending money left in your pocket.
Average travel time
4h 32m
Distance
331 miles
Cheapest train tickets from London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley
Today's train times
Upcoming direct journeys for London King's Cross to Edinburgh trains
Things do to in Edinburgh
Finding cheap train tickets to Edinburgh Waverley is easy with LNER. Plus, our live timetables will keep you up to date.
LNER trains arrive and depart at Edinburgh Waverley station, located on Princes Street, close to Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh is a cosmopolitan city built on a series of extinct volcanoes and is positively erupting with things to see and do.
Aside from the world-famous Festival and Fringe events, the city offers fantastic views, hidden gems, wild surrounding countryside, and boundless creative art experiences.
Arthur's seat
Enjoy panoramic views from Edinburgh's coast, all the way across to the city centre from the top of Arthur's Seat. Towering up from the Holyrood Park, Arthur's Seat is a 251m ancient volcano offering stunning views. It's suitable for all ages, but it is steep with some rocky paths. Sensible shoes are a must, but it should be accessible for most people.
Arthur's seatRoyal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Made up of 70 acres, 10 glasshouses and 100,000 plants, The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh should be on your list. Just one mile from the city centre, you can pass away hours wandering the gardens. You could even take a picnic to enjoy in the grounds.
The Royal Botanic Garden EdinburghHarry Potter Walking Tour
Big Harry Potter fan? Then this is the tour for you! Grab a wand and a cape and enter the magical world of Edinburgh. Your guide will take you through magical locations that inspired characters and scenes, including where JK Rowling wrote the books. You'll even learn a spell or two along the way. Perfect for young and old Potter fans alike.
Harry Potter Walking Tour
National Museum of Scotland
Walk on the wild side in Natural World galleries and discover animals of all shapes and sizes. Travel through time from ancient Egypt all the way to modern-day science. The museum is filled with fun and interesting things for all the family to enjoy.
National Museum of ScotlandScottish National Portrait Gallery
Take in famous pieces from Scottish artists, as well as portraits of some of the greatest Scots to have ever lived. From classical pieces through to contemporary portraits, enjoy them all as you wander around the neo-gothic sandstone palace.
Scottish National Portrait GalleryRoyal Yacht Britannia
All aboard! Explore the official royal yacht which was used by the royal family and guests for 44 years. It's played host to politicians, celebrities, and international royalty during its time on duty. Now you can walk its decks and halls to see what life was like aboard a floating palace.
Royal Yacht BritanniaPalace of Holyroodhouse Edinburgh
Visit this working royal palace in the heart of Edinburgh city centre. Explore the permanent collections, as well as touring exhibitions. You can also take a walk around Holyrood Park, which includes the ancient volcano, Arthur's Seat.
Palace of Holyroodhouse EdinburghFree Tour of Edinburgh
Set off an adventure exploring Edinburgh's most famous streets and buildings. Walk the Royal Mile, visit major landmarks like St Giles Cathedral, and stop for a coffee break at the Grassmarket Project. At the end of the tour, pay how you feel and reward interesting and entertaining tour guides.
Free Tour of EdinburghFree Edinburgh Ghost Tour
Discover the darker side of Edinburgh with a spooky night tour. Learn about the body snatching, public executions, and gruesome jails and tortures that took place in Edinburgh's past.
Free Edinburgh Ghost Tour
Arthur's seat
Enjoy panoramic views from Edinburgh's coast, all the way across to the city centre from the top of Arthur's Seat. Towering up from the Holyrood Park, Arthur's Seat is a 251m ancient volcano offering stunning views. It's suitable for all ages, but it is steep with some rocky paths. Sensible shoes are a must, but it should be accessible for most people.
Arthur's seatRoyal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Made up of 70 acres, 10 glasshouses and 100,000 plants, The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh should be on your list. Just one mile from the city centre, you can pass away hours wandering the gardens. You could even take a picnic to enjoy in the grounds.
The Royal Botanic Garden EdinburghHarry Potter Walking Tour
Big Harry Potter fan? Then this is the tour for you! Grab a wand and a cape and enter the magical world of Edinburgh. Your guide will take you through magical locations that inspired characters and scenes, including where JK Rowling wrote the books. You'll even learn a spell or two along the way. Perfect for young and old Potter fans alike.
Harry Potter Walking TourNational Museum of Scotland
Walk on the wild side in Natural World galleries and discover animals of all shapes and sizes. Travel through time from ancient Egypt all the way to modern-day science. The museum is filled with fun and interesting things for all the family to enjoy.
National Museum of ScotlandScottish National Portrait Gallery
Take in famous pieces from Scottish artists, as well as portraits of some of the greatest Scots to have ever lived. From classical pieces through to contemporary portraits, enjoy them all as you wander around the neo-gothic sandstone palace.
Scottish National Portrait GalleryRoyal Yacht Britannia
All aboard! Explore the official royal yacht which was used by the royal family and guests for 44 years. It's played host to politicians, celebrities, and international royalty during its time on duty. Now you can walk its decks and halls to see what life was like aboard a floating palace.
Royal Yacht BritanniaPalace of Holyroodhouse Edinburgh
Visit this working royal palace in the heart of Edinburgh city centre. Explore the permanent collections, as well as touring exhibitions. You can also take a walk around Holyrood Park, which includes the ancient volcano, Arthur's Seat.
Palace of Holyroodhouse EdinburghFree Tour of Edinburgh
Set off an adventure exploring Edinburgh's most famous streets and buildings. Walk the Royal Mile, visit major landmarks like St Giles Cathedral, and stop for a coffee break at the Grassmarket Project. At the end of the tour, pay how you feel and reward interesting and entertaining tour guides.
Free Tour of EdinburghFree Edinburgh Ghost Tour
Discover the darker side of Edinburgh with a spooky night tour. Learn about the body snatching, public executions, and gruesome jails and tortures that took place in Edinburgh's past.
Free Edinburgh Ghost Tour
Discover more things to do and places to see in Edinburgh.

Get a little extra with your journey
Not only will you never pay a booking fee when you book your ticket with LNER, you can also sign up for LNER Perks.
When you sign up for Perks, you'll get:
Get £5 free to spend on your next journey
2% back on all LNER journeys
Download the LNER app or find out more about LNER Perks and sign up today.
How to book cheap tickets for a train from London to Edinburgh
Book your London to Edinburgh train in advance
Buying your London to Edinburgh train tickets at least four weeks in advance ahead of your travel date can save you up to 47%* on on-the-day train ticket prices.
Buy a Standard Advance ticket through the LNER website and app at least four weeks before you travel, and you'll save up to 47%* compared to buying any Standard ticket on the day of travel.
Book in advanceSave 1/3 on your train from London to Edinburgh with a Railcard
A Railcard is a discount card that allows you to save money on train travel throughout Great Britain, which often offers 1/3 off the cost of your train tickets on most routes.
RailcardsSave 63%** on London to Edinburgh high-speed trains
Travel between 17 cities and save on average 63%** when you're travelling with up to two adults and four children. Use one Family ticket for the whole family and get a reserved seat for everyone.
Family SinglesUse our Deal Finder for the cheapest trains to Edinburgh from London
Access the best train fares on London to Scotland trains easily with the LNER app. Use Deal Finder to find the lowest prices on train tickets by simply entering your travel details. It's your shortcut to easier and more affordable travel!
Get the LNER App
Book your London to Edinburgh train in advance
Buying your London to Edinburgh train tickets at least four weeks in advance ahead of your travel date can save you up to 47%* on on-the-day train ticket prices.
Buy a Standard Advance ticket through the LNER website and app at least four weeks before you travel, and you'll save up to 47%* compared to buying any Standard ticket on the day of travel.
Book in advanceSave 1/3 on your train from London to Edinburgh with a Railcard
A Railcard is a discount card that allows you to save money on train travel throughout Great Britain, which often offers 1/3 off the cost of your train tickets on most routes.
RailcardsSave 63%** on London to Edinburgh high-speed trains
Travel between 17 cities and save on average 63%** when you're travelling with up to two adults and four children. Use one Family ticket for the whole family and get a reserved seat for everyone.
Family SinglesUse our Deal Finder for the cheapest trains to Edinburgh from London
Access the best train fares on London to Scotland trains easily with the LNER app. Use Deal Finder to find the lowest prices on train tickets by simply entering your travel details. It's your shortcut to easier and more affordable travel!
Get the LNER App
* Saving average based on all Standard Advance tickets bought on the LNER website and App at least four weeks before you travel vs buying any Standard ticket on the day you travel.
** Average saving is based on two adults and two children travelling with an LNER Family Single vs Advance fare.
Take the train to Edinburgh from London with LNER
Taking the London to Edinburgh high-speed train is quick and easy with LNER.
Covering a distance of 331 miles, our trains from Edinburgh to London take just 4h 32m.
Once on-board, you'll be able to order food directly to your seat, browse the internet with free Wi-Fi, and charge your phone with a plug at every table.
And for a more luxurious Scotland to London train journey, travel First Class – with wider seats, complimentary food and drinks and use of our London King's Cross and Edinburgh Waverley First Class lounges.
Related FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh by train?
What is the cheapest way to get from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh by train?
If you’re heading for Edinburgh from London King’s Cross then try and buy Advance singles for the cheapest option. They’ll usually cost less than a Flexible ticket so set up a Ticket Alert and you’ll know when they're available.
Are there direct trains from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh?
Are there direct trains from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh?
Yes, there are direct LNER trains from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh with a journey that usually takes just over four and a half hours. During the week, trains run every half hour at peak times.
Which rail lines go through London King’s Cross?
Which rail lines go through London King’s Cross?
The main train lines through London King’s Cross station are LNER, Hull Trains, Grand Central, Lumo, and Thameslink. Although LNER does not directly manage London King’s Cross Station, we recently opened the first Family Lounge on the UK rail network.
Which rail lines go through Edinburgh?
Which rail lines go through Edinburgh?
The main train lines running through Edinburgh Waverley station are LNER, CrossCountry, ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, Lumo, TransPennine Express, and Caledonian Sleeper. Although LNER does not directly manage Edinburgh Waverley Station, we have invested in a refurbished First-Class Lounge opposite Platform 4.
Can you buy a Season Ticket between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh?
Can you buy a Season Ticket between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh?
Unfortunately no Season Tickets are available at the moment for the journey from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh.
Do you offer a student discount on train tickets?
Do you offer a student discount on train tickets?
We don't offer a student discount however, you can purchase a 16-25 Railcard and save 1/3 on train tickets.
How can I apply for compensation if my train is delayed or cancelled?
How can I apply for compensation if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Cancelled train
In the rare event that your train is cancelled, we offer full refunds (assuming you don't take an alternative train). Be sure to apply for the refund within 28 days of the cancelled journey date.
If you meet these conditions, follow these steps for your refund:
- Swipe down the page and click on ‘Amend journey’ or ‘Request a refund’
- Notify us of the reason for the refund request by pressing 'My train was cancelled' and then ‘Continue’
- Enter your details and submit your request
Already collected your tickets or had them posted to you?
If you’ve already received your printed tickets, you'll need to fill in our Change of Plans form and follow the instructions included.
Was your train delayed by at least 30 minutes?
On our Delay Repay page, you can learn about compensation if your train is delayed. For future LNER journeys, book through our website or app, then choose One-Click Delay Repay to ensure claiming for a delayed journey is as easy as possible.
What are the train stops between London King's Cross and Edinburgh?
What are the train stops between London King's Cross and Edinburgh?
LNER offers several different routes for your journey from Edinburgh to London King's Cross, each providing a distinct experience. Here are the stops on the different routes:
Route 1: York - Darlington - Newcastle - Berwick-upon-Tweed
Route 2: Peterborough - Newark Northgate - Doncaster - York - Northallerton - Darlington - Durham - Newcastle - Alnmouth
Route 3: Peterborough - Newark Northgate - Doncaster - York - Northallerton - Darlington - Durham - Newcastle - Morpeth
Route 4: Peterborough - Newark Northgate - York - Darlington - Durham - Newcastle - Alnmouth - Dunbar
Route 5: Peterborough - Newark Northgate - Doncaster - York - Northallerton - Darlington - Durham - Newcastle - Morpeth - Alnmouth
Whether you prefer a direct journey with only a few stops or a more extended route with additional destinations, LNER ensures your trip from London King's Cross to Edinburgh is an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the journey!