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York to Edinburgh trains
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Easy travel between Edinburgh and York
Relax as the scenery of England and Scotland flashes by while you travel from York and Edinburgh.
Travelling with LNER means you'll arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and relaxed. With our price promise, you'll also get the best value tickets when you book direct on our app.
Average travel time
2h 34m
Distance
161 miles
Today's train times
Upcoming direct journeys for York 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 seat
Royal 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 Edinburgh
Harry 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 Scotland
Scottish 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 Gallery
Royal 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 Britannia
Palace 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 Edinburgh
Free 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 Edinburgh
Free 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 your York to Edinburgh train
Book your York to Edinburgh train in advance
Buying your York to Edinburgh train ticket 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 York 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.
RailcardsUse our Deal Finder for the cheapest trains from York to Edinburgh
Access the best train fares on trains from York to Edinburgh 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 York to Edinburgh train in advance
Buying your York to Edinburgh train ticket 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 York 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.
RailcardsUse our Deal Finder for the cheapest trains from York to Edinburgh
Access the best train fares on trains from York to Edinburgh 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.
Take the York to Edinburgh train with LNER
Taking the high-speed York to Edinburgh train is quick and easy with LNER.
Covering a distance of 161 miles, York to Edinburgh trains take just 2h 34m.
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 York to Edinburgh train journey, travel First Class – with wider seats, complimentary food and drinks, plus use of our York First Class Lounge and our Edinburgh First Class Lounge.
Related FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get from York to Edinburgh by train?
What is the cheapest way to get from York to Edinburgh by train?
You can usually find the cheapest tickets to Edinburgh from York by choosing Advance singles rather than a Flexible option. The smart thing to do is set up a Ticket Alert so you know when you can buy what you want.
Are there direct trains from York to Edinburgh?
Are there direct trains from York to Edinburgh?
A number of direct services are available but don't forget that LNER offers frequent, clean and comfortable trains with free Wi-Fi, plug socks and food onboard. There are two trains every hour and a journey of roughly two and a half hours.
Which rail lines go through York?
Which rail lines go through York?
York station is managed by LNER, and the main train lines running through it are LNER, CrossCountry, Northern Trains, Grand Central, and TransPennine Express.
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 York and Edinburgh?
Can you buy a Season Ticket between York and Edinburgh?
From seven days to twelve months, we offer a lot of Season Ticket options for the traveller going from York 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 York and Edinburgh?
What are the train stops between York and Edinburgh?
When booking your journey from York to Edinburgh, it is worth noting that LNER offers you a variety of route options, each providing a unique travel experience. Here are the stops on each route:
Route 1: Northallerton - Darlington - Durham - Newcastle - Morpeth - Alnmouth
Route 2: Darlington - Newcastle - Berwick-upon-Tweed
Route 3: Northallerton - Darlington - Durham - Newcastle
Route 4: Northallerton - Darlington - Durham - Newcastle - Alnmouth
Whether you prefer a more direct route or one with a few more stops along the way, LNER will see to it that your journey from York to Edinburgh is both comfortable and memorable. Enjoy the trip!
