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York to Edinburgh trains

      Easy travel between York and Edinburgh

      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.

      • Average travel time

        2h 34m

      • Distance

        161 miles

      Cheapest train tickets from York to Edinburgh Waverley

      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.

      Discover more things to do and places to see in Edinburgh.

      A taste of Edinburgh

      Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most exciting food cities, blending traditional Scottish flavours with modern, international influences. From classic dishes like haggis and Cullen skink to fresh seafood and contemporary cooking, there’s something for every appetite.

      Old Town

      The Old Town is packed with historic character and traditional Scottish fare. It’s a great place to sample local dishes in atmospheric surroundings, often with centuries-old buildings as the backdrop. Expect hearty menus, cosy interiors and a lively buzz, especially in the evenings. Getting there from Edinburgh Waverley only takes 10 minutes of walking or a 5 minute bus or taxi journey.

      New Town

      Elegant and spacious, the New Town is known for its refined dining scene. This area is ideal for contemporary Scottish cuisine, stylish cafés and relaxed brunch spots, all set among Georgian architecture and wide streets. Getting there from Edinburgh Waverley only takes 15 minutes of walking or a 10 minute bus or taxi journey.

      Stockbridge

      Stockbridge offers a village-like atmosphere with a mix of artisanal food spots, bakeries and laid-back dining options. It’s perfect for slow lunches with family, coffee stops with friends and enjoying a quieter side of the city. Getting there from Edinburgh Waverley only takes 30 minutes of walking or a 10-15 minute bus or taxi journey.

      Free things to do in Edinburgh

      Sport in Edinburgh

      Edinburgh is a city where sport is part of everyday life. Whether you’re a dedicated sports fan or just enjoy being active, the city makes it easy to get involved.

      Football

      Home to Heart of Midlothian FC (Tynecastle) and Hibernian FC (Easter Road), Edinburgh’s football scene is full of passion and local rivalry. The surrounding areas are full of energy and offer a chance to soak up the local football culture, only a 40 minute walk or 20 minute bus ride from Edinburgh station.

      Rugby

      Rugby has a proud tradition in Edinburgh, and Murrayfield Stadium is the heart of it. Hosting international matches, professional club games, and major events, it’s a must-visit for fans and newcomers alike. Getting there from Edinburgh station takes 45 minutes to walk or a 20 minutes on the bus.

      Snow sports

      Hillend Dry Ski Slope is one of Europe’s largest dry ski slopes. Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, or tubing, it offers year-round snow sports in a safe and scenic setting. Beginners and experienced skiers can enjoy lessons, practice runs, and fun activities. A bus ride from the station takes roughly 45 minutes, or for a quicker journey a taxi takes 25 minutes.

      Cycling and BMX

      Edinburgh is ideal for cycling enthusiasts and BMX riders. Inverleith Park provides open spaces and BMX tracks for tricks and training. Providing a fun and active way to see the city from a new perspective. Only a 30 minute walk or 15 minute bus ride from Edinburgh station.

      Family-friendly things to do in Edinburgh

      Shopping in Edinburgh

      Edinburgh is a fantastic city for shopping, blending historic charm with modern retail experiences.

      George Street and Multrees Walk

      One of the city’s main shopping destinations is George Street and Multrees Walk, known for their elegant Georgian architecture and a refined shopping experience. Here, visitors can find stylish boutiques, contemporary fashion and speciality stores in a relaxed, sophisticated environment. Getting there from Edinburgh Waverley station only takes 10 minutes whether you walk, catch the bus or take a taxi.

      St James Quarter

      Another key shopping area is the St James Quarter, a modern shopping destination that brings together multiple levels of retail, dining and leisure. With its vibrant atmosphere and variety of shops, it’s ideal for a full day of shopping under one roof. Getting there from Edinburgh Waverley station only takes 10 to 15 minutes whether you walk, go by bus or grab a taxi.

      Connections from Edinburgh Waverley station

      Train connections

      Local buses and trams

      Taxis

      Walking to the city centre

      Standard and First Class facilities

      Whether you choose Standard or First Class, you’ll enjoy comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and power sockets. Standard Class offers great value with food and drinks available to purchase, while First Class elevates the experience with wider reclining seats, faster Wi-Fi and complimentary dining plus lounge access at major stations.

      • LNER Standard Coach

        Standard

      • first class

        First Class

      Facility

      Standard

      First class

      Seating

      Ergonomic seats, good legroom

      Wider, reclining seats with extra legroom

      Wi-Fi

      Free Wi-Fi

      Free Wi-Fi

      Power

      Power sockets at all seats

      Power sockets and USB charging points at every seat

      Food & drink

      Purchase from Café Bar or “Lets Eat At Your Seat” service

      Complimentary food and drink service (menu varies by time of day)

      Alcohol

      Available for purchase

      Complimentary with lunch/evening menus

      Quiet coach

      Available

      Quieter environment throughout

      First class lounges

      Not available for standard

      Access to First Class lounges at selected stations

      Luggage

      Overhead racks and carriage-end storage

      Extra luggage space

      Accessibility

      Accessible toilets and wheelchair spaces

      Accessible toilets and wheelchair spaces

      Extras

      Baby-changing facilities

      Baby-changing facilities

      Booking tickets from York to Edinburgh

      Booking directly with LNER is the easiest way to get your train tickets to travel from York to Edinburgh. You’ll have access to all fares, the best prices and the ability to manage your journey to Edinburgh online or via the LNER App. Booking direct also gives you access to seat reservations, LNER Perks and the flexibility to change or refund tickets depending on the type.

      Advance tickets

      Family single tickets

      Anytime tickets

      Group tickets

      70min Flex tickets

      Season tickets

      York to Edinburgh train tickets are available in a range of options to suit different travel needs and budgets. Advance tickets offer the best value when booked ahead for a specific train while anytime tickets provide full flexibility to travel on any service during the day. For added freedom without the full anytime price, 70min flex tickets allow travel up to 70 minutes before or after your booked time.

      Families and groups can benefit from discounted family single and group tickets, making it easier and more affordable to travel together. For frequent travellers, season tickets offer unlimited journeys between York and Edinburgh over a set period, delivering convenience and long-term savings. Together these ticket types ensure there’s an option for every journey style from planned trips to flexible travel.

      How to get to York station

      • Station address

        Station Road
        York
        North Yorkshire
        YO24 1AB

      • Car parking

        York Station has a short-stay car park open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing 30 spaces. The long-stay car park has 504 spaces but is currently closed for redevelopment.

      • Local transport

        York station is a transport hub served by numerous local bus routes and the city’s Park & Ride services. York offers excellent connectivity through its bus network and nearby taxi ranks.

      Things to do near York station

      Station facilities

      Inside York station you’ll find essentials like luggage storage, free Wi-Fi and plenty of seating areas to relax before your journey. There are also accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.

      Coffee spots

      For a quick caffeine fix head to Costa Coffee or Starbucks inside the station. You’ll also find local favourite Upper Crust for pastries and hot drinks perfect for grabbing something before you board.

      Restaurants & bars

      Just outside the station The York Tap is a must-visit for craft beers in a stunning Victorian setting. For a hearty meal explore nearby gems like Skosh offering modern British small plates or The Rattle Owl known for seasonal menus in a historic building.

      Shopping

      York’s city centre is a short walk away where you’ll find Coppergate Shopping Centre for high street brands and Stonegate for boutique stores and independent shops. For something unique browse Shambles Market for local produce and artisan goods.

      Cultural attractions

      Step outside and discover York Minster, one of Europe’s largest Gothic cathedrals. The National Railway Museum is just a few minutes’ walk from the station a must for train enthusiasts. Wander the medieval streets of the Shambles for a true taste of York’s history.

      Unique experiences

      Don’t miss a stroll along York’s ancient city walls for panoramic views. For something different try a ghost walk in the evening for an immersive experience.

      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.

      Join LNER Perks

      How to book cheap tickets for your York to Edinburgh train

      * 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

      Travelling from York to Edinburgh Waverley with LNER is fast, comfortable and scenic, making it perfect for both leisure and business trips. The journey takes just over 2 hours 30 minutes, giving you a smooth ride through the landscapes of England and Scotland. Onboard, you’ll find ergonomic seating, free Wi‑Fi and power at every seat, along with the option to order food directly to your table. For an elevated experience, First Class offers wider seats, complimentary meals and drinks, and access to First Class lounges at both York and Edinburgh.

      Edinburgh is packed with things to do. You can visit Edinburgh Castle, climb Arthur's Seat, tour the Royal Yacht Britannia or join the Harry Potter Walking Tour. There are free activities like the Edinburgh Ghost Tour and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Food and shopping options are easy to find in Old Town, New Town and Stockbridge. Also, there are plenty of connections to continue your journey onward from Edinburgh Waverley to visit historic towns and iconic destinations.

      Before you board in York, the station offers a convenient and well‑equipped start to your journey. Inside you’ll find free Wi‑Fi and plenty of seating, along with coffee options like Costa Coffee, Starbucks, and Upper Crust for pastries and hot drinks. Just outside the station, The York Tap is a popular stop for craft beers, and nearby restaurants such as Skosh and The Rattle Owl provide great food in stylish settings. York’s city centre is a short walk away, with shops at Coppergate and Stonegate, cultural highlights like York Minster and the National Railway Museum, and unique experiences including Shambles Market, the medieval Shambles streets and walks along the ancient city walls. Local buses and Park & Ride services make getting to York Station simple.

      LNER offers a range of tickets, all with their own flexibility and benefits, including Advance, Anytime, 70min Flex, Family Single, Group discounts and Season tickets. Booking directly with LNER means you get access to LNER Perks, which gives you back 2% credit when you travel with us. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, LNER is a reliable and enjoyable way to get between York and Edinburgh, offering comfort, convenience and excellent value throughout the journey.

      What is the cheapest way to get from York to Edinburgh by train?

      Are there direct trains from York to Edinburgh?

      Which rail lines go through York?

      Which rail lines go through Edinburgh?

      Can you buy a Season Ticket between York and Edinburgh?

      Do you offer a student discount on train tickets?

      How can I apply for compensation if my train is delayed or cancelled?

      What are the train stops between York and Edinburgh?

      Book with confidence

      Book together, save 20%
      No booking fees, ever
      Pick your own seats
      One-click Delay Repay
      £5 free with LNER Perks
      2% back with LNER Perks
      Greener choice