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    Kieran Read
    August 22,2025

    To travel from London to Edinburgh by train, you can take a direct train from London Kings Cross or London Euston to Edinburgh (Waverley). The journey takes approximately 4h 50m, although the fastest services can complete it in about 4h 16m. There are around 79 direct trains per day on this route. Train tickets can be purchased from around £47.60 when booked in advance.

    Here's a more detailed breakdown:

    Photo by Mike McBey

    Direct Trains

    Lumo

    You can find direct train services from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley), operated by Lumo.

    LNER

    You can find direct train services from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (Waverley), operated by LNER.

    Avanti West Coast

    You can find direct train services from London Euston to Edinburgh (Waverley), operated by Avanti West Coast.

    Caledonian Sleeper:

    You can also travel overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper, departing from London Euston in the evening and arriving in Edinburgh the next morning.

    Train Stations

    Trains depart from London Kings Cross and London Euston, arriving at Edinburgh (Waverley).

    Journey Time

    The average journey time is around 4h 50m, but the fastest services can reach in just 4h 16m.

    First and Last Trains

    The first train usually departs around 05:48, and the last train departs around 23:30.

    Train Frequency

    There are approximately 79 direct trains per day travelling this route.

    Distance

    The distance between London and Edinburgh by train is about 333.

    Operators

    Lumo, LNER, Avanti West Coast, and Caledonian Sleeper are the primary train operators.

    Tickets/Cost/Fares

    Train tickets can be found from £47.60 when booked in advance, but prices may vary depending on the time of day and whether you book on the day of travel.

    Booking

    Trip.com is a good resource for checking train times, operators, and booking tickets.

    Payment and Ticketing

    Oyster cards and contactless payments are not accepted on these trains.

    Journey Planning

    To plan your specific journey, check the timetables and availability on Trip.com or the respective train operator websites.

    • Possible stops: The train may stop at various stations along the way, including York and Newcastle.
    • Popular route: This is a well-travelled route, so it's recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially if you prefer a specific time or want to secure a cheaper fare.