- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
Cheapest price
£28
Average price
£28
Fastest journey
2 h 18 m
Average duration
2 h 18 m
Trains per day
31
Distance
105 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ayr to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ayr to Edinburgh will cost around £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £28.
To travel from Ayr to Edinburgh you need to make at least one change.
L87369 · L88247
L87378 · L87095
L87361 · L87093
L87373 · W84247
L87349 · W84266
L87346 · L87806
L87358 · L87853+
Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street
L87515+
Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street+
L87838
L87340 · L87791
L87349 · L87822+
Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen StreetOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ayr to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 57m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £23.
Distance: 105 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£26 Average Price | £16 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 3m Average total duration 2h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Ayr to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 26 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L87333 · L87776 | 5:15 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h23 | 7:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87333+ W29873 | 5:15 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h37 | 7:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
W69638 · W84264 | 5:36 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h37 | 8:13 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
W69638 · L87785 | 5:36 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h30 | 8:06 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87340 · L87791 | 6:03 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h19 | 8:22 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87340 · W84230 | 6:03 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h46 | 8:49 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87346+ G01148 | 6:35 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h21 | 8:56 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87346 · L87806 | 6:35 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h18 | 8:53 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87349 · W84266 | 7:05 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h44 | 9:49 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87349 · L87822+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street | 7:05 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h19 | 9:24 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L87515 · L87838+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street | 7:27 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h18 | 9:45 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L87354 · L88238 | 7:37 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h34 | 10:11 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87354+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street+ L87845 | 7:37 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h27 | 10:04 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L87358+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street+ L87853 | 8:05 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h18 | 10:23 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L87361 · L87093 | 8:35 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h25 | 11:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87365 · W84218 | 9:05 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h44 | 11:49 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87365 · L87890+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street | 9:05 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h28 | 11:33 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L87369 · L88247 | 9:35 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h27 | 12:02 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87373 · W84247 | 10:05 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h40 | 12:45 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87373 · L87922+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street | 10:05 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h31 | 12:36 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L87378 · L87095 | 10:35 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h26 | 13:01 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87381 · W84189 | 11:05 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h39 | 13:44 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87381 · L87938+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street | 11:05 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h31 | 13:36 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L87386 · L88254 | 11:35 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h39 | 14:14 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87386 · L87945+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street | 11:35 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h28 | 14:03 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L87390 · W84196 | 12:05 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h37 | 14:42 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87390 · C14763+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street | 12:05 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h32 | 14:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L87394 · C14666 | 12:35 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h33 | 15:08 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87394 · L87962+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street | 12:35 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h30 | 15:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
L87397 · W84241 | 13:05 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h44 | 15:49 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
L87397 · L87969+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street | 13:05 Ayr station (AYR) | 2h27 | 15:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Ayr to Edinburgh run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:15, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 105 km distance in 2h 13m.
Distance 105 km |
Average train duration 1h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 2h 13m |
First train 5:15 |
Last train 23:00 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Waverley -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ayr to Edinburgh by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ayr to Edinburgh trains use the Ayr to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Ayr and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Ayr has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ayr.
Wi-Fi is available at Ayr. ATMs are available at Ayr.
Ticket office support is available at Ayr. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ayr: Parking, WC.
Available at Ayr: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ayr: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: This is a Category B station. Level to platforms 1,2 & 3 - connecting footbridge with stairs or access from street to platform 4. Alternative route is available by going outside the station over the roadbridge Blue Badge parking bays: 7, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Newton-on-Ayr is 1 km from Ayr city centre. Public transport options include:
Newton-on-Ayr has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Newton-on-Ayr.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Newton-on-Ayr: Parking.
Available at Newton-on-Ayr: Bike Parking.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Slateford is 4 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Slateford has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Slateford.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Slateford: Parking.
Available at Slateford: Bike Parking.
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