- 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
£118
Average price
£193
Fastest journey
7 h
Average duration
7 h 30 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
588 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bournemouth to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bournemouth to Edinburgh will cost around £193 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £118.
To travel from Bournemouth to Edinburgh you need to make at least one change.
G80254+
L80183+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
G80258+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+
L80189
G00885 · W29792
G00867+
W33375
G00863 · G01071
G00885+
W34492+
G80256+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross
G80250+
L78788_L79955+
Tube from Vauxhall to London Kings Cross+
L81745
G00867+
W33375
G80254+
L80183+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
G80229+
L80137+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings CrossOmio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bournemouth to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 25m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £40, and a train costs an average of £66.
Distance: 588 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£108 Average Price | £60 Average Price Cheapest | £61 Average Price |
7h 34m Average total duration 7h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 47m Average total duration 12h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Bournemouth to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Sunday 23 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C01964+ L78770_L79931+ Tube from London Victoria to London Kings Cross+ G01066 | 8:03 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 8h10 | 16:13 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4 changes | |
G80229+ L80137+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross | 8:46 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 7h41 | 16:27 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
C01997+ L78774_L79937+ C82261+ Tube from London Victoria to London Kings Cross | 9:03 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 8h08 | 17:11 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4 changes | |
G00863 · G01071 | On time 9:40 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 8h19 | 17:59 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G80235+ L80157+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross | 9:45 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 7h47 | 17:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
W33375+ G00867 | 10:40 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 7h39 | 18:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G80250+ L78788_L79955+ Tube from Vauxhall to London Kings Cross+ L81745 | 12:06 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 7h30 | 19:36 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
W33374+ G00880 | 12:40 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 7h44 | 20:24 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G80254+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+ L80183 | 12:50 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 7h40 | 20:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
G00885 · W29792 | 13:40 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 8h30 | 22:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G80256+ G00885+ W34492+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | 13:40 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 7h00 | 20:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
G80258+ L80189+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross | 13:50 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 7h44 | 21:34 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight 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 Bournemouth to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 7h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £66 but you can travel from only £17 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:15, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 588 km distance in 6h 58m.
Distance 588 km |
Average train duration 7h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price £66 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 6h 58m |
First train 5:15 |
Last train 23:00 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 49 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
For travellers taking the train from Bournemouth to Edinburgh, you can catch several trains per day. The journey is around 7-8h depending on the number of connections you need to make on your journey. Most train services offer wifi to their customers; however, some will only provide wifi to first-class passengers. Most train companies offer services to those who have limited mobility; however, you should contact them before your journey.
Trains from Bournemouth to Edinburgh leave several times a day, with about 20 trains leaving Bournemouth to Edinburgh on a weekday; whereas on the weekend, you can catch about 11 trains. The earliest Bournemouth to Edinburgh trains leave Bournemouth train station during the week around 05:30, while on the weekend, the earliest trains leave Bournemouth station around 07:30. During the week, the latest train departs around 12:20, whereas you can expect departures around 14:30 for the last train to Edinburgh on weekends.
Trains from Bournemouth to Edinburgh generally take around 7-8h. Travel times will generally depend on how many transfers are needed and where those changes take place. At most, you can expect your journey to take you around 8h 30min, if there are no delays. You can expect to have around two to four transfers for a given journey from Bournemouth to Edinburgh.

Hot Air Balloon in Bournemouth. Source: Shutterstock
Departure train station: The departure station for Bournemouth to Edinburgh trains is Bournemouth Station, approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) from the city centre. If you travel to the station from the centre of Bournemouth via bus, it should take you around 7min to get there. You could also get to Bournemouth Station via taxi, which should take around 3min, depending on traffic. At the station, you will have access to Wi-Fi, storage facilities, trolleys and refreshments that are available for purchase.
Arrival train station: The arrival station for train journeys from Bournemouth to Edinburgh is Edinburgh Waverley Station. If you want to travel to the city centre from the station, it will take around 3min via bus. If you would prefer to take a taxi, you can expect the journey to be around 3min as well, depending on traffic. The station is around 0.4 miles (0.6 km) from the centre of Edinburgh. Edinburgh Waverley Station offers passengers public Wi-Fi, places to purchase refreshments, trolleys, as well as places to do your shopping.
When it comes to Bournemouth to Edinburgh trains, there are two train companies that regularly travel the journey. CrossCountry offers travellers a variety of options but usually has around three or four changes. London North Eastern Railway (LNER) will generally need two stops for your journey. However, CrossCountry’s off-peak tickets are fully exchangeable and semi-refundable, whereas LNER only offers exchangeable, semi-refundable tickets on its anytime tickets. Avanti West Coast only operates Bournemouth to Edinburgh trains on the weekend, and they offer a first-class and second-class service, along with CrossCountry and LNER.
Unfortunately, there are no Bournemouth to Edinburgh night trains; the latest train available usually leaves Bournemouth at around 12:20 on weekdays and around 14:30 during the week. With these journeys, you can expect to arrive in Edinburgh at around 18:20 and 22:30 respectively, barring any unforeseen delays.
CrossCountry trains usually operate with two trains leaving every 2h, with around two changes during the journey with trains from Bournemouth to Edinburgh. CrossCountry exclusively uses long-distance trains, and you can expect your journey to take around 8 hours, or a little bit longer if there are delays. You also have the option of choosing first-class or second-class tickets, depending on your budget or preference.
If you decide to travel on a LNER train from Bournemouth to Edinburgh, you can expect to catch a train several times an hour every hour while the trains are in operation, roughly between 07:20 and 12:20. There are no direct trains from Bournemouth to Edinburgh with LNER, and you will likely have to connect with three or four trains, depending on when you leave. You will also get the option of first-class or second-class carriages, depending on your budget or preference. LNER also operates with a high-speed rail instead of using long distance.
Avanti West Coast trains only provide a train from Bournemouth to Edinburgh on weekends, operating about three times a day, from around 09:00 to around 10:00. There are no direct trains on offer, and you can expect to have at least three or four connections during your journey. Avanti West Coast also has high-speed rail instead of long distance. The journey will take around 7-8 hours, giving you plenty of time to read our online travel magazine on your journey.
Trains are one of the most energy-efficient forms of land transport, using less energy than a car or plane over the same distance, and due to the fact that most trains are electric, they are often incredibly sustainable if they have the right source. Trains also make great use of the passenger economy; being able to travel with a great number of passengers per journey makes trains an incredibly sustainable form of travel.
If you are travelling on a LNER train from Bournemouth to Edinburgh, you will have the option of first-class or second-class tickets. With both, you get free wifi as well as a power point. You also get the opportunity to buy food. You will be able to take two small dogs or cats with you on your journey, provided they are in a carrier case. If you require a service dog, please let LNER know in advance. If you have limited mobility, LNER will happily assist you; however, please contact them at least 6 hours before your journey starts. They also have wheelchair space of up to 47 x 27 in (120 x 70 cm). If you want to travel with Avanti, you can bring two bags with you plus one pet and will have access to free wifi. If you need to bring more than one pet or two bags, you will have to pay a fee. If you contact Avanti about your service animal, it can ride for free. Avanti also offers first- and second-class carriages, and if you have decreased mobility, you can contact Avanti before your journey to get assistance. CrossCountry offers passengers first- or second-class carriages, and they also provide space for one large bag and one small bag while you travel. You can bring up to two pets, and if you have a service animal, please contact CrossCountry in advance. If you have limited mobility, please be aware that CrossCountry trains are quite narrow and space is limited; however, there are accommodations that can be made if you contact them in advance.
If you need to save money for your journey from Bournemouth to Edinburgh, you will need to make sure you book your ticket as early as possible, as this will reduce its cost significantly. Beyond that, if you have the ability to be flexible with the day and time you travel, you could find a great money-saver. Also, keep in mind that high-speed rail is often in high demand and is more expensive as a result; long distance rail can often be cheaper because of this. Also look at train journeys that have connections, as they are often quite a bit cheaper than direct routes.

Calton Hill at night in Edinburgh. Source: Shutterstock
If you are travelling to Edinburgh, you have a number of options, depending on your interests and reason for travelling. One thing you should not miss if you can help it is Edinburgh Castle. Built in the 11th century, you can take a tour to this former stronghold and home to royal families. You will need to book in advance and space is limited, so make sure you give yourself enough time to see it. For the foodies, you should definitely visit Michelin-star restaurant The Pompadour, which is run by renowned chef Dean Banks. Patrons will receive a set menu of six to seven courses with tasting wines. Reservations are needed, as seating is limited. Edinburgh travellers interested in the arts should enjoy visiting the Scottish National Gallery. Home to some iconic pieces of art, like Highland Wedding at Blair Atholl by David Allan. The Scottish National Gallery is an amazing place to visit for any art enthusiast in Edinburgh. If you have an interest in literature, you should check out The Writers' Museum. Apart from what’s just been mentioned, why not check a few other fun things to do in Edinburgh?
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth to Edinburgh trains use the Bournemouth to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh Gateway. Use this guide to compare Bournemouth and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bournemouth is 1 km from Bournemouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Bournemouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Bournemouth.
Wi-Fi is available at Bournemouth.
Ticket office support is available at Bournemouth.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bournemouth: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bournemouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bournemouth: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station. Level access to both sides of station from separate entrances. Long and steep ramped subway between platforms - up to 1:8 gradient Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Pokesdown is 4 km from Bournemouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Pokesdown has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Pokesdown.
Wi-Fi is available at Pokesdown.
Ticket office support is available at Pokesdown.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Pokesdown: Parking.
Available at Pokesdown: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Edinburgh Gateway is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Gateway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh Gateway. 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: Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Parking, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Gateway: 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 both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 4, 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: Yes.
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.
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