Bournemouth to Edinburgh train with London North Eastern Railway

Trains from Bournemouth to 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.

Bournemouth to Edinburgh Train Time: Daily Departures

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.

How long is the journey by train from Bournemouth to Edinburgh?

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

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Bournemouth to Edinburgh?

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.

Which train companies travel from Bournemouth to Edinburgh?

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.

Night trains Bournemouth

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 from Bournemouth to Edinburgh

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.

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) trains from Bournemouth to Edinburgh

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 from Bournemouth to Edinburgh

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 from Bournemouth to Edinburgh: Sustainability travel

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.

Train Bournemouth to Edinburgh: Services on Board

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.

How to find cheap train tickets from Bournemouth to Edinburgh

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

To Edinburgh by train—travel tips

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?

• Underground Walking Tour in Edinburgh
• Visit the Loch Ness
• The Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience
• Visit the Department of Magic
• Check out Calton Hill