Bristol to Edinburgh train with Cross Country

Trains from Bristol to Edinburgh

Passengers will find a frequent service of 6 trains running per day from Bristol to Edinburgh. There are both direct and connecting options of train between the two locations. Routes are carried out with either of the two providers, Cross Country or London North Eastern Railway. Both providers offer great onboard facilities and have great service available from staff.

Bristol to Edinburgh Train Time: Daily Departures

Depending if you are looking for trains that are either direct or that require stopovers, you will find a different frequency. Overall, there are 6 trains running per day from Bristol to Edinburgh. There are 4 direct trains running per day and just 2 that require stopovers. This is through the operating hours of the earliest departing train at 6:34 a.m. and the last departing train at 4:35 p.m.

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

Depending on what time of day that you travel, expect the duration of your journey to range from 6h 28min to 6h 43min. You can find that the quickest duration departs at either 6:34 a.m. or 4:35 p.m. Whereas the train with the longest duration departs at 9:32 a.m. Trains that require changes tend to be the same duration as ones that don’t require stopovers. However, trains that require stopovers will commonly be cheaper in price than those that are direct.

Edinburgh Arthurs Seat. Source: Shutterstock

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

Departure train station: Your train will always leave Bristol Temple Meads Station. This station is well located and is just 0.8 miles (1.2 km) from Bristol’s city centre. You can reach the station from the city centre with a short walk or alternatively, consider taking buses like Bus 1, Bus 2a, and park&ride. Within the station, you can find toilet facilities, cafés, ticket machines, and also money withdrawal points.

Arrival train station:No matter if you’re choosing a direct or connecting train from Bristol to Edinburgh, you will always find that your train will reach the main airport of Edinburgh, also known as Edinburgh Waverley Station. The station is located just 0.4 miles (0.6 km) from the city centre of Edinburgh and is accessible in just a short walking distance. Alternatively, choose buses like Bus 7, Busy 49, or Bus 14. The station is gifted with ticket dispensers, ATM machines, eateries, and much more.

Which train companies travel from Bristol to Edinburgh?

Passengers will find just two companies travelling from Bristol to Edinburgh and this is with the leading train providers, Cross Country and North Eastern Railway. Both trains will take you on separate parts of your journey, depending on which type of train that you choose. If a passenger chooses the provider, Cross Country, they will have the option of either direct trains or trains that require up to one stopover. Stopovers are commonly associated with popular stations like Newcastle.

There are 4 direct trains running per day and just 2 that requires changes. A passenger will not be able to choose more than 1 stopover location. However, the provider, North Eastern Railway, will not take you from your departing station in Bristol but will instead take you on your journey from Newcastle to Edinburgh, if you happen to choose a train that requires a stopover. Passengers should find that there 2 of these trains running per day.

Cross Country trains from Bristol to Edinburgh

Passengers will find that the only provider that operates a journey from Bristol to Edinburgh is Cross Country. These trains can range anything from 6h 28min to 6h 43min in duration, depending on when you travel. The provider offers great onboard facilities and service from staff. The fastest running train departs at either 6:34 a.m. or 4:35 p.m. The longest running train of the day departs at 9:32 a.m. Passengers can find both direct and connecting trains between the two locations. Connecting trains will usually reach popular stations like Newcastle. The switch is estimated to take just 11min.

London North Eastern Railway

Those who are travelling with the provider, North Eastern Railway, will find that this provider only travels on part of their journey. You will not find North Eastern Railway in use from your departing location but will instead see it running from stations like Newcastle where some trains require stopovers. There are just 2 of these running trains per day and the duration from Newcastle to Edinburgh takes just 1h 30min. You will always see your train arriving at Edinburgh Waverley Station. The switch between the trains at Newcastle will take just 11min.

Edinburgh Calton Hill. Source: Shutterstock

Train from Bristol to Edinburgh: Services on Board

Before a passenger boards either of the trains from the providers of Cross Country or North Eastern Railway, they can benefit from the environmentally friendly use of an e-ticket. An e-ticket can be shown on any electronic device of your choosing and is easily able to be stored on your Omio account. If you are travelling on a train with London North Eastern Railway then you can bring a maximum of one large suitcase, a carry on bag, as well as a small handbag.

Whereas on trains with Cross Country, you will not be able to bring on a piece of luggage that exceeds the maximum size of 90cm x 70cm x 30cm. Passengers can also choose from either standard or first-class seats on their train. There is extra service available to guests with reduced mobility access. All extra help should be pre-booked in advance to secure availability.

How to find cheap train tickets from Bristol to Edinburgh?

A passenger can find many ways to find cheap train tickets from Bristol to Edinburgh. A passenger should always start by booking with enough time in advance. If you plan your journey with adequate time prior to your departure, you will find tickets that are a lot cheaper in price than if you were to book last minute with only a matter of days before you are due to travel. You should also consider being flexible with your booking.

You should always alternate your dates when you look for trains to Edinburgh from Bristol. Changing your dates of travel by just a few days could be the difference in you facing cheaper priced tickets. This is because travel might increase in price on certain days of the week like weekends or if you travel during the school holidays. Passengers will find both direct and connecting trains between these two locations. The train journey that requires a stopover via Newcastle is cheaper in price than direct trains to Edinburgh.

To Edinburgh by train – travel tips

No matter how you choose to spend your time in Edinburgh, you’ll be quickly anticipating your return. No matter if you’re looking to enjoy the foodie culture, visiting some of the top nightlife hotspots, see some of the top sights of the capital, or simply take in the beautiful scenery, you’ll find something enjoyable for every member of the family.

Enjoy some of the top attractions in Edinburgh like the Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, Arthur’s Seat, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Calton Hill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Zoo, Royal Botanic Garden, Scottish National Gallery, along with much more. However, a visitor or tourist may choose to spend their time in Edinburgh they’ll be quickly anticipating their return and Edinburgh will be waiting to have you.

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Taking the Train from Bristol

Trains from Bristol to Edinburgh depart from Temple Meads station, located to the south-east of the city centre. City buses stop close to the station entrance, with regular routes linking the station to Bristol airport and the central bus terminus. Ferries to the harbour area and city centre stop by the quayside behind the station. The taxi rank is close to the bus stops at the main entrance.

Getting into Edinburgh by Train

Heritage and culture vie for visitors' attention in Scotland's elegant capital. Historic sites include the Castle, Holyrood Palace and the Georgian New Town, while the annual arts festival in August attracts world-class performers in music, drama and dance. Trains from Bristol to Edinburgh come into Waverley station, located right in the heart of the city. Numerous buses around the centre are available from stops on Princes Street and North Bridge. The St. Andrews bus station is a 5-minute walk north from Waverley. Night bus services leave from Waverley Bridge, close to the station's western exit. The modern tram service to the airport leaves from a nearby stop on Princes Street. There is a taxi rank inside the station, adjacent to the main concourse.