4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cambridge to Edinburgh
Cheapest price
£47
Average price
£120
Fastest journey
4 h 36 m
Average duration
4 h 52 m
Trains per day
21
Distance
470 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cambridge to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge to Edinburgh will cost around £120 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £47.
To travel from Cambridge to Edinburgh you need to make at least one change.
C01971+
W454125:215h07Cambridge station (CBG)10:28Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£471One-way1 change
G00952+G801995:585h35Cambridge station (CBG)11:33Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£811One-way1 change- G00984+G8027218:005h35Cambridge station (CBG)23:35Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£861One-way1 change
- G00960 · G00739 · G01062+G0809510:005h10Cambridge station (CBG)15:10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£861One-way3 changes
- G00982+G8026617:005h35Cambridge station (CBG)22:35Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£1061One-way1 change
G25677+W454125:214h36Cambridge station (CBG)9:57Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£2111One-way1 change- G25698+W454729:514h41Cambridge station (CBG)14:32Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£1071One-way1 change
- G80216+
C21811+
P668129:304h57Cambridge North (CMB)14:27Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£1061One-way2 changes - G80266+P01165+C0439517:345h01Cambridge North (CMB)22:35Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£1071One-way2 changes
- G80259+P01164+C0447416:305h04Cambridge North (CMB)21:34Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£1071One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cambridge to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £38, and a train costs an average of £51.
Distance: 470 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£94 Average Price | £56 Average Price Cheapest | £60 Average Price |
5h 16m Average total duration 4h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 29m Average total duration 11h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration Fastest 1h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg 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.
Live departures
Cambridge to Edinburgh train times
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Edinburgh trains for today, Tuesday 14 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 C93315+G00955+C02087 · C02010 | On time 6:49 Cambridge North (CMB) | 5h23 | 12:12 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4 changes | |
| G00955+C02087 · C02010+G01055 | On time 6:57 Cambridge station (CBG) | 5h15 | 12:12 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
| G00955+G80205 | On time 6:57 Cambridge station (CBG) | 5h33 | 12:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| C82681+W32876+C02000+G66987 | On time 7:59 Cambridge South | 5h11 | 13:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
| G00956+G80211 | On time 8:00 Cambridge station (CBG) | 5h32 | 13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| P76828+C21590+G80211 | On time 8:25 Cambridge North (CMB) | 5h07 | 13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
| C93335+G00959+G08088 · C02036 | On time 8:49 Cambridge North (CMB) | 5h21 | 14:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4 changes | |
| G00959+G08088 · C02036+G01060 | On time 9:00 Cambridge station (CBG) | 5h10 | 14:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
| P66812+C21811+G80216 | On time 9:30 Cambridge North (CMB) | 4h57 | 14:27 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
| W45472+G25698 | On time 9:51 Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h41 | 14:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| G00960+G08095+G00739 · G01062 | On time 10:00 Cambridge station (CBG) | 5h10 | 15:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
| Wednesday 15 July | |||||
| G00950+C01971 | 5:15 Cambridge station (CBG) | 5h13 | 10:28 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| G25677+W45412 | 5:21 Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h36 | 9:57 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| C01971+W45412 | 5:21 Cambridge station (CBG) | 5h07 | 10:28 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| G00952+G80199 | 5:58 Cambridge station (CBG) | 5h35 | 11:33 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to Edinburgh by train, coach or flight
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.
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Why should you book Cambridge to Edinburgh trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs London North Eastern Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for London North Eastern Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Lumo, CrossCountry or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Edinburgh.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare London North Eastern Railway with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge to Edinburgh.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cambridge to Edinburgh?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cambridge to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cambridge to Edinburgh run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £51 but you can travel from only £18 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:05, the last at 20:20. The fastest train covers the 470 km distance in 4h 41m.
Distance 470 km |
Average train duration 4h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price £51 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 41m |
First train 5:05 |
Last train 20:20 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: London North Eastern Railway, Lumo, CrossCountry, Cross Country from Cambridge to Edinburgh trainsLondon North Eastern Railway, Lumo, CrossCountry, Cross Country trains will get you between Cambridge and Edinburgh from £18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
London North Eastern Railway
Lumo
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Trains from Cambridge to Edinburgh
Trains from Cambridge to Edinburgh leave regularly throughout the day, and generally there is not a great difference between their total travel times. The average duration is about 5h 15min. There are currently no direct trains to Edinburgh from Cambridge, and they all require at least one or two changes, normally at Ely or Peterborough. There are no night trains at the moment, with the last train leaving at 18:00 and the first train leaving early morning, at about 06:00. The trains leave regularly through the day, usually with about 30-40min between each departure. There are two train stations that they depart from: Cambridge railway station and Cambridge North. They both run to Edinburgh Waverley.
Cambridge to Edinburgh Train Time: Daily Departures
There are plenty of trains to choose from when travelling from Cambridge to Edinburgh. The trains depart throughout the day, with the first one usually leaving just before 06:00 from Cambridge station. It is operated, like all of the trains on this route, by London North Eastern Railway. The last train leaves at about 18:00 and generally arrives just after 23:00, as it takes over 5 hours and requires a couple of changes, at Ely and Peterborough. The trains depart from both Cambridge and Cambridge North, and they all arrive at Edinburgh Waverley station.
How long is the journey by train from Cambridge to Edinburgh?
The train from Cambridge to Edinburgh is quite long, and it will give you time to check out our online magazine. The fastest train from Cambridge to Edinburgh usually takes just under 5 hours, and it requires one change. It is operated by London North Eastern Railway (LNER ). The slowest train available on this route generally takes just short of 6 hours in total and requires two changes, in Ely and Peterborough. It is also run by LNER. On average, the train from Cambridge to Edinburgh will take you about 5h 20min, with very little difference between the fastest and the slowest trains.
Trains from Cambridge to Edinburgh: river and the University of Cambridge. Source: Shutterstock
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Cambridge to Edinburgh?
Departure train station: There are two departure stations in Cambridge to choose from when planning your journey from Cambridge to Edinburgh. Cambridge North station is operated by Greater Anglia, and it has a waiting room and toilets. It also has baby-changing facilities, free WiFi and plenty of features to make it more accessible for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. It has induction loops, ramps for boarding the trains and the station is step free. Cambridge Central railway station has similar facilities. It has cashpoints, where you can withdraw cash, and a shop, where you can buy food and drinks, plus a coffee shop, waiting rooms, toilets and baby-changing facilities. There’s ramps and wheelchairs available, to help with boarding trains, and there are lifts to help cross the land bridge as well. Cambridge station is within a roughly 15min walk from the city centre, and there are plenty of taxis available.
Arrival train station:Edinburgh Waverley station is the main station in Edinburgh city, and it is located within a roughly 5min walk from Princes Street. It has ticket machines and ticket offices, and there are toilets with showers installed, should you wish to freshen up after your journey. There is free WiFi, and there are car hire kiosks, baby-changing facilities and water fountains located throughout the station. You can request wheelchairs for use within the station, and there are ramps throughout and to help you board the trains. Induction loops can be provided from the assistance desks, and there are easy-access toilets available for passengers with reduced mobility or disabilities.
Which train companies travel from Cambridge to Edinburgh?
There is currently only one company that provides trains from Cambridge to Edinburgh, and it is London North Eastern Railways, or LNER when abbreviated. LNER provides frequent, regular trains every day of the week, and although there are no direct trains, they tend to take 5-6h to complete the journey.
Night trains Cambridge
At the moment, there are no night trains offered on the Cambridge to Edinburgh line. The last train that departs is generally at 18:00 and usually takes over 5h to arrive, meaning that you should get to Edinburgh just after 23:00. This train departs Cambridge station, requires one or two changes and is operated by LNER. Another option is to take the early-morning train, departing about 5min before 06:00 and arriving in roughly 5h.
London North Eastern Railway trains from Cambridge to Edinburgh
LNER trains depart throughout the day, and they tend to leave every 30-40min during the day, with the first train leaving at about 06:00 and the last one departing around 18:00. The average travel time is about 5h 15min, and the difference between the fastest train (about 5 hours) and the slowest train (about 6 hours) is not that big. There are no direct trains on this route from Cambridge to Edinburgh, and they require either one or two stops, usually at Ely or Peterborough.
Trains from Cambridge to Edinburgh: Sustainability travel
Travelling by train has been proven to be a more sustainable method of public transport, especially when compared to using vehicles such as cars or buses. By reducing traffic, not only do trains reduce emissions, but they have also shown to cause less sound pollution and be more efficient with space. LNER is dedicated to reducing emissions further and providing a greener alternative for public transport.
Train Cambridge to Edinburgh: Services on Board
LNER trains offer both standard and first-class tickets for their trains. There are food-&-drinks trolleys as well as free WiFi, to keep you entertained during the long journey. You can reserve a space for your bike when purchasing your ticket in advance, and there is not a lot of storage space on board the trains, so make sure you stick to the company’s luggage policies. You may bring three items on board, including a large suitcase plus a smaller carry-on bag and a hand bag. Pets are allowed on board; you can bring up to two domestic pets with you. The Azuma trains that operate under LNER offer faster, more comfortable travel as well, so keep an eye out for them.
How to find cheap train tickets from Cambridge to Edinburgh
When trying to find cheap train tickets from Cambridge to Edinburgh, we recommend you try to reserve your tickets in advance, as they tend to be cheaper than buying your tickets on the day. Another option is to try and be flexible with your departure times, both the time of day and the day of the week, as this will give you a greater chance of finding good deals. Finally, if you can find trains that require more changes and take a little longer, then these are a good option, as they tend to be cheaper than the more direct, faster options.
Trains from Cambridge to Edinburgh: cityscape of Edinburgh at night. Source: Shutterstock
To Edinburgh by train—travel tips
Edinburgh is a wonderful city that blends modernism with history and offers plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained. If you would like to go for a walk and explore the historical city, then we recommend taking a stroll around Arthur’s Seat, which is located beside Holyrood, Scotland’s parliament building. Holyrood is at the base of the Royal Mile, a hill that runs up through the old town and culminates at Edinburgh Castle, one of the famous landmarks in the city. If you would prefer to go shopping, then you will find that Princes Street is close by and offers lots of shops and places to eat or drink, as well as the Botanical Gardens, which offer a great view of the castle. For sports fans, you can find the Edinburgh rugby team at Murrayfield, also where the national team play. There are also two top-tier football teams in the city, Hearts and Hibernian, so there is plenty to keep the sports fan entertained.
- National Museum Scotland
- Scott Monument
- Calton Hill and the National Monument
- Lauriston Castle and Gardens
- The Royal Mile
FAQs: Cambridge to Edinburgh train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge 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.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cambridge and Edinburgh
Most Cambridge to Edinburgh trains use the Cambridge to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cambridge station do trains to Edinburgh leave from?
Getting to Cambridge from Cambridge city centre
Cambridge is 1 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
Cambridge train station facilities and services
Cambridge 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 Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge. ATMs are available at Cambridge.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cambridge.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cambridge: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cambridge: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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.
Getting to Cambridge North from Cambridge city centre
Cambridge North is 3 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
Cambridge North train station facilities and services
Cambridge North has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge North.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge North.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cambridge North: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cambridge North: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge North: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Details of the nearest taxi will be supplied by station staff, 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.
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh Waverley train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Getting to Haymarket from Edinburgh city centre
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to Edinburgh Park from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Park train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Cambridge
More options for your journey from Cambridge to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Edinburgh and Cambridge
Most popular train connections to Edinburgh
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