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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh
Showing times and prices for 17 Jan
Cheapest price
£55
Average price
£176
Fastest journey
5 h 8 m
Average duration
5 h 34 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
456 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cheltenham to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cheltenham to Edinburgh will cost around £176 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £55.
Fast trains
Of the 6 trains that leave Cheltenham for Edinburgh every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 5 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 8 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 57 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
C7532708:125h58
Cheltenham Spa (CNM)14:10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£551One-way
0 changes
C7532909:125h57
Cheltenham Spa (CNM)15:09Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£621One-way
0 changes
C75329+
L0237109:125h08
Cheltenham Spa (CNM)14:20Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£2341One-way
1 change
C7533110:125h55
Cheltenham Spa (CNM)16:07Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£2341One-way
0 changes
C75331+L02373+
C7409010:125h27
Cheltenham Spa (CNM)15:39Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£2341One-way
2 changes
C75329+L0237109:125h08
Cheltenham Spa (CNM)14:20Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£2341One-way
1 change
C75327+L02364+C7408608:125h21
Cheltenham Spa (CNM)13:33Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£2341One-way
2 changes
C75331+L02373+C7409010:125h27
Cheltenham Spa (CNM)15:39Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£2341One-way
2 changes
C7533110:125h55
Cheltenham Spa (CNM)16:07Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£2341One-way
0 changes
C7532909:125h57
Cheltenham Spa (CNM)15:09Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£621One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cheltenham to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £27, and a train costs an average of £63.
Distance: 456 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£180 Average Price | £44 Average Price Cheapest | £69 Average Price |
5h 48m Average total duration 5h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 22m Average total duration 10h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cheltenham to Edinburgh train times
The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Edinburgh trains for today, Friday 16 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 04:59
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C75326 | On time 08:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 5h58 | 14:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C75326+L02369+C74084 | On time 08:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 5h20 | 13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
| C75328+W01952 | On time 09:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 5h07 | 14:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| C75328 | On time 09:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 5h58 | 15:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C75330 | On time 10:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 5h55 | 16:07 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C75330+L02372+C74091 | On time 10:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 5h24 | 15:36 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cheltenham 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £63 but you can travel from only £23 by flight.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 18:15. The fastest train covers the 456 km distance in 5h 6m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £23
Distance 456 km |
Average train duration 5h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £63 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 5h 6m |
First train 04:45 |
Last train 18:15 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £23
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Cross Country from Cheltenham to Edinburgh trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Cross Country trains will get you between Cheltenham and Edinburgh from £23. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 49m
Cheapest Price
£63
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 6m
Cheapest Price
£80
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
TransPennine Express
About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 20m
Cheapest Price
£169
TransPennine Express frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 3m
Cheapest Price
£277
Cross Country frequency
16 a day
FAQs: Cheltenham to Edinburgh train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cheltenham to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £63, while the average price tends to be around £180.
The train journey from Cheltenham to Edinburgh covers a distance of 456 km and takes approximately 5h 6m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cheltenham to Edinburgh is 456 km.
The first train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh leaves at 4:45.
The last train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh departs at 18:15.
Trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cheltenham and Edinburgh. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
To get from Cheltenham to Edinburgh, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.
The train station in Cheltenham that goes to Edinburgh is Cheltenham Spa (CNM), and it arrives at Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
The cheapest way to get from Cheltenham to Edinburgh is by flight, costing approximately £23.
Booking trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cheltenham to Edinburgh offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, including views of the picturesque Cotswolds, rolling hills of the Midlands, and scenic stretches along the East Coast Main Line, making it an enjoyable and varied route.
A day trip from Cheltenham to Edinburgh is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 6m each way. There are 7 trains per day for this route.
In Edinburgh, you can explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket with its pubs, shops, and street performances, or enjoy a ghost tour through the haunted streets and underground vaults. Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for beautiful landscapes. Discover hidden gems and local art at the Stockbridge Market. Must-see sights include Edinburgh Castle, offering panoramic views and housing the Crown Jewels, Arthur's Seat for hiking and city views, The Royal Mile lined with shops and landmarks, Holyrood Palace with its stunning gardens, and the National Museum of Scotland showcasing diverse exhibits.
To fully experience Edinburgh's historic sites, cultural attractions, and local cuisine, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cheltenham and Edinburgh
Cheltenham
Edinburgh
The major train station for departures in Cheltenham is Cheltenham Spa. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cheltenham Spa for your trip from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Address
Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
2Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible from Queens Road.
Dining
- The Railway Inn
- The Coconut Tree
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- £0.50
Hotel
- Queens Hotel Cheltenham
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham
- Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham
Lost and Found Office
- Located near the main entrance
Bike Parking
- 300 places, covered
Information Desk
- Located near the main entrance
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- The station has a main concourse with ticketing facilities and waiting areas, with platforms accessible via lifts and stairs.
Public transport options for Cheltenham Spa
- Bus: Several local bus services available
- Taxi: Taxi rank outside the station
The major train station for arrivals in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Waverley. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Edinburgh Waverley for your journey to Edinburgh from Cheltenham.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockers
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Car RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
- Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Wifi
- Free public Wi-Fi available.
Lockers
- You can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Wide range of shops Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: New Street: Long Stay
Dining
- Bagel Factory
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Costa Coffee
- JD Wetherspoon
- The Pasty Shop
- The Beer House
- M&S
- Pret a Manger
Taxis
- Taxi: Nearest Taxi Ranks are on Market St and Waverley Bridge outside the station.
- Accessible taxis: Taxi ranks are located on Waverley Bridge and also Market Street. Market Street can be accessed step free via available lifts.
Accessibility
- 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.
WC
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: At entrance to Public Toilets
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets,
Hotel
- Old Waverley Hotel
- Jurys Inn Edinburgh
- The Scotsman Hotel
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
- Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle storage can be found in the station: by the lift at Platform 2 (37 spaces) Platform 3 (68 Spaces) and adjacent to Platform 19 (86 Spaces). Additional cycle spaces are available in New Street car park (32 spaces).
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information booths are located on the concourse.
Public transport options for Edinburgh Waverley
- Bus lines: 22, 30, 33, X22, X25, X37
- Train lines: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, CrossCountry, LNER, ScotRail, Transpennine Express
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off on Waterloo Place, pick up across from Apex Hotel and drop off outside the Apex Hotel.
- Metro: No metro available.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 21:25 Saturday 06:30 - 21:25 Sunday 08:10 - 21:25
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: M&S Simply Food
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1, the Concourse and near the entrance from Haymarket Terrace.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Inside the station - one on platform 4 and one on platform 2 and 3
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- 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
Public transport options for Haymarket
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the layby in front of the station
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Address
Slateford station, Meggetgate, off A70 Slateford Road, Slateford, City of Edinburgh, EH14 1BXDistance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- 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
Public transport options for Slateford
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stop on Slateford Road at Platform 2 stair exit
Most popular train connections from Cheltenham
More options for your journey from Cheltenham to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Edinburgh and Cheltenham
Most popular train connections to Edinburgh
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