Cheltenham to Edinburgh train with CrossCountry

Mon 31 Aug
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
London North Eastern Railway
Cross Country
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
London North Eastern Railway
Cross Country
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 31 Aug

Cheapest price on 31 Aug

£137

Average ticket price on 31 Aug

£172

Fastest journey on 31 Aug

5 h 6 m

Average journey duration on 31 Aug

5 h 13 m

Trains on 31 Aug

14

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 £172 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £137.

Fast trains

On Mon 31 Aug, we found 14 trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh, including 5 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 5 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 6 m .

The slowest trains will take 5 h 24 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.

  • CrossCountryG01075+Avanti West CoastW34292+Transpennine ExpressW85201
    14:125h28
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    19:40Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £1371One-way
    2 changes
  • CrossCountryG01073+Avanti West CoastW34290
    13:125h08
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    18:20Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £1371One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG01067+Avanti West CoastW34286
    11:125h06
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    16:18Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £1371One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00872+Transpennine ExpressW85201
    13:406h00
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    19:40Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £1371One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG01060+Avanti West CoastC01369+Transpennine ExpressW85177
    8:125h20
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    13:32Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £1591One-way
    2 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 flight, with an average ticket price of £28 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £28, while a train costs an average of £68.

Distance: 456 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

£68

Average Price

£28

Average Price

Cheapest

£41

Average Price

5h 46m

Average total duration

5h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 8m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 8m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

11h 29m

Average total duration

10h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

easyJet

Most popular airline

National Express

Most popular bus company

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 tomorrow, Monday 31 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG010608:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
6h58
15:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastC01369+Transpennine ExpressW85177+CrossCountryG010608:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h20
13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33941+CrossCountryG010629:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h07
14:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
CrossCountryG010629:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
6h55
16:07 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW85182+CrossCountryG008549:40 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h56
15:36 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
Avanti West CoastW33935+Transpennine ExpressW85182+CrossCountryG0106410:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h24
15:36 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
CrossCountryG0106410:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
6h57
17:09 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34286+CrossCountryG0106711:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h06
16:18 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
CrossCountryG0106912:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
6h59
19:11 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastC01372+Transpennine ExpressW85191+CrossCountryG0106912:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h28
17:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34290+CrossCountryG0107313:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h08
18:20 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
CrossCountryG0107313:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
6h53
20:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW85201+CrossCountryG0087213:40 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
6h00
19:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34292+Transpennine ExpressW85201+CrossCountryG0107514:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h28
19:40 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.

Mon
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept

Why should you book Cheltenham to Edinburgh trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, Cross Country and more offer trains services from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £48 but you can travel from only £18 by flight.

There are 4 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 7m.

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 £18
Distance
456 km
Average train duration
5h 16m
Cheapest ticket price
£48
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
5h 7m
First train
4:45
Last train
18:15
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
1 day
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 £18

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, Cross Country from Cheltenham to Edinburgh trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, Cross Country trains will get you between Cheltenham and Edinburgh from £18. 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 CrossCountry Duration
5h 56m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£48
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 Avanti West Coast Duration
5h 7m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£98
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 Transpennine Express Duration
5h 25m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£154
Transpennine Express frequency
2 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

London North Eastern Railway

About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average London North Eastern Railway Duration
6h 22m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Price
£120
London North Eastern Railway frequency
1 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
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
5h 6m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£278
Cross Country frequency
16 a day

Complete guide to Edinburgh

Things to do in Edinburgh

Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.

  • 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.

  • Must visit

Scottish National Gallery

Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.

  • Recommended

Fruitmarket

Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£70+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cheltenham to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £48, while the average price tends to be around £68.
The train journey from Cheltenham to Edinburgh covers a distance of 456 km and takes approximately 5h 7m. 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 4 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 £18.
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 7m 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

Most Cheltenham to Edinburgh trains use the Cheltenham Spa to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cheltenham
Arrival train stations in Edinburgh

Which Cheltenham station do trains to Edinburgh leave from?

Trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh leave from Cheltenham Spa. The station is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre at Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom.
Cheltenham SpaCheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom+44 345 165 2030WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Cheltenham Spa from Cheltenham city centre

Cheltenham Spa is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:

BusD, E, G · 7m · £4 · every ~25 min
M1 · 8m

Cheltenham Spa train station facilities and services

Cheltenham Spa has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Railway Inn, The Coconut Tree

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham Spa. Information desks are located near the main entrance.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Cheltenham Spa. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cheltenham Spa: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cheltenham Spa: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham Spa: Elevators, ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Queens Hotel Cheltenham, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham.

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Edinburgh Cheltenham to Edinburgh train

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