- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 15 Oct
Cheapest price on 15 Oct
£79
Average ticket price on 15 Oct
£180
Fastest journey on 15 Oct
5 h 6 m
Average journey duration on 15 Oct
5 h 17 m
Trains on 15 Oct
11
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 £180 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £79.
Fast trains
On Thu 15 Oct, we found 11 trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 5 h 17 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 28 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.
G010608:125h58Cheltenham Spa (CNM)14:10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£791One-way0 changes- G669877:145h56Cheltenham Spa (CNM)13:10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£791One-way0 changes
- G0106410:125h55Cheltenham Spa (CNM)16:07Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£791One-way0 changes
- G66735+
W8519111:406h00Cheltenham Spa (CNM)17:40Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£1241One-way1 change - G66987+
W341447:145h06Cheltenham Spa (CNM)12:20Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£1911One-way1 change
- G66987+W341447:145h06Cheltenham Spa (CNM)12:20Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£1911One-way1 change
- G01062+W339419:125h07Cheltenham Spa (CNM)14:19Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£2181One-way1 change
- G01060+C01369+W851778:125h20Cheltenham Spa (CNM)13:32Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£2631One-way2 changes
- G01064+W33935+W8518210:125h24Cheltenham Spa (CNM)15:36Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£2631One-way2 changes
- G01069+C01372+W8519112:125h28Cheltenham Spa (CNM)17:40Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)£2561One-way2 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £47 but you can travel from only £24 by coach.
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 4h 51m.
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
Coach from £24
Distance 456 km |
Average train duration 5h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £47 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 51m |
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
Coach from £24
Live departures
Cheltenham to Edinburgh train times
The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Thursday 15 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G66987 | 7:14 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 5h56 | 13:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G66987+W34144 | 7:14 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 5h06 | 12:20 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| G01060 | 8:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 5h58 | 14:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G01060+C01369+W85177 | 8:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 5h20 | 13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
| G01062 | 9:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 5h58 | 15:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G01062+W33941 | 9:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 5h07 | 14:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| G01064+W33935+W85182 | 10:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 5h24 | 15:36 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
| G01064 | 10:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 5h55 | 16:07 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G00869_G01067 | 11:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 5h57 | 17:09 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G66735+W85191 | 11:40 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 6h00 | 17:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| G01069+C01372+W85191 | 12:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 5h28 | 17:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cheltenham to Edinburgh trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast or Transpennine Express 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 or Transpennine Express 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 or Transpennine Express 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.
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast from Cheltenham to Edinburgh trainsCrossCountry, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Cheltenham and Edinburgh from £24. 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 25m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£47
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
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
4h 57m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£91
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
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
4h 51m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£58
Avanti West Coast 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
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
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
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.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
- Must visit
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
- Recommended
Princes Street Gardens
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
- Gluten-free
Cullen skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Haggis
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
- Vegetarian
Cranachan
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
The Kitchin
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Whiski Rooms
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
The Cafe Royal
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
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.
Bus & Tram
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.40
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
Edinburgh Waverley -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless works on trams with Tap On, Tap Off. Use the same card or device all day to benefit from the city day cap of £5.70.
- On trams, buy, validate or activate your ticket before boarding. If you use contactless on trams, remember to tap off when you leave.
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 £47, while the average price tends to be around £155.
The train journey from Cheltenham to Edinburgh covers a distance of 456 km and takes approximately 4h 51m. Trains run 6 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 6 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.
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).
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.
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 Edinburgh Park. 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 2030
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.
Edinburgh WaverleyPrinces St, Edinburgh EH1 1BB, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre
BusUk090 · 12m · £1 · every ~32 min
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.
Edinburgh ParkEdinburgh Park station, Cultins Road, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH11 4DF
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh Park from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainEdinburgh - Dunblane, Edinburgh - Helensburgh Central, Edinburgh - Bathgate, Edinburgh - Milngavie, Edinburgh - Garscadden, Edinburgh - Stirling, Edinburgh - Airdrie, Edinburgh - Perth, Edinburgh - Dalmuir · 4m · £2 · every ~9 min
Edinburgh - Dunblane, Edinburgh - Helensburgh Central, Edinburgh - Bathgate, Edinburgh - Milngavie, Edinburgh - Garscadden, Edinburgh - Stirling, Edinburgh - Airdrie, Edinburgh - Perth, Edinburgh - Dalmuir · 8m · £3 · every ~9 min
Bus2 · 24m · £2 · every ~10 min
TramT50 · 18m · £4 · every ~30 min
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 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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