CHESTER to EDINBURGH train from £24 with Avanti West Coast

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chester to Edinburgh

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Oct

Cheapest price on 08 Oct

£32

Average ticket price on 08 Oct

£56

Fastest journey on 08 Oct

3 h 26 m

Average journey duration on 08 Oct

4 h 5 m

Trains on 08 Oct

Distance

308 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chester to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Chester to Edinburgh will cost around £56 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.

Fast trains

On Thu 08 Oct, we found 5 trains from Chester to Edinburgh, including 5 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 308 km distance in an average of 4 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 26 m .

The slowest trains will take 6 h 13 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.

6:523h26
Chester
10:18Edinburgh
£321One-way
0 changes
8:523h28
Chester
12:20Edinburgh
£401One-way
0 changes
9:526h13
Chester
16:05Edinburgh
£411One-way
0 changes
7:523h28
Chester
11:20Edinburgh
£601One-way
0 changes
19:523h49
Chester
23:41Edinburgh
£1091One-way
0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chester to Edinburgh

United Kingdom

Trains from Chester to Edinburgh run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £24 by flight.

The earliest train runs at 03:51, the last at 20:19. The fastest train covers the 308 km distance in 3h 18m.

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 £24

Distance

308 km

Average train duration

3h 31m

Cheapest ticket price

£35

Trains per day

Fastest train

3h 18m

First train

3:51

Last train

20:19

Cheapest Month

Aug

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Thu

Least Busy Day

Sat

Best time to book

1 day

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Flight from £24

Live departures

Chester to Edinburgh train times

The table below shows live departures for Chester to Edinburgh trains for today, Wednesday 7 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
W85164+W45111	Delayed 5:22 3:52Chester station (CTR)	5h49	9:41 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	1 change
W85164+G38505	Delayed 5:22 4:55Chester station (CTR)	4h46	9:41 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	1 change
W34213+G38682	Delayed 6:09 5:59Chester station (CTR)	4h20	10:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	1 change
W34251 · W34213	On time 6:24 Chester station (CTR)	3h55	10:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	1 change
W34213+G38508	Delayed 6:27 6:52Chester station (CTR)	3h27	10:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	1 change
W34046+W85168+G38512	Delayed 7:26 7:52Chester station (CTR)	3h45	11:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	2 changes
W85177+L89029	Delayed 9:21 7:56Chester station (CTR)	5h36	13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	1 change
W34144+G38514	Delayed 8:27 8:52Chester station (CTR)	3h28	12:20 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	1 change
C01369+W85177+G38516	Delayed 9:27 9:52Chester station (CTR)	3h40	13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	2 changes
W33941+G38518	Delayed 10:27 10:52Chester station (CTR)	3h27	14:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	1 change
W33935+W85182+G38520	Delayed 11:27 11:52Chester station (CTR)	3h44	15:36 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	2 changes
W34286+G38523	Delayed 12:27 12:52Chester station (CTR)	3h26	16:18 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	1 change
C01372+W85191+G38525	Delayed 13:28 13:52Chester station (CTR)	3h48	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 Chester to Edinburgh trains with Omio?

Transpennine Express as well as Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Chester to Edinburgh.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chester to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?

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

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express from Chester to Edinburgh trainsAvanti West Coast, Transpennine Express trains will get you between Chester and Edinburgh from £24. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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

3h 18m

Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price

£35

Avanti West Coast frequency

4 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

Learn more about Avanti West Coast

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

3h 22m

Cheapest Transpennine Express Price

£50

Transpennine Express frequency

3 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

Learn more about Transpennine Express

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.

View on map Visit website

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.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Fruitmarket

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

View on map Visit website

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.

Best day trips from Edinburgh by train

The most popular day trips by train from Edinburgh are Glasgow, Stirling, Perth, Dundee and North Berwick. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Edinburgh on Omio.

Day trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow by train

Why visit Glasgow for the day?

Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, known for grand architecture, a strong music scene and a friendly, direct character. Its industrial past on the Clyde still shapes a city that now balances major museums, lively neighbourhoods and a clear cultural confidence.

How to get from Edinburgh to Glasgow by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 67 km distance in 43m.

Find tickets to Glasgow

Day trip from Edinburgh to Stirling by train

Why visit Stirling for the day?

Stirling is known for royal history, Stirling Castle and the story of William Wallace. Its compact old town and setting by the River Forth give it a lively Scottish character.

How to get from Edinburgh to Stirling by train?

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:18, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 50 km distance in 40m.

Find tickets to Stirling

Day trip from Edinburgh to Perth by train

Why visit Perth for the day?

Perth is a small Scottish city on the River Tay with strong royal and civic history. Known for its elegant centre and nearby Scone Palace, it feels calm, compact and well placed for exploring central and northern Scotland.

How to get from Edinburgh to Perth by train?

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:27, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 51 km distance in 1h 12m.

Find tickets to Perth

Day trip from Edinburgh to Dundee by train

Why visit Dundee for the day?

Dundee is a compact Scottish city on the River Tay, known for design, digital creativity and a maritime past. The waterfront and V&A Dundee give it a modern feel, while old streets and university life keep its character grounded.

How to get from Edinburgh to Dundee by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 1h 7m.

Find tickets to Dundee

Day trip from Edinburgh to North Berwick by train

How to get from Edinburgh to North Berwick by train?

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:24. The fastest train covers the 32 km distance in 23m.

Find tickets to North Berwick

FAQs: Chester to Edinburgh train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chester 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 Chester to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £35, while the average price tends to be around £84.

The train journey from Chester to Edinburgh covers a distance of 308 km and takes approximately 3h 18m. Trains run 7 per day.

The train distance from Chester to Edinburgh is 308 km.

The first train from Chester to Edinburgh leaves at 3:51.

The last train from Chester to Edinburgh departs at 20:19.

Trains from Chester to Edinburgh run approximately 7 times per day.

Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chester to Edinburgh.

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Chester to Edinburgh.

There is no night train service from Chester to Edinburgh.

The train station in Chester that goes to Edinburgh is Chester station (CTR), and it arrives at Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).

Booking trains from Chester 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 Chester to Edinburgh offers a scenic experience, with views of the picturesque landscapes of the Peak District, the rolling hills of the Pennines, and glimpses of the stunning coastline as you approach Edinburgh, providing a visually appealing travel experience.

Yes, you can take the train from Chester to Edinburgh.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Chester and Edinburgh

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

Departure train stations in Chester

Arrival train stations in Edinburgh

Which Chester station do trains to Edinburgh leave from?

Trains from Chester to Edinburgh leave from Chester. The station is 1 km from Chester city centre at Chester Station, City Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3NS.

ChesterChester Station, City Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3NS+44 3450507080 Shopping

City-centre transport

Getting to Chester from Chester city centre

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

Bus100, 16 · 4m · £4 · every ~2 min

Chester train station facilities and services

Chester has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Chester.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Chester.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Chester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, 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 Chester: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Chester: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Chester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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.

More about Chester

Edinburgh WaverleyPrinces St, Edinburgh EH1 1BB, United Kingdom+44 3457114141 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre

BusUk090 · 12m · £0.89 · 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.