- 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.
Cheapest price on 29 Aug
£17
Average ticket price on 29 Aug
£40
Fastest journey on 29 Aug
1 h 42 m
Average journey duration on 29 Aug
1 h 43 m
Trains on 29 Aug
25
Distance
166 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Durham to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Durham to Edinburgh will cost around £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £17.
On Sat 29 Aug, we found 25 trains from Durham to Edinburgh, including 16 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 166 km distance in an average of 1 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 42 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 45 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.
G80190
G80192
G66979
G01072
G01079
G01072
G01061
G01076
G66981
G01057Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Durham to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £27 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 21m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £27, while a coach costs an average of £31.
Distance: 166 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£27 Average Price Cheapest | £31 Average Price |
2h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Durham to Edinburgh trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C02000 · G80211 | On time 11:20 Durham station (DHM) | 2h12 | 13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G66987 | On time 11:24 Durham station (DHM) | 1h46 | 13:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01060 | On time 12:24 Durham station (DHM) | 1h46 | 14:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01062 | On time 13:24 Durham station (DHM) | 1h46 | 15:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01064 | On time 14:25 Durham station (DHM) | 1h42 | 16:07 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01067 | On time 15:24 Durham station (DHM) | 1h45 | 17:09 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01069 | On time 16:25 Durham station (DHM) | 1h45 | 18:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01073 | On time 17:25 Durham station (DHM) | 1h46 | 19:11 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01074 | On time 18:24 Durham station (DHM) | 1h41 | 20:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01080 | On time 19:26 Durham station (DHM) | 1h43 | 21:09 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01082 | On time 20:28 Durham station (DHM) | 1h46 | 22:14 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01083 | On time 21:16 Durham station (DHM) | 1h51 | 23:07 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
C02023 · G80272 | On time 21:25 Durham station (DHM) | 2h10 | 23:35 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G80274 | On time 22:50 Durham station (DHM) | 1h48 | 0:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 29 August | |||||
G80190 | 6:32 Durham station (DHM) | 2h00 | 8:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
W85809+ C31893 | 6:41 Durham station (DHM) | 2h20 | 9:01 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G66979 | 7:23 Durham station (DHM) | 1h47 | 9:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80192 | 7:48 Durham station (DHM) | 1h52 | 9:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
C01972+ G15944 | 8:08 Durham station (DHM) | 2h20 | 10:28 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
C01953+ G89627 | 8:39 Durham station (DHM) | 2h02 | 10:41 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
C02048 · G80200 | 9:20 Durham station (DHM) | 2h13 | 11:33 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G66981 | 9:24 Durham station (DHM) | 1h44 | 11:08 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
C02011 · G80204 | 10:22 Durham station (DHM) | 2h10 | 12:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G01056 | 10:26 Durham station (DHM) | 1h47 | 12:13 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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.
Trains from Durham to Edinburgh run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:00, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 166 km distance in 1h 40m.
Distance 166 km |
Average train duration 1h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 40m |
First train 3:00 |
Last train 23:28 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
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.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Waverley -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
Two or three trains per hour make the journey from Durham to Edinburgh every day of the week. The first service of the day departs in the early morning while the last usually leaves in the late evening. Average journey times are just under 2 hours and most services are direct. Non-direct services usually incorporate a single change at Newcastle, but their journey times are comparable to direct trains.
LNER and CrossCountry provide train services between Durham and Edinburgh. Where a journey incorporates a change, the same train company normally retains responsibility for both parts of that journey.
The length of time taken to complete the train journey from Durham to Edinburgh depends on the time of day and varies from just over 1 hour 30 minutes to just under 2 hours 30 minutes. On average, passengers can expect to arrive in Edinburgh in under 2 hours. Direct services are not much quicker than non-direct ones, and neither of the two train companies that operate the route provides a faster service than the other.
The precise number of trains departing Durham for Edinburgh varies from day to day. On average, passengers can expect to have between 28 and 38 trains to choose from. There are slightly fewer trains available on Sundays and bank holidays. Services are spaced evenly across the day, from early morning until late evening.
Departure train station: Durham station is situated on a hill close to the city centre. Some passengers will arrive on foot but the station also has a car park, sheltered bicycle storage, nearby bus stops and a taxi rank. A cafe and several vending machines offer refreshments inside the station.
Arrival train station: Located right in the heart of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Waverley is an easy walk to many of the Scottish capital's most famous attractions. The station also has an adjacent car park, car hire facilities, a taxi rank and bus stops. A variety of shops, including several refreshment outlets, are located inside the station complex.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Durham 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.

Most Durham to Edinburgh trains use the Durham to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Durham and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Durham has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Durham.
ATMs are available at Durham.
Ticket office support is available at Durham.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Durham: Parking, WC.
Available at Durham: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Durham: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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.
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 options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
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 storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
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.
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
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.
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