East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh train with CrossCountry

Wed 23 Sept
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CrossCountry
London North Eastern Railway
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
London North Eastern Railway
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept

Cheapest price on 23 Sept

£84

Average ticket price on 23 Sept

£152

Fastest journey on 23 Sept

4 h 20 m

Average journey duration on 23 Sept

4 h 34 m

Trains on 23 Sept

12

Distance

368 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh will cost around £152 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £84.

Fast trains

To travel from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh you need to make at least one change.

  • Avanti West CoastW33941+East Midlands RailwayW70948 · C21335
    8:565h23
    East Midlands Parkway (EMD)
    14:19Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £841One-way
    2 changes
  • CrossCountryG01101 · G01060
    9:274h43
    Long Eaton station (LGE)
    14:10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £971One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG01098 · G66987
    8:274h43
    Long Eaton station (LGE)
    13:10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £971One-way
    1 change
  • London North Eastern RailwayC02000+CrossCountryG66987+East Midlands RailwayC04342 · C21196
    8:124h58
    East Midlands Parkway (EMD)
    13:10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £1011One-way
    3 changes
  • London North Eastern RailwayC02036+CrossCountryG01060+East Midlands RailwayC04344 · C21191
    9:124h58
    East Midlands Parkway (EMD)
    14:10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £1411One-way
    3 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £59 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 48m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £59, while a train costs an average of £121.

Distance: 368 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£121

Average Price

£59

Average Price

Cheapest

£103

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 48m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 50m

Average total duration

10h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 17m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh is a coach with an average price of £59.

This is compared to other travel options from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh:

A coach is £62 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh costing on average £121.

The fastest way to travel from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh is by train with an average journey time of 4h 18m.

Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:

Coach takes on average 10h 20m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between East Midlands Airport and Edinburgh including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 59m sooner (4h 18m by train vs 5h 17m by car). Tickets start at around £121 compared to roughly £103 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh train times

The table below shows live departures for East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
East Midlands RailwayC21196 · C04342+London North Eastern RailwayC02000+CrossCountryG669878:12 East Midlands Parkway (EMD)
4h58
13:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)3 changes
London North Eastern RailwayG80211+East Midlands RailwayC04342 · C211968:12 East Midlands Parkway (EMD)
5h20
13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
CrossCountryG01098 · G669878:27 Long Eaton station (LGE)
4h43
13:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
East Midlands RailwayC21829+CrossCountryG00738 · G669878:31 Long Eaton station (LGE)
4h39
13:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayW70948+CrossCountryG010608:56 East Midlands Parkway (EMD)
5h14
14:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
East Midlands RailwayW70948 · C21335+Avanti West CoastW339418:56 East Midlands Parkway (EMD)
5h23
14:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
London North Eastern RailwayG80211+East Midlands RailwayW70948+Northern RailG896888:56 East Midlands Parkway (EMD)
4h36
13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
London North Eastern RailwayG80211+East Midlands RailwayW70948+Northern RailG896889:01 Long Eaton station (LGE)
4h31
13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayC21191 · C04344+London North Eastern RailwayC02036+CrossCountryG010609:12 East Midlands Parkway (EMD)
4h58
14:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)3 changes
London North Eastern RailwayG80211+East Midlands RailwayC21335+Transpennine ExpressW84665+East Midlands RailwayC217699:12 Long Eaton station (LGE)
4h20
13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)3 changes
CrossCountryG01101 · G010609:27 Long Eaton station (LGE)
4h43
14:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
London North Eastern RailwayG80216+East Midlands RailwayC212629:30 Long Eaton station (LGE)
4h57
14:27 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh by coach or train

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.

Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept

Why should you book East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as London North Eastern Railway or Avanti West Coast offer trains services from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from East Midlands Airport 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 London North Eastern Railway or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from East Midlands Airport 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from East Midlands Airport 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 London North Eastern Railway or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh.

Journey information

Overview: Train from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh run on average 21 times per day, taking around 4h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £49 but you can travel from only £30 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 07:27, the last at 08:35. The fastest train covers the 368 km distance in 3h 49m.

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 £30
Distance
368 km
Average train duration
4h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
£49
Trains per day
21
Fastest train
3h 49m
First train
7:27
Last train
8:35
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
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 £30

Train companies: CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh trainsCrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between East Midlands Airport and Edinburgh from £30. 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
4h 3m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£49
CrossCountry frequency
6 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

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
3h 49m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Price
£68
London North Eastern Railway frequency
7 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

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 44m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£105
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

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: East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from East Midlands Airport 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 East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £49, while the average price tends to be around £121.
The train journey from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh covers a distance of 368 km and takes approximately 3h 49m. Trains run 21 per day.
The train distance from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh is 368 km.
The first train from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh leaves at 7:27.
The last train from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh departs at 8:35.
Trains from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh run approximately 21 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh.
There is no night train service from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh.
The cheapest way to get from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh is by coach, costing approximately £30.
Booking trains from East Midlands Airport 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 East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh offers some scenic views, particularly as it passes through the rolling hills and countryside of the East Midlands and the picturesque landscapes of the Scottish Borders. While not all sections of the route are equally scenic, passengers can enjoy a variety of landscapes along the way.
Yes, you can take the train from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in East Midlands Airport and Edinburgh

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

Departure train stations in Nottingham
Arrival train stations in Edinburgh
Edinburgh WaverleyPrinces St, Edinburgh EH1 1BB, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre

BusUk090 · 12m · £0.90 · 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.

HaymarketHaymarket station, Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH12 5EYWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Haymarket from Edinburgh city centre

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

Train3m · £0.90
BusN44, N25, 26, 31, 33, 44, 25, 3, 4 · 6m · £0.90 · every ~114 min
N107, N113 · 7m · £0.90
TramT50 · 6m · £4 · every ~30 min

Haymarket train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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 GatewayEdinburgh Gateway station, 1 Myreton Drive, Gogar, Lothian, EH12 9GFWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Edinburgh Gateway from Edinburgh city centre

Edinburgh Gateway is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainEdinburgh - Leven, Edinburgh - Perth, Edinburgh - Dundee, Edinburgh - Cowdenbeath, Edinburgh - Glenrothes with Thornton, Edinburgh - Aberdeen, Edinburgh - Inverkeithing · 9m · £3 · every ~10 min
Bus100 · 27m · £2 · every ~30 min
12, 22A, 22 · 44m · £2 · every ~14 min
TramT50 · 24m · £4 · every ~30 min

Edinburgh Gateway train station facilities and services

Edinburgh Gateway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Gateway.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Gateway.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh Gateway. 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: Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Gateway: 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 both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 4, 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.

Most popular train connections from East Midlands Airport

More options for your journey from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomTrain Times to Edinburgh East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh train

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