- Must visit
Jane Austen's House
Historic house museum where Jane Austen spent her final years, with period rooms and objects linked to her life and writing.
Cheapest price
£105
Average price
£113
Fastest journey
6 h 39 m
Average duration
6 h 41 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
554 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Alton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Alton will cost around £113 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £105.
Of the 2 trains that leave Edinburgh for Alton every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 554 km distance in an average of 6 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 39 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 43 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Alton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from £20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £20, and a train costs an average of £82.
Distance: 554 km
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£110 Average Price | £49 Average Price Cheapest | £51 Average Price |
6h 32m Average total duration 6h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 36m Average total duration 13h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Alton trains for tomorrow, Friday 14 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:26 Edinburgh | 6h43 | 14:09 Alton | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:30 Edinburgh | 6h39 | 15:09 Alton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, train 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.
Trains from Edinburgh to Alton run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £82 but you can travel from only £20 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:37, the last at 20:44. The fastest train covers the 554 km distance in 6h 37m.
Distance 554 km |
Average train duration 6h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price £82 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 6h 37m |
First train 5:37 |
Last train 20:44 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Discover the best of Alton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Alton trip today.
Historic house museum where Jane Austen spent her final years, with period rooms and objects linked to her life and writing.
Local museum presenting Alton’s story through objects, archives and displays on town life, trade and notable residents.
Country house with changing art exhibitions, historical displays and landscaped grounds, giving a broader view of local culture.
The town’s main historic street, lined with period buildings, independent shops and key civic landmarks for an easy walk.
A broad common on the edge of town with open views, paths and wildlife interest, well suited to short countryside walks.
Scenic village area near Alton known for timber-framed buildings, literary links and a gentle, characterful walking atmosphere.
Hampshire hog’s pudding is a seasoned pork sausage or pudding linked with the county’s farmhouse cooking and traditional butchery.
Watercress soup is tied to Hampshire’s watercress-growing heritage, especially around nearby Alresford, and is a classic local seasonal starter.
A ploughman’s lunch of local cheddar, bread, pickle and salad is a classic pub meal across Hampshire and southern England.
Well-known café and coffee spot for brunch, cakes and light lunches with a relaxed atmosphere in central Alton.
Smart Indian restaurant known locally for curries, tandoori dishes and friendly service in a polished town-centre setting.
Popular pub and dining room in nearby Chawton serving modern British dishes and drinks in a characterful village inn.
Alton is moderately priced for southern England, with mid-range stays and meals costlier than many UK towns, but cafés, pubs and local buses remain manageable for visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares, and café tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Alton station -> Alton High Street, Alton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Alton 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 Alton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Edinburgh to Alton trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Alton station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Alton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
Alton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Alton.
Wi-Fi is available at Alton.
Ticket office support is available at Alton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Alton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Alton: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Alton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station. Level access to Platform 1. Lifts to Platform 2, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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