Edinburgh to Ayr train with Scotrail

Sun 06 Sept
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Scotrail
CrossCountry
London North Eastern Railway
ScotRail
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2,000+ travel companies
Scotrail
CrossCountry
London North Eastern Railway
ScotRail
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Ayr

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 06 Sept

Cheapest price on 06 Sept

£28

Average ticket price on 06 Sept

£28

Fastest journey on 06 Sept

2 h 20 m

Average journey duration on 06 Sept

2 h 21 m

Trains on 06 Sept

6

Distance

105 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Edinburgh to Ayr will cost around £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £28.

Fast trains

To travel from Edinburgh to Ayr you need to make at least one change.

  • ScotrailW84207 · L87460
    10:272h54
    Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    13:21Ayr station (AYR)
    £281One-way
    1 change
  • ScotrailL87804 · L87438
    8:002h20
    Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    10:20Ayr station (AYR)
    £281One-way
    1 change
  • ScotrailL87820 · W69580
    8:302h23
    Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    10:53Ayr station (AYR)
    £281One-way
    1 change
  • ScotrailL87851 · W69583+BusBus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central
    9:302h23
    Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    11:53Ayr station (AYR)
    £281One-way
    2 changes
  • ScotrailL87866 · L87454+BusBus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central
    10:002h21
    Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    12:21Ayr station (AYR)
    £281One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Edinburgh to Ayr

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Ayr among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £18 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 28m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, while a train costs an average of £28.

Distance: 105 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£28

Average Price

£18

Average Price

Cheapest

£52

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 28m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 7m

Average total duration

2h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 50m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Ayr is a coach with an average price of £18.

This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Ayr:

A coach is £10 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Ayr costing on average £28.

The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Ayr is by train with an average journey time of 1h 58m.

Other travel options to Ayr take longer:

Coach takes on average 2h 37m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Ayr including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £28 compared to roughly £52 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £24. The journey takes 1h 58m versus 1h 50m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Edinburgh to Ayr train times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Ayr trains for today, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
ScotrailL87844 · M40657+BusBus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central
Delayed
8:16 9:15Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h25
11:40 Ayr station (AYR)
2 changes
ScotrailC14751 · M40681+BusBus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central
Delayed
10:00 11:00Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h23
13:23 Ayr station (AYR)
2 changes
ScotrailL87903 · M40655+BusBus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central
Delayed
10:15 11:15Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h28
13:43 Ayr station (AYR)
2 changes
Sunday 6 September
ScotrailL87804 · L874388:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h20
10:20 Ayr station (AYR)1 change
ScotrailL87820 · W695808:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h23
10:53 Ayr station (AYR)1 change
ScotrailL87835 · L87443+BusBus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central9:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h20
11:20 Ayr station (AYR)2 changes
ScotrailL87851 · W69583+BusBus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central9:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h23
11:53 Ayr station (AYR)2 changes
ScotrailL87866 · L87454+BusBus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central10:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h21
12:21 Ayr station (AYR)2 changes
ScotrailW84207 · L8746010:27 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h54
13:21 Ayr station (AYR)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Ayr by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept

Why should you book Edinburgh to Ayr trains with Omio?

Scotrail as well as CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, ScotRail and more offer trains services from Edinburgh to Ayr.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Ayr.

Why book with Omio vs Scotrail?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Scotrail, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway or ScotRail to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Ayr.
  • 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 Scotrail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Ayr.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway or ScotRail to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Ayr.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Ayr.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Ayr

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Edinburgh to Ayr run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 05:15, the last at 22:27. The fastest train covers the 105 km distance in 2h 25m.

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 £14
Distance
105 km
Average train duration
1h 58m
Cheapest ticket price
£27
Trains per day
9
Fastest train
2h 25m
First train
5:15
Last train
22:27
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
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 £14

Train companies: Scotrail, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, ScotRail from Edinburgh to Ayr trainsScotrail, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, ScotRail trains will get you between Edinburgh and Ayr from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Scotrail

About
Scotrail is a train operating company in Scotland, providing rail services throughout the country. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to long-distance intercity services. The company operates a variety of train types, including the Class 380, Class 385, Class 156, Class 158 and Class 170. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and comfortable seating. Scotrail also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. The most popular routes for Scotrail include Glasgow to Edinburgh, Glasgow to Inverness, and Edinburgh to Aberdeen.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Scotrail Duration
2h 25m
Cheapest Scotrail Price
£27
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, designated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions mentioned above
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks, some stations have catering facilities
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free but optional, recommended during peak times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, dogs allowed with ticket (£1-£3), maximum 2 dogs per passenger, assistance dogs free
Quiet zone

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
2h 32m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£28
CrossCountry frequency
1 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
London North Eastern Railway 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
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

ScotRail

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average ScotRail Duration
1h 48m
Cheapest ScotRail Price
£56
ScotRail frequency
25 a day

Complete guide to Ayr

Things to do in Ayr

Discover the best of Ayr — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ayr trip today.

  • Must visit

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Birthplace museum dedicated to Robert Burns, with manuscripts, objects and family home interiors that bring the poet's life and work into focus.

  • Recommended

Rozelle House Museums and Galleries

Purpose-built gallery and museum with changing exhibitions, local history displays and family-friendly interpretation in Ayr's cultural quarter.

  • Recommended

Culzean Castle

Country house galleries within Culzean Country Park, showing art, furnished rooms and estate history in an impressive clifftop setting.

Pound sterling (£)

Ayr is moderate by UK standards, with fairly priced hotels, casual dining, and local transport. Costs are usually lower than in Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£40+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis. Cafes do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.

FAQs: Edinburgh to Ayr train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Ayr 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 Ayr, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Edinburgh to Ayr can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £27, while the average price tends to be around £28.
The train journey from Edinburgh to Ayr covers a distance of 105 km and takes approximately 2h 25m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Edinburgh to Ayr is 105 km.
The first train from Edinburgh to Ayr leaves at 5:15.
The last train from Edinburgh to Ayr departs at 22:27.
Trains from Edinburgh to Ayr run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Edinburgh to Ayr.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Edinburgh to Ayr.
To get from Edinburgh to Ayr, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Edinburgh to Ayr.
The train station in Edinburgh that goes to Ayr is Edinburgh Waverley (EDB), and it arrives at Ayr station (AYR).
The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Ayr is by coach, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from Edinburgh to Ayr in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Edinburgh to Ayr offers passengers picturesque views as it travels through the scenic Scottish countryside, including rolling hills, lush landscapes, and charming small towns.
A day trip from Edinburgh to Ayr is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 25m. Trains run 5 times per day over a distance of 105 km.
To fully explore Ayr, a stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal, allowing time to visit its notable attractions like the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, the scenic Ayr Beach, and Culzean Castle.
Yes, you can take the train from Edinburgh to Ayr.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Ayr

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

Departure train stations in Edinburgh
Arrival train stations in Ayr
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.

Wester HailesEdinburgh EH14 3HR, UKParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Wester Hailes from Edinburgh city centre

Wester Hailes is 6 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainEdinburgh - Glasgow Central, Edinburgh - Motherwell, Edinburgh - Carfin, Edinburgh - West Calder · 13m · £3 · every ~2 min
Bus30 · 26m · £2 · every ~21 min
30 · 30m · £2 · every ~21 min

Wester Hailes train station facilities and services

Wester Hailes has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Bike Parking and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Wester Hailes.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Wester Hailes.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Wester Hailes: Parking, Taxis.

Bike and car services

Available at Wester Hailes: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Wester Hailes.

More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Ayr

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Ayr Edinburgh to Ayr train

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