- Recommended
Ely Museum
Ely’s main museum tells the city’s story from archaeology to local life. Expect well-presented displays in a former gaol near the cathedral.
Cheapest price
£179
Average price
£199
Fastest journey
4 h 16 m
Average duration
4 h 25 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
454 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Ely is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Ely will cost around £199 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £179.
To travel from Edinburgh to Ely you need to make at least one change.
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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Ely among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £39. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £39, and a train costs an average of £70.
Distance: 454 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£70 Average Price | £39 Average Price Cheapest |
6h 9m Average total duration Fastest 5h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 35m Average total duration 13h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Ely trains for today, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:30 Edinburgh | 4h49 | 12:19 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 8:30 Edinburgh | 4h49 | 13:19 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 9:30 Edinburgh | 4h49 | 14:19 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 10:00 Edinburgh | 5h19 | 15:19 Ely | 2 changes | |
![]() | 10:30 Edinburgh | 4h16 | 14:46 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 11:00 Edinburgh | 5h19 | 16:19 Ely | 2 changes | |
![]() | 11:30 Edinburgh | 4h16 | 15:46 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 12:31 Edinburgh | 4h21 | 16:52 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 13:00 Edinburgh | 5h19 | 18:19 Ely | 2 changes | |
![]() | 13:30 Edinburgh | 4h26 | 17:56 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 14:30 Edinburgh | 4h47 | 19:17 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 15:00 Edinburgh | 5h17 | 20:17 Ely | 2 changes | |
![]() | 15:30 Edinburgh | 4h22 | 19:52 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 16:30 Edinburgh | 4h17 | 20:47 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 17:00 Edinburgh | 5h15 | 22:15 Ely | 2 changes | |
![]() | 17:30 Edinburgh | 4h16 | 21:46 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 20:20 Edinburgh | 10h43 | 7:03 Ely | 1 change | |
![]() | 21:00 Edinburgh | 12h19 | 9:19 Ely | 2 changes | |
| Tuesday 25 August | |||||
![]() | 6:30 Edinburgh | 4h49 | 11:19 Ely | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Edinburgh to Ely run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £70 but you can travel from only £39 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 19:18. The fastest train covers the 454 km distance in 4h 44m.
Distance 454 km |
Average train duration 5h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £70 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 44m |
First train 4:55 |
Last train 19:18 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Ely — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ely trip today.
Ely’s main museum tells the city’s story from archaeology to local life. Expect well-presented displays in a former gaol near the cathedral.
Displays historic stained glass from Britain and Europe inside Ely Cathedral. It is an unusual collection that adds depth to a cathedral visit.
A focused museum on Oliver Cromwell’s life in Ely, set in his former family home. Good for Civil War context and period interiors.
A pleasant riverfront area with boats, open views and paths. It is ideal for a relaxed walk, photography and watching life on the Great Ouse.
The green around the cathedral offers classic views of Ely’s skyline. It is a peaceful place to walk, rest and appreciate the setting of the church.
The central square hosts the regular market and many civic events. It is a useful starting point for exploring the compact historic centre.
Eel stew is tied to the Fens and Ely’s marsh history. Freshwater eel was long a staple food here, slowly cooked into a rich, traditional dish.
Jellied eels are a classic East Anglian and London-area eel dish. They reflect the region’s historic eel trade and wetland fishing culture.
Smoked eel is a prized Fenland speciality. Oily local eel is cured and smoked, giving a rich flavour linked to Ely’s waterside heritage.
Established city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking and seasonal menus in a smart but welcoming setting.
Popular traditional pub known for hearty British food, cask ales and a friendly atmosphere close to Ely Cathedral.
Well-known waterside venue for British pub meals, drinks and outdoor seating overlooking the river and marina.
Moderate for a small UK city. Accommodation and dining cost more than many towns, but local transport needs are low and day-to-day spending is manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafés usually just small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Ely 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 Ely, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Edinburgh to Ely trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Ely station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Ely 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.
Ely has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ely.
Wi-Fi is available at Ely.
Ticket office support is available at Ely. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ely: Parking, WC.
Available at Ely: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ely: 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 taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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.
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