- Must visit
Dean Castle
Medieval castle with period interiors, collections, and musical instruments set in a large country park. It is Kilmarnock’s standout heritage attraction.
Cheapest price
£23
Average price
£25
Fastest journey
2 h 8 m
Average duration
2 h 15 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
90 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Kilmarnock is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Kilmarnock will cost around £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.
Of the 2 trains that leave Edinburgh for Kilmarnock 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 90 km distance in an average of 2 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 8 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 22 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 Kilmarnock among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £12, and a train costs an average of £23.
Distance: 90 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£27 Average Price | £15 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 43m Average total duration 2h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Kilmarnock trains for today, Friday 31 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L87801 · L86851+ Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central | Delayed 7:00 8:00Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h20 | 10:20 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 2 changes | |
L88236 · L86870 | On time 8:57 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h23 | 11:20 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 1 change | |
W84242 · L87702 | On time 9:27 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h25 | 11:52 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 1 change | |
L88241 · L86888 | On time 9:59 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h21 | 12:20 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 1 change | |
W84206 · L86789 | On time 10:25 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h26 | 12:51 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 1 change | |
L88244 · L86800 | On time 10:59 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h22 | 13:21 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 1 change | |
W84253 · L87713 | On time 11:27 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h27 | 13:54 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 1 change | |
L87919 · L87713+ Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central | On time 11:45 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h09 | 13:54 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 2 changes | |
L88248 · L86815 | On time 11:56 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h25 | 14:21 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 1 change | |
W84188 · L86826 | On time 12:28 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h24 | 14:52 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 1 change | |
![]() | 7:45 Edinburgh | 2h08 | 9:53 Kilmarnock | 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 Edinburgh to Kilmarnock run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:22, the last at 22:45. The fastest train covers the 90 km distance in 2h 8m.
Distance 90 km |
Average train duration 2h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 8m |
First train 5:22 |
Last train 22:45 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Kilmarnock — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kilmarnock trip today.
Medieval castle with period interiors, collections, and musical instruments set in a large country park. It is Kilmarnock’s standout heritage attraction.
Town-centre museum gallery presenting local history, changing exhibitions, and cultural displays. A useful introduction to Kilmarnock and East Ayrshire.
Small museum in the Burns Monument Centre exploring the life and influence of poet Robert Burns in Ayrshire. A rewarding stop for literature enthusiasts.
Large country park with woodland walks, play areas, ponds, and the castle. It is ideal for an easy half-day visit combining nature and heritage.
Victorian park with broad paths, mature trees, and a pond near the town centre. It is a pleasant place for a walk and local people-watching.
Pedestrianised central street lined with shops and historic buildings. It is useful for seeing everyday town life and exploring the heart of Kilmarnock.
A famous Ayrshire soft drink made with citrus oils and secret flavourings. It was first produced in Kilmarnock and remains the town’s best-known local drink.
Traditional Scottish broth of lamb or mutton, barley and root vegetables. It is a hearty staple long associated with Ayrshire farm cooking.
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onion and milk or cream. It is a classic west coast comfort dish served across Ayrshire.
Stylish Indian restaurant known for curries, grilled dishes and attentive service in a polished but relaxed setting.
Long-established Italian venue serving pizza, pasta and classic mains in a busy, family-friendly town-centre setting.
Popular steakhouse and grill with burgers, ribs and mixed grills, offering a lively casual atmosphere for groups and families.
Moderate for the UK. Meals, lodging and local travel are usually cheaper than in Glasgow or Edinburgh, but costs are above many smaller towns.
Service is often included only at some restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Cafe tipping is optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Kilmarnock 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 Kilmarnock, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Edinburgh to Kilmarnock trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Kilmarnock station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Kilmarnock 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.
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 Gateway is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Gateway.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Parking, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Bike Parking.
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.
Kilmarnock 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 options are available at Kilmarnock.
Wi-Fi is available at Kilmarnock.
Ticket office support is available at Kilmarnock. 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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kilmarnock: Parking, WC.
Available at Kilmarnock: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kilmarnock: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. Level to platforms 1,2&3 underpass with lifts connecting platform 4. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 6, 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.
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