- 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.
Cheapest price on 26 Oct
£90
Average ticket price on 26 Oct
£225
Fastest journey on 26 Oct
6 h 51 m
Average journey duration on 26 Oct
7 h 7 m
Trains on 26 Oct
18
Distance
582 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Edinburgh will cost around £225 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £90.
On Mon 26 Oct, we found 18 trains from Exeter to Edinburgh, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 582 km distance in an average of 7 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 51 m .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 23 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.
G01073
G01073+
W34290
Y80241+
G01073
W34559+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
G80234
Y80248 · W34572+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
G80251
G00869_G01067+
W34286
G01073+
W34290
Y41870+
G00869_G01067+
W34286
G01069+
C01372+
W85191
W34562+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
G80237Trains from Exeter to Edinburgh run on average 15 times per day, taking around 7h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £60 but you can travel from only £31 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 582 km distance in 6h 33m.
Distance 582 km |
Average train duration 7h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £60 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 6h 33m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:00 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Exeter to Edinburgh.
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Edinburgh trains for today, Sunday 25 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C50035+ W29776+ W33373 | On time 7:59 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 8h21 | 16:20 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
W34561+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+ W33297+ W85192 | On time 8:30 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 9h13 | 17:43 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
Y41857+ G01071+ W33375 | On time 10:04 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 8h15 | 18:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
Y41857 · C01237+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+ W33319 | On time 10:04 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 9h35 | 19:39 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4 changes | |
Y41857+ G01071+ W85192+ W33378 | On time 10:04 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 7h39 | 17:43 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
C01236+ W33315 · W33375+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston | 10:14 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 8h05 | 18:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
G01071+ W85192+ W33378 | On time 10:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 7h16 | 17:43 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
C01237+ W33319+ W85200+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston | 11:07 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 8h32 | 19:39 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
W29782+ W33375 | On time 11:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 6h52 | 18:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
Y41866+ G01077+ W85200+ W33376 | On time 11:45 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 7h54 | 19:39 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
Y41866 · C01238+ W33183 · W33374 | 11:45 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 8h39 | 20:24 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4 changes | |
C01238+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+ W33183 · W33374 | On time 12:06 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 8h18 | 20:24 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
G01077+ W85200+ W33376 | On time 12:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 7h12 | 19:39 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
Y41872+ G00878+ W33374 | On time 12:45 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 7h39 | 20:24 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
G01078 · XC146100 · K01565 | On time 13:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 9h34 | 23:01 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
Y80240 · W35407+ W33365+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston | 13:44 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 10h04 | 23:48 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4 changes | |
W35407+ W33365+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+ L87901 | 14:06 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 9h42 | 23:48 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
W29792+ W33377+ W85209 | On time 14:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 7h12 | 21:39 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
Y80250+ W29795+ W33372 | 15:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 7h20 | 22:26 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
W29795+ W33372 | 15:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 6h59 | 22:26 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
Y80253+ G00724+ W85211+ W33228 | 15:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 8h02 | 23:44 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
G00724+ W85211+ W33228 | On time 16:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 7h17 | 23:44 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
Y80265 · C00057+ C04496+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston | 17:46 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 15h07 | 8:53 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
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.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Waverley -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Edinburgh.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter 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.

Most Exeter to Edinburgh trains use the Exeter St Davids to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Davids has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Davids: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - All platforms can be accessed via Lifts from the sole main station entrance. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Thomas has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Thomas: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Exeter Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - Both platforms can be accessed via lifts from the main station entrance, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, 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 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.
Check train stations information for Exeter and Edinburgh, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need