Exeter to Edinburgh train with CrossCountry

Sat 06 Dec
+ Add return
CrossCountry
LNER
Lumo
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
LNER
Lumo
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for 09 Dec

Cheapest price

£123

Average price

£152

Fastest journey

7 h 19 m

Average duration

7 h 34 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

582 km

Cheap tickets

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 £152 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £123.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Exeter for Edinburgh every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 582 km distance in an average of 7 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 19 m .

The slowest trains will take 7 h 44 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.

LNER
00:0710h07
Exeter
10:14Edinburgh
£1231One-way
0 changes
CrossCountry
08:277h41
Exeter
16:08Edinburgh
£1441One-way
0 changes
CrossCountry
06:207h41
Exeter
14:01Edinburgh
£1591One-way
0 changes
CrossCountry
05:257h44
Exeter
13:09Edinburgh
£1601One-way
0 changes
Lumo
06:527h19
Exeter
14:11Edinburgh
£1721One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Exeter to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £31. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 34m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, and a flight costs an average of £115.

Distance: 582 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach
Flight

£174

Average Price

£54

Average Price

Cheapest

£186

Average Price

8h 29m

Average total duration

7h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

14h 43m

Average total duration

14h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 34m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.6 - 1.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Azul

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Exeter to Edinburgh train times

The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Edinburgh trains for today, Monday 8 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 06:51
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
great_westernP08841+cross_countryC23658
On time
08:04 Exeter Central (EXC)
8h02
16:06 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
great_westernP08841+cross_countryC23658+avanti_west_coastW10508+transpennine_expressC26808
On time
08:04 Exeter Central (EXC)
7h33
15:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
3 changes
great_westernP08997+cross_countryC23658
On time
08:09 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
7h57
16:06 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
great_westernP08997+cross_countryC23658+avanti_west_coastW10508+transpennine_expressC26808
On time
08:09 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
7h28
15:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
3 changes
cross_countryC23658+avanti_west_coastW10508+transpennine_expressC26808
On time
08:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
7h10
15:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes
cross_countryC23658
On time
08:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
7h39
16:06 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 changesdirect
south_west_trainsL47494+assertis_tubeTube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+london_north_eastern_railwayY23441
On time
08:28 Exeter Central (EXC)
8h55
17:23 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes
great_westernP09752 · V36593+assertis_tubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+london_north_eastern_railwayY23441
On time
08:53 Exeter Central (EXC)
8h30
17:23 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
3 changes
great_westernP08999+cross_countryC23661
On time
09:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
8h03
17:08 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
great_westernP08999+cross_countryC23661+avanti_west_coastW10514
On time
09:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
7h13
16:18 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes
great_westernP08999 · V36593+assertis_tubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+london_north_eastern_railwayY23441
On time
09:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
8h18
17:23 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
3 changes
great_westernP08844+cross_countryC23661
On time
09:14 Exeter Central (EXC)
7h54
17:08 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
great_westernP08844+cross_countryC23661+avanti_west_coastW10514
On time
09:14 Exeter Central (EXC)
7h04
16:18 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes
great_westernV36593+assertis_tubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+london_north_eastern_railwayY23441
On time
09:16 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
8h07
17:23 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes
cross_countryC23661+avanti_west_coastW10514
On time
09:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
6h51
16:18 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
cross_countryC23661
On time
09:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
7h41
17:08 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP09001+cross_countryC23665+avanti_west_coastP00492+transpennine_expressC26805
On time
10:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT)
7h34
17:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
3 changes
cross_countryC23665+avanti_west_coastP00492+transpennine_expressC26805
On time
10:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD)
7h13
17:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes
Tuesday 9 December
london_north_eastern_railway00:07 Exeter
10h07
10:14 Edinburgh0 changesdirect
london_north_eastern_railway04:52 Exeter
8h23
13:15 Edinburgh0 changesdirect
cross_country06:20 Exeter
7h41
14:01 Edinburgh0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Edinburgh by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach 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.

Tue
09 Dec
Wed
10 Dec
Thu
11 Dec
Fri
12 Dec
Sat
13 Dec
Sun
14 Dec
Mon
15 Dec

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Exeter to Edinburgh?

The best time to book your train from Exeter to Edinburgh is 28 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Exeter to Edinburgh route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Exeter to Edinburgh per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Exeter to Edinburgh.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Exeter to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Exeter to Edinburgh run on average 14 times per day, taking around 7h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £90 but you can travel from only £31 by coach.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:07, the last at 22:51. The fastest train covers the 582 km distance in 6h 56m.

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 £31
Distance
582 km
Average train duration
7h 59m
Cheapest ticket price
£90
Trains per day
14
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
6h 56m
First train
01:07
Last train
22:51
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 £31

Train companies: CrossCountry, LNER, Lumo, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country, first_great_western from Exeter to Edinburgh trainsCrossCountry, LNER, Lumo, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Exeter and Edinburgh from £31. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 Duration
7h 37m
Cheapest Price
£90
CrossCountry frequency
7 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

LNER

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
Average Duration
7h 35m
Cheapest Price
£123
LNER frequency
4 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

Lumo

About
Lumo are an open access operator launched in 2021 owned by FirstGroup providing train travel from London to Scotland and the North-East of England. It runs between London and Edinburgh along the East Coast Main Line. Lumo trains offer 100% electric travel along with amenities like comforable seating, free WiFi & their LumoEats at-seat catering in their single Standard Class. Lumo offered two ticket types their advance tickets LumoFixed which are only valid on the date and train booked but are exchangeable prior to departure and their Anytime tickets which can be used on any Lumo train on the date of your ticket.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 19m
Cheapest Price
£172
Lumo frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one piece of hold luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class includes complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included with all tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs on leads allowed with fee
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 59m
Cheapest Price
£241
Avanti West Coast frequency
6 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
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 51m
Cheapest Price
£410
Cross Country frequency
11 a day

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 23m
Cheapest Price
£489
first_great_western frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Exeter to Edinburgh train

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.

FAQs
To fully experience Edinburgh's historic sites, cultural attractions, and local cuisine, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
A day trip from Exeter to Edinburgh is not feasible as the journey takes 6h 56m and covers 582 km. Trains run 14 times per day.
In Edinburgh, you can explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket with its pubs, shops, and street performances, or enjoy a ghost tour through the haunted streets and underground vaults. Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for beautiful landscapes. Discover hidden gems and local art at the Stockbridge Market. Must-see sights include Edinburgh Castle, offering panoramic views and housing the Crown Jewels, Arthur's Seat for hiking and city views, The Royal Mile lined with shops and landmarks, Holyrood Palace with its stunning gardens, and the National Museum of Scotland showcasing diverse exhibits.
Yes, there is a direct train between Exeter and Edinburgh. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
Booking trains from Exeter to Edinburgh in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Exeter to Edinburgh offers scenic views, particularly through the Cotswolds, the Lake District, and along parts of the East Coast Main Line, where travellers can enjoy picturesque landscapes and coastal vistas.
The train distance from Exeter to Edinburgh is 582 km.
The cost of a train ticket from Exeter to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £90, while the average price tends to be around £174.
The train journey from Exeter to Edinburgh covers a distance of 582 km and takes approximately 6h 56m. Trains run 14 per day.
The cheapest way to get from Exeter to Edinburgh is by coach, costing approximately £31.
To get from Exeter to Edinburgh, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
The first train from Exeter to Edinburgh leaves at 1:07.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Edinburgh is Exeter St Davids (EXD), and it arrives at Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
The last train from Exeter to Edinburgh departs at 22:51.
Trains from Exeter to Edinburgh run approximately 14 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Exeter to Edinburgh.
There is no night train service from Exeter to Edinburgh.
Yes, you can take the train from Exeter to Edinburgh.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Exeter and Edinburgh

Exeter
Edinburgh
The major train station for departures in Exeter is Exeter Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Exeter Central for your trip from Exeter to Edinburgh.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:50 - 18:15 Saturday 07:50 - 18:15 Sunday 09:30 - 16:30
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Yes
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 2. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Both platforms
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Exeter Central
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop at the front of the station on Queens Street
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:40 Saturday 06:15 - 20:00 Sunday 07:30 - 20:40 Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Weekdays (Mon-Fri) 08:45 - 19:40, Saturday 08:45 - 18:30 Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: WHSmith
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 5. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Platform 1 and adjacent entrance
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Exeter St Davids
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Front of the station
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Bottom of stairs leading to platform 1.
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Exeter St Thomas
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Exeter St Davids: Cowick Street bus stop by shopping precint. To Newton Abbot: Cowick Street bus stop outside the station
HomeTrainsTrain Times to Edinburgh Exeter to Edinburgh train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone