- 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.
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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £121 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 27m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £121, while a flight costs an average of £197.
Distance: 500 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£121 Average Price Cheapest | £197 Average Price | £96 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 26m Average total duration 4h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh is a train with an average price of £121.
This is compared to other travel options from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh:
A train is £76 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh costing on average £197.
The fastest way to travel from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 27m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Hemel Hempstead and Edinburgh including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 1h 57m sooner (4h 56m by train vs 6h 53m by car). Tickets start at around £121 compared to roughly £96 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh train times
The table below shows live departures for Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 10:24 Hemel Hempstead | 5h14 | 15:38 Edinburgh | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £117 but you can travel from only £90 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 18:52. The fastest train covers the 500 km distance in 4h 45m.
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
Flight from £90
Distance 500 km |
Average train duration 4h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price £117 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 45m |
First train 4:01 |
Last train 18:52 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
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
Flight from £90
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Lumo, West Midlands Trains from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh trainsAvanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Lumo, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Hemel Hempstead and Edinburgh from £90. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 Avanti West Coast Duration
6h 8m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£59
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
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
Average London North Eastern Railway Duration
5h 17m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Price
£116
London North Eastern Railway 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
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
West Midlands Trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
5h 57m
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
Scottish National Gallery
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
- Recommended
Fruitmarket
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
- Must visit
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
- Recommended
Princes Street Gardens
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
- Gluten-free
Cullen skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Haggis
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
- Vegetarian
Cranachan
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
The Kitchin
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Whiski Rooms
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
The Cafe Royal
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Bus & Tram
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.40
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
Edinburgh Waverley -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless works on trams with Tap On, Tap Off. Use the same card or device all day to benefit from the city day cap of £5.70.
- On trams, buy, validate or activate your ticket before boarding. If you use contactless on trams, remember to tap off when you leave.
FAQs: Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hemel Hempstead 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £117, while the average price tends to be around £121.
The train journey from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh covers a distance of 500 km and takes approximately 4h 45m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh is 500 km.
The first train from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh leaves at 4:01.
The last train from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh departs at 18:52.
Trains from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh.
To get from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh.
The train station in Hemel Hempstead that goes to Edinburgh is Hemel Hempstead station (HML), and it arrives at Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
The cheapest way to get from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh is by flight, costing approximately £90.
Booking trains from Hemel Hempstead 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 Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh offers a variety of scenic views, including picturesque countryside landscapes, rolling hills, and glimpses of charming small towns as the route travels through the heart of England and into Scotland, providing passengers with a visually pleasing experience.
A day trip from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh is not feasible, as the journey takes 4h 45m one way. There are 6 trains available per day. The distance is 500 km.
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.
To fully experience Edinburgh's historic sites, cultural attractions, and local cuisine, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Hemel Hempstead and Edinburgh
Most Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh trains use the Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh Waverley station pair. Use this guide to compare Hemel Hempstead and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Hemel Hempstead
Arrival train stations in Edinburgh
Which Hemel Hempstead station do trains to Edinburgh leave from?
Trains from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh leave from Hemel Hempstead. The station is 2 km from Hemel Hempstead city centre at Hemel Hempstead station, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 9BQ.
Hemel HempsteadHemel Hempstead station, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 9BQ+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Hemel Hempstead from Hemel Hempstead city centre
Hemel Hempstead is 1 km from Hemel Hempstead city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus20 · 13m · £2 · every ~8 min
Ml1 · 14m
20 · 16m · £2 · every ~8 min
Hemel Hempstead train station facilities and services
Hemel Hempstead has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Fishery Wharf Cafe
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Hemel Hempstead.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hemel Hempstead. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hemel Hempstead: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hemel Hempstead: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hemel Hempstead: 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 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: Card payment only, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Edinburgh WaverleyPrinces St, Edinburgh EH1 1BB, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
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.
More options for your journey from Hemel Hempstead to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Edinburgh and Hemel Hempstead
Most popular train connections to Edinburgh
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