- 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
£50
Average price
£74
Fastest journey
3 h 9 m
Average duration
3 h 15 m
Trains per day
34
Distance
262 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leeds to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leeds to Edinburgh will cost around £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £50.
To travel from Leeds to Edinburgh you need to make at least one change.
TP034500 · N55870 · W85163
TP034800 · N55871 · W85163
C02144 · G80192
TP034600+
G80190
TP048000 · N55938 · W85176
G15921+
G80227
C00868+
G80202
G15984+
G80207
G15851+
C01953
C24590+
G80218Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leeds to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 52m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, and a train costs an average of £21.
Distance: 262 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£46 Average Price | £28 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 48m Average total duration 4h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Leeds to Edinburgh trains for today, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G88998+ C01943 | 17:30 Leeds station (LDS) | 2h59 | 20:29 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
C24869+ G80257 | On time 17:42 Leeds station (LDS) | 2h54 | 20:36 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G01080 | Delayed 17:24 18:10Leeds station (LDS) | 2h59 | 21:09 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15817 · W85210 | On time 18:15 Leeds station (LDS) | 5h26 | 23:41 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
C24975 · C03192 · W85210 | On time 18:30 Leeds station (LDS) | 5h11 | 23:41 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
G89003+ G80259 | On time 18:30 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h04 | 21:34 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
C24538+ G80263 | On time 18:42 Leeds station (LDS) | 2h58 | 21:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
C03192 · W85210 | On time 18:45 Leeds station (LDS) | 4h56 | 23:41 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G01082 | On time 19:10 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h04 | 22:14 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89007+ G80266 | On time 19:30 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h05 | 22:35 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G16317+ G80268 | On time 19:45 Leeds station (LDS) | 2h55 | 22:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G01083 | On time 20:06 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h01 | 23:07 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
P28428+ G80272 | 20:17 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h18 | 23:35 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| Saturday 22 August | |||||
TP034800 · N55871 · W85163 | 0:35 Leeds station (LDS) | 9h05 | 9:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
TP034500 · N55870 · W85163 | 2:09 Leeds station (LDS) | 7h31 | 9:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
TP034600+ G80190 | 4:25 Leeds station (LDS) | 4h07 | 8:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
C02144 · G80192 | 5:30 Leeds station (LDS) | 4h10 | 9:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G16230+ G80192 | 5:54 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h46 | 9:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
TP052900 · N55939 · W85176 | 6:10 Leeds station (LDS) | 7h23 | 13:33 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
TP052300 · N55939 · W85176 | 6:40 Leeds station (LDS) | 6h53 | 13:33 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
G15959+ C01972 | 6:48 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h40 | 10:28 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
TP052200 · N55938 · W85176 | 7:10 Leeds station (LDS) | 6h23 | 13:33 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
TP052200 · N55959 · W85176 | 7:10 Leeds station (LDS) | 6h23 | 13:33 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
G15851+ C01953 | 7:27 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h14 | 10:41 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
TP048000 · N55938 · W85176 | 7:40 Leeds station (LDS) | 5h53 | 13:33 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
C01243+ G80200 | 7:53 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h40 | 11:33 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
TP041400 · N55937 · W85183 | 8:10 Leeds station (LDS) | 7h29 | 15:39 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
C00868+ G80202 | 8:29 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h09 | 11:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
TP041300 · N55937 · W85183 | 8:40 Leeds station (LDS) | 6h59 | 15:39 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
G15897+ G80204 | 8:54 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h38 | 12:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
TP041200 · N55957 · W85183 | 9:10 Leeds station (LDS) | 6h29 | 15:39 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
TP041200 · N55936 · W85183 | 9:10 Leeds station (LDS) | 6h29 | 15:39 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
G15984+ G80207 | 9:28 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h10 | 12:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
TP041100 · N55936 · W85183 | 9:40 Leeds station (LDS) | 5h59 | 15:39 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
C24585+ C01937 | 9:54 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h38 | 13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
TP041000 · N55935 · W85193 | 10:10 Leeds station (LDS) | 7h27 | 17:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
G15985+ G01059 | 10:29 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h41 | 14:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
TP040900 · N55935 · W85193 | 10:40 Leeds station (LDS) | 6h57 | 17:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
C24590+ G80218 | 10:54 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h33 | 14:27 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
TP040800 · N55934 · W85193 | 11:10 Leeds station (LDS) | 6h27 | 17:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
TP040800 · N55955 · W85193 | 11:10 Leeds station (LDS) | 6h27 | 17:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
TP040600 · N55933 · W85202 | 12:10 Leeds station (LDS) | 7h28 | 19:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
G15921+ G80227 | 12:29 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h09 | 15:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
TP040500 · N55933 · W85202 | 12:40 Leeds station (LDS) | 6h58 | 19:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
C01245+ G80230 | 12:54 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h34 | 16:28 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
TP040400 · N55953 · W85202 | 13:10 Leeds station (LDS) | 6h28 | 19:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
TP040400 · N55932 · W85202 | 13:10 Leeds station (LDS) | 6h28 | 19:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
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 Leeds to Edinburgh run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:14, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 262 km distance in 2h 55m.
Distance 262 km |
Average train duration 3h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 55m |
First train 2:14 |
Last train 23:28 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 3 days |
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
Business travellers or city break vacationers heading north to the Scottish capital from Yorkshire can take direct trains from Leeds to Edinburgh on the East Coast Main Line seven days a week. Two rail operators offer direct connections to Edinburgh from early morning to mid-evening. Additional indirect connections with one change en route add several travel options to the daily schedule. The fastest journey times to Edinburgh are just under three hours.
Cross Country Trains and London North Eastern Railway (LNER) offer direct trains from Leeds to Edinburgh. Additional indirect routes use First Transpennine Express departures from Leeds to York, connecting with LNER trains north to Edinburgh or LNER services with one change at Newcastle.
The quickest rail connection between Leeds and Edinburgh is the Cross Country direct train taking two hours and 55 minutes to cover the 200-mile journey north to the Scottish capital. Most connections take five or ten minutes longer, with some indirect services taking around three hours and 30 minutes.
Cross Country and LNER direct trains to Edinburgh from Leeds run every hour on weekdays, with at least one additional indirect connection available every hour, which includes a change at either York or Newcastle. The timetable starts very early in the morning with trains running throughout the day until the final departure from Leeds in the mid-evening. Sunday schedules feature slightly fewer services, with no early morning direct departures.
Departure train station: Leeds Station is located in the city centre, with public transport links provided by the CityBus service stopping by the main entrance and other routes stopping on New Station Street. Facilities at the station include food stores, a coffee shop, news vendors, a first-class lounge, a cycle rental desk and taxi stands.
Arrival train station: Edinburgh Waverley Station is situated in the city centre, with frequent public transport connections available from bus and tram stops on Princes Street and an airport shuttle service from Waverley Bridge. The station concourse offers a news vendor, a pharmacy, a fast-food restaurant, food stores, baggage storage facilities and taxi stands.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leeds 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 Leeds to Edinburgh trains use the Leeds to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Leeds and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Leeds 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, Caffè Nero, KFC, Leon, McDonald's, The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Pret a Manger, JD Wetherspoon, Delice de France
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located in the West Footbridge and South Concourse.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:45 - 23:59, Sun: 06:45 - 22:30. Information desks are located on the North Concourse near the Wellington Street entrance. Open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Luggage storage is located on the main concourse. Services provided by Excess Baggage Co, open daily from 08:00 until 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leeds: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leeds: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leeds: There are elevators or level access to all platforms in the whole station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leeds City Center, The Queens Hotel, Leeds Marriott Hotel.
Burley Park is 2 km from Leeds city centre. Public transport options include:
Burley Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Burley Park.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Burley Park: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Burley Park: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Burley Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Persons in wheelchairs can gain easy access onto both platforms. However to get onto the Harrogate bound platform you have to go a long way round it will take approx 5-7 minutes, 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 ticket machines note: Cards Only - No Cash Accepted, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Headingley is 3 km from Leeds city centre. Public transport options include:
Headingley has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Headingley.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Headingley: Parking.
Available at Headingley: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Headingley: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station. The conductor will carry out any assistance, please wait on the platform. This station has recently benefitted from the installation of lifts, level access to platform 1 with platform 2 being accessible using the lift and a short subway, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, 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.
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, 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 Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need