The cheapest and fastest trains from Leeds to Edinburgh
Cheapest price
£67
Average price
£78
Fastest journey
2 h 57 m
Average duration
3 h 1 m
Trains per day
6
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 £78 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £67.
Of the 6 trains that leave Leeds for Edinburgh every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 262 km distance in an average of 3 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 57 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 7 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.
C23644
Y04399+
Y23415
C26865+
C01401+
P00135
C23650
Y04375+
P00135
C23650
C23647
C23644
Y04375+
P00135
C26865+
C01401+
P00135Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Leeds to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the coach 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 £16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 28m. 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 £16, and a train costs an average of £30.
Distance: 262 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£61 Average Price | £31 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 58m Average total duration Fastest 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 31m Average total duration 5h 1m 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.
Live departures
Leeds to Edinburgh train times
The table below shows live departures for Leeds to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Monday 24 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C23644 | On time 08:08 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h00 | 11:08 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
C26865+ C01401+ P00135 | On time 08:13 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h07 | 11:20 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
Y04375+ P00135 | On time 08:16 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h04 | 11:20 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
C23647 | On time 09:08 Leeds station (LDS) | 2h59 | 12:07 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y04399+ Y23415 | On time 09:16 Leeds station (LDS) | 3h08 | 12:24 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
C23650 | On time 10:08 Leeds station (LDS) | 2h57 | 13:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leeds 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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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Leeds to Edinburgh?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leeds to Edinburgh
Trains from Leeds to Edinburgh run on average 25 times per day, taking around 3h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £30 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.
There are 10 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 52m.
Distance 262 km |
Average train duration 3h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Trains per day 25 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 2h 52m |
First train 02:14 |
Last train 23:28 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, LNER, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Lumo, Northern Rail (3), Cross Country from Leeds to Edinburgh trainsCrossCountry, LNER, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Lumo, Northern Rail (3), Cross Country trains will get you between Leeds and Edinburgh from £16. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
LNER
TransPennine Express
Avanti West Coast
Lumo
Northern Rail (3)
Cross Country
Trains from Leeds to 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.
Which train companies travel from Leeds to Edinburgh?
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.
How long is the train from Leeds to Edinburgh?
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.
How many trains are there from Leeds to Edinburgh?
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.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Leeds to Edinburgh?
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.
FAQs: Leeds to Edinburgh train
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leeds and Edinburgh
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B station, Station is unstaffed. wheelchair customers using platform 2 (Bradford, Manchester bound) should be aware that the access to the platform is via a busy road that has no dropped kerbs and a narrow ramped path and entrance onto the platform. Platform 1 (Leeds, Selby) has good level access.
- 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
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement buses stop on Stanningley Road, east of Station Mount Road. Stop 450 10893 to New Pudsey, and 450 12320 to Leeds.
- Metro: WYPTE 0113 245 7676
- Car Park: Station Car 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: Bus stops located 5 mins away from station. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up / drop off on Ashville Road adjacent to the station entrance towards Harrogate, opposite the station entrance towards Leeds.
- Metro: 0113 245 7676
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: There is a bus stop close to the station. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the Bus Stops on Kirkstall Lane close to the junction with the station approach road. (Station side for Leeds, opposite side for Harrogate)
- Metro: WYPTE 0113 245 7676
- Mon - Sat: 04:45 - 23:59
- Sun: 06:45 - 22:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Located on the main concourse. Services provided by Excess Baggage Co, open daily from 08:00 until 21:00.
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Bagel Factory
- Caffè Nero
- KFC
- Leon
- McDonald's
- The Pasty Shop
- Starbucks
- Pret a Manger
- JD Wetherspoon
- Delice de France
- Taxi: Taxi rank outside New Station Street entrance near the bus interchange.
- Accessible taxis: Taxi rank outside New Station Street entrance near the bus interchange.
- There are elevators or level access to all platforms in the whole station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- Toilets Location: Baby changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet on platform 12 on the South Concourse
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leeds City Center
- The Queens Hotel
- Leeds Marriott Hotel
- Mon - Sat: 04:45 - 23:59
- Sun: 06:45 - 22:30
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Platform 0 / 1 Platform 6 / 8 behind the lift Platform 12 / 15 Short stay car park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Located on the North Concourse near the Wellington Street entrance. Open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Bus lines: 1, 16, 201, 229, 34, 5, 60, A1
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express
- Car Park: Station car park
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Lift access to both platforms between 05:30 and 00:30
- 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
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus pick up and drop off in the front of the station
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 21:25 Saturday 06:30 - 21:25 Sunday 08:10 - 21:25
- Type of shops available: M&S Simply Food
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1, the Concourse and near the entrance from Haymarket Terrace.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Inside the station - one on platform 4 and one on platform 2 and 3
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the layby in front of the station
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from Platform 2 bus stop, adjacent to Herminston Gate
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
- Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
- Free public Wi-Fi available.
- You can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2.
- Type of shops available: Wide range of shops Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: New Street: Long Stay
- Bagel Factory
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Costa Coffee
- JD Wetherspoon
- The Pasty Shop
- The Beer House
- M&S
- Pret a Manger
- Taxi: Nearest Taxi Ranks are on Market St and Waverley Bridge outside the station.
- Accessible taxis: Taxi ranks are located on Waverley Bridge and also Market Street. Market Street can be accessed step free via available lifts.
- 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.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: At entrance to Public Toilets
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets,
- Old Waverley Hotel
- Jurys Inn Edinburgh
- The Scotsman Hotel
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
- Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle storage can be found in the station: by the lift at Platform 2 (37 spaces) Platform 3 (68 Spaces) and adjacent to Platform 19 (86 Spaces). Additional cycle spaces are available in New Street car park (32 spaces).
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information booths are located on the concourse.
- Bus lines: 22, 30, 33, X22, X25, X37
- Train lines: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, CrossCountry, LNER, ScotRail, Transpennine Express
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off on Waterloo Place, pick up across from Apex Hotel and drop off outside the Apex Hotel.
- Metro: No metro available.
- Car Park: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stop on Slateford Road at Platform 2 stair exit
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:10 - 00:10 Sunday 08:40 - 00:10
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Waiting Shelter/Room. The toilet facilities are only available during ticket office opening hours.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stops outside the station
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