Leicester to Edinburgh train with CrossCountry

Thu 27 Aug
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CrossCountry
London North Eastern Railway
Avanti West Coast
east_midlands_trains
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
London North Eastern Railway
Avanti West Coast
east_midlands_trains
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for 27 Aug

Cheapest price

£101

Average price

£176

Fastest journey

4 h 23 m

Average duration

5 h 1 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

392 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Leicester to Edinburgh will cost around £176 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £101.

Fast trains

To travel from Leicester to Edinburgh you need to make at least one change.

  • CrossCountryG00955+Avanti West CoastW33941
    8:505h29
    Leicester station (LEI)
    14:19Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £1011One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00805+London North Eastern RailwayG80211
    8:195h13
    Leicester station (LEI)
    13:32Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £1431One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00738 · G66987+East Midlands RailwayW70945
    8:095h01
    Leicester station (LEI)
    13:10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £2121One-way
    2 changes
  • CrossCountryG66987+East Midlands RailwayW70945
    8:095h01
    Leicester station (LEI)
    13:10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £2121One-way
    1 change
  • Transpennine ExpressW84665+London North Eastern RailwayG80211+East Midlands RailwayC21769
    9:094h23
    Leicester station (LEI)
    13:32Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £2121One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Leicester to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester 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 flight which can get you there in 1h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £16, and a train costs an average of £44.

Distance: 392 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£76

Average Price

£30

Average Price

Cheapest

£41

Average Price

5h 10m

Average total duration

4h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 52m

Average total duration

8h 22m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 17m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 17m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.0kg

CO2 emissions

1.2 - 2.4kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

easyJet

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Leicester to Edinburgh train times

The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Edinburgh trains for today, Wednesday 26 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
East Midlands RailwayW70945+CrossCountryG66987
On time
8:09 Leicester station (LEI)
5h01
13:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
CrossCountryG00805+London North Eastern RailwayG80211
On time
8:19 Leicester station (LEI)
5h13
13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
East Midlands RailwayC21769+Transpennine ExpressW84665+London North Eastern RailwayG80211
On time
9:09 Leicester station (LEI)
4h23
13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes
East Midlands RailwayC21769+CrossCountryG01060
On time
9:09 Leicester station (LEI)
5h01
14:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
CrossCountryG00841+London North Eastern RailwayG80216
On time
9:14 Leicester station (LEI)
5h13
14:27 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
CrossCountryG66941+Avanti West CoastW33941+West Midlands TrainsC17848
On time
9:15 Leicester station (LEI)
5h04
14:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes
East Midlands RailwayC21649+London North Eastern RailwayG80216+Northern RailG89691
On time
9:40 Leicester station (LEI)
4h47
14:27 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes
East Midlands RailwayW70956+CrossCountryG01062
On time
10:10 Leicester station (LEI)
5h00
15:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
CrossCountryG00806+London North Eastern RailwayG80224
On time
10:15 Leicester station (LEI)
5h19
15:34 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
CrossCountryG66942+Avanti West CoastW33935+Transpennine ExpressW85182+West Midlands TrainsC17878
On time
10:16 Leicester station (LEI)
5h20
15:36 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
3 changes
East Midlands RailwayW70961+CrossCountryG01064
On time
11:06 Leicester station (LEI)
5h01
16:07 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Leicester 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.

Thu
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept

Why should you book Leicester to Edinburgh trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, east_midlands_trains and more offer trains services from Leicester to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Edinburgh.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Edinburgh.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Edinburgh.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leicester to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Leicester to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £44 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 05:37, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 392 km distance in 4h 55m.

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 £16
Distance
392 km
Average train duration
4h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
£44
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
4h 55m
First train
5:37
Last train
23:28
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
4 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
Coach from £16

Train companies: CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, east_midlands_trains from Leicester to Edinburgh trainsCrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Leicester and Edinburgh from £16. 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
4h 56m
Cheapest Price
£44
CrossCountry frequency
2 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

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 Duration
4h 55m
Cheapest Price
£60
London North Eastern Railway frequency
3 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

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
5h 0m
Cheapest Price
£54
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 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

east_midlands_trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 55m
Cheapest Price
£279
east_midlands_trains frequency
10 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

National Museum of Scotland

National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.

  • 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.

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.

Trains from Leicester to Edinburgh

Although there are no direct trains from Leicester to Edinburgh, it is possible to make the journey with just one change. The first departure is a CrossCountry service leaving around 6:15 a.m. connecting with a Virgin East Coast Trains service at Peterborough. There are hourly East Midlands Trains departures from Leicester throughout the day, requiring a change to a CrossCountry train at Chesterfield. The final connection is around 18:00 p.m. Journey times are roughly 5 hours.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Leicester to Edinburgh?

Departure Station: Leicester Leicester's main station is situated south-east of the city centre, about 10-minutes on foot from the main shopping streets. City buses stop outside on London Road, and there is a taxi rank on the northern side of the station concourse.

Arrival Station: Edinburgh Waverley Waverley station is located in the city centre, with tram and bus connections nearby on Princes Street. Night buses and airport shuttle buses depart from Waverley Bridge. The station taxi rank is located on the concourse close to the platforms.

FAQs: Leicester to Edinburgh train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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
The cost of a train ticket from Leicester to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £44, while the average price tends to be around £76.
The train journey from Leicester to Edinburgh covers a distance of 392 km and takes approximately 4h 55m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Leicester to Edinburgh is 392 km.
The first train from Leicester to Edinburgh leaves at 5:37.
The last train from Leicester to Edinburgh departs at 23:28.
Trains from Leicester to Edinburgh run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Leicester to Edinburgh.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Leicester to Edinburgh.
To get from Leicester to Edinburgh, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Leicester to Edinburgh.
The train station in Leicester that goes to Edinburgh is Leicester station (LEI), and it arrives at Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
The cheapest way to get from Leicester to Edinburgh is by coach, costing approximately £16.
Booking trains from Leicester 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 Leicester to Edinburgh offers varied scenery, featuring a mix of urban landscapes, rolling countryside, and glimpses of historical sites, providing a pleasant visual experience as you travel north.
A day trip from Leicester to Edinburgh is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 55m. Trains are available with a frequency of 6 per day, covering a distance of 392 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 Leicester to Edinburgh.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Edinburgh

Most Leicester to Edinburgh trains use the Leicester to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Leicester
Arrival train stations in Edinburgh

Which Leicester station do trains to Edinburgh leave from?

Trains from Leicester to Edinburgh leave from Leicester. The station is 1 km from Leicester city centre at Leicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre

BusX7 · 4m · £2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · £2 · every ~14 min

Leicester train station facilities and services

Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Leicester.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, 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 toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Edinburgh Leicester to Edinburgh train

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