Newcastle to Edinburgh train

Trains from Newcastle to Edinburgh

A train from Newcastle to Edinburgh covers approximately 98 miles (147 km) to connect the two cities. Fortunately, most of the trains that operate along this route are high speed, comfortable and affordable. The best part is, you can find a direct train travelling from Newcastle to Edinburgh in approximately 1h 25min or less.

Newcastle to Edinburgh: Daily Departures

There are approximately 116 trains running on this popular route every day. If you have an early meeting or some errands you need to run in Edinburgh, you’re better off boarding the first train, which departs at around 05:22. On average, there are up to four trains departing from Newcastle to Edinburgh every hour, which gives you much-needed flexibility when it comes to choosing the train you’ll be boarding. The latest train departs from Newcastle to Edinburgh at around 00:18.

How long is the journey by train from Newcastle to Edinburgh?

The fastest trains that operate from Newcastle to Edinburgh can get you to your destination in roughly 1h 23min. On the other hand, the slowest trains that service this route can get you to Edinburgh in about 1h 45min. Most of the trains that depart from Newcastle to Edinburgh very early in the morning or late in the evening are sleeper trains, and their travel durations might vary a lot during the weekends and holidays.

Tyne and Swing bridges in Newcastle. Source: Shutterstock

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

Departure train station: Trains from Newcastle to Edinburgh usually depart from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne train station, located in the city centre. There is a bus station and taxi rank nearby, if you’ll be using them. The station has free Wi-Fi, eateries, coffee shops, cash machines, payphones, baby-changing facilities and toilets. While waiting for your train to depart, you can always sip a cup of coffee while reading through our online travel magazine.

Arrival train station: Edinburgh Waverley train station has many facilities, such as toilets, baby-changing areas, showers, cash machines, payphones, car hire, trolleys, free public Wi-Fi, ticketing services, eateries, coffee shops and seating areas. The best part is that Edinburgh Waverley station is located in the city centre, which makes it easy to access. For instance, there are taxi ranks and bus stations just outside the train station, to get you wherever you want to go.

Which train companies travel from Newcastle to Edinburgh?

This busy route from Newcastle to Edinburgh is usually serviced by CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway or TransPennine Express. Before booking the train ticket for your journey, it’s best to compare the amenities offered by the various train companies. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy the most comfortable journey possible. Additionally, these companies charge different prices for their train tickets. Direct trains from Newcastle to Edinburgh are usually faster than connecting ones.

Night trains from Newcastle to Edinburgh

If you’re looking for a night train from Newcastle to Edinburgh, your best option is booking the latest train, which departs from Newcastle at around 00:18. With a travel time of approximately 1h 31min, the train will arrive in Edinburgh at around 01:49. These night trains are ideal for those who do not have a tight schedule to follow.

CrossCountry trains from Newcastle to Edinburgh

CrossCountry is a high-speed train company in the United Kingdom, which offers both first-class and standard-class fares. All the CrossCountry trains that service this route are fitted with some of the best amenities available. Remember, you can purchase CrossCountry train tickets using our app, so you don’t need to spend your time queuing in line for tickets.

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) trains from Newcastle to Edinburgh

LNER operates high-speed, direct trains from Newcastle to Edinburgh, which only take about 1h 26min to complete the journey. If you’re travelling from Newcastle to Edinburgh, you’ll be glad to learn that there are generally LNER trains servicing the route every hour. This frequency begins early in the morning until late at night, which gives passengers much-needed flexibility when planning their journey. Most of the LNER trains that service this route come with free Wi-Fi access, charging points and a free luggage allowance.

TransPennine Express trains from Newcastle to Edinburgh

TransPennine Express operates several high-speed trains along this route. Most of these are direct services, while the others involve one or two stops along the way. When you travel with the direct TransPennine Express services, you’ll usually arrive in Edinburgh in just over an hour. On the other hand, the slowest TransPennine Express trains will get you to your destination in about 1h 50min. TransPennine Express trains come with lots of amenities, including onboard entertainment, charging points, free Wi-Fi, free luggage allowance and comfortable seats.

Trains from Newcastle to Edinburgh: Sustainability travel

All the train companies that service this route, such as CrossCountry, have already put measures in place to become more sustainable. The companies keep track of their environmental impact and energy consumption on all of their trains. This is made possible by implementing advanced technology such as the Driver Advisory System (DAS) and smart metering, which is being installed across all trains to provide drivers with real-time alerts on fuel-efficient driving, to help reduce carbon emissions.

Trains from Newcastle to Edinburgh: Services on Board

Most of the trains that operate along this route offer comfortable seating, charging points and free Wi-Fi. It’s also important to note that most of the trains that operate along this route have both first and second class. However, the prices for first-class tickets tend to differ from one train company to the next, which is why you should compare all of them before booking your ticket. One of the best things about all the train companies that service the Newcastle to Edinburgh route is the fact they don’t charge any fees for luggage weighing up to 44 lb (20 kg). Also, train companies such as TransPennine and CrossCountry allow pets on board, but they must be kept on a leash or in a carrier for the entire journey. Train providers such as CrossCountry also have dedicated staff, who are always there to assist the elderly and disabled passengers whenever they need to board or alight from the trains. There are also train ramps that make it easier for disabled passengers to access the trains.

How to find cheap train tickets from Newcastle to Edinburgh

The best way you can find a cheap train ticket from Newcastle to Edinburgh is by booking about seven days before your travelling date; the train tickets for this route are usually on sale months before the actual date. You can also get a great deal for train tickets from Newcastle to Edinburgh if you travel off peak. If you frequently travel along this route, you can always get a Railcard and save almost a third of what you’d spend on the journeys for the whole year. Another great way you can find a cheap train ticket from Newcastle to Edinburgh is by opting for slower or connecting trains, as well as being flexible with your travel dates. For instance, train tickets from Newcastle to Edinburgh tend to be cheaper during off-peak hours.

Scott monument in Edinburgh at night. Source: Shutterstock

To Edinburgh by train—travel tips

Edinburgh is a bustling and vibrant city with a rich history and is host to many colourful festivals that take place every year. As a result, there is no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh. If you love shopping, you’ll be glad to learn that there are several luxury stores and beautiful boutiques in Edinburgh. The city can cater to all kinds of styles, tastes and budgets. Additionally, while you’re in Edinburgh, you can also enjoy a night out with friends in a restaurant of your choice. You can also make the most of the scenic outdoors in the Scottish capital. Some of the places that capture the true essence of Edinburgh’s beauty include:

• Holyrood Park
• Princes Street Gardens
• The Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Inverleith Park
• The Meadows
• The Water of Leith Visitor Centre
• Corstorphine Hill
• Portobello Beach
• The Pentland Hills