Reading to Edinburgh train with Avanti West Coast

Tue 25 Aug
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
London North Eastern Railway
CrossCountry
Lumo
Transpennine Express
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
London North Eastern Railway
CrossCountry
Lumo
Transpennine Express
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for 25 Aug

Cheapest price

£34

Average price

£65

Fastest journey

5 h 18 m

Average duration

5 h 43 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

521 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Reading to Edinburgh will cost around £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £34.

Fast trains

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

  • CrossCountryG00710 · G01073
    12:446h27
    Reading station (RDG)
    19:11Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £341One-way
    1 change
  • Avanti West CoastW34290+CrossCountryG00866
    12:156h05
    Reading station (RDG)
    18:20Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £501One-way
    1 change
  • London North Eastern RailwayG80237+Great Western RailwayW35125+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross
    12:205h18
    Reading station (RDG)
    17:38Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £681One-way
    2 changes
  • LumoG25683+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great Western RailwayW34566
    13:055h27
    Reading station (RDG)
    18:32Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £791One-way
    2 changes
  • CrossCountryG00866+Avanti West CoastW34290
    12:156h05
    Reading station (RDG)
    18:20Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £801One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Reading to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £17, and a train costs an average of £36.

Distance: 521 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

£96

Average Price

£51

Average Price

Cheapest

£86

Average Price

6h 10m

Average total duration

5h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 20m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 20m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

11h 46m

Average total duration

11h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.6 - 3.1kg

CO2 emissions

0.5 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

easyJet

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Reading to Edinburgh train times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 25 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG00866+Avanti West CoastW3429012:15 Reading station (RDG)
6h05
18:20 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
CrossCountryG00866+Avanti West CoastW3429012:15 Reading station (RDG)
6h05
18:20 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
London North Eastern RailwayG80237+Great Western RailwayW35125+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross12:20 Reading station (RDG)
5h18
17:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
CrossCountryG00710 · G0107312:44 Reading station (RDG)
6h27
19:11 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
London North Eastern RailwayG80241+Great Western RailwayG15045+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross12:47 Reading station (RDG)
5h41
18:28 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
LumoG25683+Great Western RailwayW34566+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross13:05 Reading station (RDG)
5h27
18:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading 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.

Tue
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug

Why should you book Reading to Edinburgh trains with Omio?

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

Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of London North Eastern Railway, CrossCountry, Lumo or Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Reading 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading 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, CrossCountry, Lumo or Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Reading 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 Reading to Edinburgh.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Reading to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Reading to Edinburgh run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £17 by flight.

The earliest train runs at 03:54, the last at 22:26. The fastest train covers the 521 km distance in 5h 19m.

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 £17
Distance
521 km
Average train duration
5h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
£36
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
5h 19m
First train
3:54
Last train
22:26
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
35 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 £17

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, CrossCountry, Lumo, Transpennine Express, Cross Country from Reading to Edinburgh trainsAvanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, CrossCountry, Lumo, Transpennine Express, Cross Country trains will get you between Reading and Edinburgh from £17. 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 Duration
6h 3m
Cheapest Price
£36
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 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

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
5h 19m
Cheapest Price
£78
London North Eastern Railway frequency
5 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

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
6h 19m
Cheapest Price
£85
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

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
Average Duration
5h 31m
Cheapest Price
£36
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

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Transpennine Express frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 3m
Cheapest Price
£180
Cross Country frequency
12 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.

FAQs: Reading to Edinburgh train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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 Reading to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £36, while the average price tends to be around £96.
The train journey from Reading to Edinburgh covers a distance of 521 km and takes approximately 5h 19m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Edinburgh is 521 km.
The first train from Reading to Edinburgh leaves at 3:54.
The last train from Reading to Edinburgh departs at 22:26.
Trains from Reading to Edinburgh run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Edinburgh.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Edinburgh.
To get from Reading to Edinburgh, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Reading to Edinburgh.
The train station in Reading that goes to Edinburgh is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Edinburgh is by flight, costing approximately £17.
Booking trains from Reading 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 Reading to Edinburgh offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. As you travel north, you can enjoy views of the rolling hills and countryside, especially through the Yorkshire Dales and the rugged landscapes of Southern Scotland.
A day trip from Reading to Edinburgh is not feasible as the travel duration is 5h 19m. However, there are 6 trains per day covering the 521 km journey.
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 Reading to Edinburgh.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Edinburgh

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

Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Edinburgh

Which Reading station do trains to Edinburgh leave from?

Trains from Reading to Edinburgh leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading from Reading city centre

Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · £2 · every ~15 min

Reading train station facilities and services

Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Reading.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Reading.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Reading.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Reading: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Reading WestReading West station, Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7PYParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre

Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainReading - Basingstoke, Reading - Newbury, Reading - Bedwyn, London Paddington - Bedwyn · 2m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
Bus15, 15a, 16, 17, 91, 85, 88, 93, 43 · 4m · £2 · every ~49 min

Reading West train station facilities and services

Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Reading West.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Reading West.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Reading West: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, 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.

Reading Green ParkReading RG2 6AU, UKAccessibility
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading Green Park from Reading city centre

Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainReading - Basingstoke · 6m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus9 · 39m · £2 · every ~3 min

Reading Green Park train station facilities and services

Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Edinburgh Reading to Edinburgh train

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