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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Edinburgh
Showing times and prices for 28 Nov
Cheapest price
£119
Average price
£121
Fastest journey
5 h 36 m
Average duration
5 h 41 m
Trains per day
5
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 £121 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £119.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Reading for Edinburgh every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 521 km distance in an average of 5 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 36 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 48 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.
08:355h36
Reading14:11Edinburgh
£1191One-way
0 changes
08:315h40
Reading14:11Edinburgh
£1201One-way
0 changes
05:425h42
Reading11:24Edinburgh
£1211One-way
0 changes
08:096h02
Reading14:11Edinburgh
£1211One-way
0 changes
06:425h40
Reading12:22Edinburgh
£1221One-way
0 changes
08:355h36
Reading14:11Edinburgh
£1191One-way
0 changes
08:315h40
Reading14:11Edinburgh
£1201One-way
0 changes
06:425h40
Reading12:22Edinburgh
£1221One-way
0 changes
05:425h42
Reading11:24Edinburgh
£1211One-way
0 changes
08:205h48
Reading14:08Edinburgh
£1241One-way
0 changes
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 £21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 24m. 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 £21, and a train costs an average of £73.
Distance: 521 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£130 Average Price | £79 Average Price Cheapest | £82 Average Price |
6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 10m Average total duration 10h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  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 today, Thursday 27 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 05:28
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:48 Reading | 5h34 | 13:22 Edinburgh | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:09 Reading | 6h02 | 14:11 Edinburgh | 0 changesdirect | |
 | 08:15 Reading | 7h03 | 15:18 Edinburgh | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:35 Reading | 5h36 | 14:11 Edinburgh | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:04 Reading | 5h37 | 15:41 Edinburgh | 0 changesdirect |
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.
Fri
28 Nov
28 Nov
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29 Nov
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30 Nov
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01 Dec
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £73 but you can travel from only £21 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 03:54, the last at 22:26. The fastest train covers the 521 km distance in 5h 30m.
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 £21
Distance 521 km |
Average train duration 5h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £73 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 30m |
First train 03:54 |
Last train 22:26 |
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 £21
Train companies: LNER, Avanti West Coast, Lumo, CrossCountry, Cross Country from Reading to Edinburgh trainsLNER, Avanti West Coast, Lumo, CrossCountry, Cross Country trains will get you between Reading and Edinburgh from £21. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
LNER
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 32m
Cheapest Price
£82
LNER frequency
4 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
6h 1m
Cheapest Price
£79
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
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 30m
Cheapest Price
£79
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
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 4m
Cheapest Price
£408
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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 2m
Cheapest Price
£278
Cross Country frequency
10 a day
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.
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.
To get from Reading to Edinburgh, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
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 cost of a train ticket from Reading to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £73, while the average price tends to be around £130.
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.
The train distance from Reading to Edinburgh is 521 km.
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Edinburgh is by flight, costing approximately £21.
The train journey from Reading to Edinburgh covers a distance of 521 km and takes approximately 5h 30m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train station in Reading that goes to Edinburgh is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
The first train from Reading to Edinburgh leaves at 3:54.
The last train from Reading to Edinburgh departs at 22:26.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Edinburgh.
Trains from Reading to Edinburgh run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Edinburgh.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Edinburgh.
There is no night train service from Reading to Edinburgh.
A day trip from Reading to Edinburgh is not feasible as the travel duration is 5h 30m. However, there are 6 trains per day covering the 521 km journey.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Edinburgh
Reading
Edinburgh
The major train station for departures in Reading is Reading. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading for your trip from Reading to Edinburgh.
Amenities at train station
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45 Saturday 05:30 - 22:45 Sunday 07:15 - 22:45 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00 and Sun 09:00 - 20:00
Parking
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotel
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading West
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Reading: Bus Stop on Oxford Road under Railway Bridge. Heading away from Reading Bus Stop on Oxford Road, outside McDonalds.
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityThe major train station for arrivals in Edinburgh is Haymarket. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Haymarket for your journey to Edinburgh from Reading.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 21:25 Saturday 06:30 - 21:25 Sunday 08:10 - 21:25
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: M&S Simply Food
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1, the Concourse and near the entrance from Haymarket Terrace.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Inside the station - one on platform 4 and one on platform 2 and 3
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- 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
Public transport options for Haymarket
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the layby in front of the station
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
7 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- 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
Public transport options for Edinburgh Park
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from Platform 2 bus stop, adjacent to Herminston Gate
Amenities at train station
Wifi
LockersShoppingParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
- Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Wifi
- Free public Wi-Fi available.
Lockers
- You can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Wide range of shops Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: New Street: Long Stay
Dining
- Bagel Factory
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Costa Coffee
- JD Wetherspoon
- The Pasty Shop
- The Beer House
- M&S
- Pret a Manger
Taxis
- 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.
Accessibility
- 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.
WC
- 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,
Hotel
- Old Waverley Hotel
- Jurys Inn Edinburgh
- The Scotsman Hotel
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
- Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Bike Parking
- 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 Desk
- Information booths are located on the concourse.
Public transport options for Edinburgh Waverley
- 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.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Address
Slateford station, Meggetgate, off A70 Slateford Road, Slateford, City of Edinburgh, EH14 1BXDistance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- 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
Public transport options for Slateford
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stop on Slateford Road at Platform 2 stair exit
More options for your journey from Reading to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Edinburgh and Reading
Most popular train connections to Edinburgh
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