The cheapest and fastest trains from York to Edinburgh
Cheapest price
£52
Average price
£65
Fastest journey
2 h 36 m
Average duration
2 h 45 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
260 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from York to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from York to Edinburgh will cost around £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.
Of the 5 trains that leave York for Edinburgh every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 260 km distance in an average of 2 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 36 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 58 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.
C23643
C23644
Y23403
Y23476
P00122+
C26683
C23644
C23643
Y23476
Y23403
P00122+
C26683Travel Information
Compare train and coach for York to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from York to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £32. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 3m. 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 £32, and a train costs an average of £31.
Distance: 260 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£53 Average Price | £39 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 33m Average total duration Fastest 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 21m Average total duration 4h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg 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
York to Edinburgh train times
The table below shows live departures for York to Edinburgh trains for today, Sunday 23 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C23646 | On time 09:44 York station (YRK) | 2h31 | 12:15 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
W03378 | On time 10:00 York station (YRK) | 2h30 | 12:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
C23651 | On time 10:31 York station (YRK) | 2h28 | 12:59 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
W03379 | On time 10:36 York station (YRK) | 2h34 | 13:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
C23654 | On time 11:31 York station (YRK) | 2h28 | 13:59 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets York 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 York to Edinburgh?
Journey information
Overview: Train from York to Edinburgh
Trains from York to Edinburgh run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:00, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 260 km distance in 2h 25m.
Distance 260 km |
Average train duration 3h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 2h 25m |
First train 03:00 |
Last train 23:28 |
Train companies: LNER, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, Lumo, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from York to Edinburgh trainsLNER, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, Lumo, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between York and Edinburgh from £31. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
LNER
CrossCountry
TransPennine Express
Lumo
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Trains from York to Edinburgh
Trains from York to Edinburgh run regularly throughout the day, with more than one per hour from early morning until around 9:00 p.m. A final train travels between the two cities late at night. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and does not usually require any changes.
York to Edinburgh train times: Daily departures
There are multiple trains from York to Edinburgh every day throughout the week, offering plenty of choices. During peak hours from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, there are around four trains per hour. At weekends, there are fewer trains after 8:00 p.m.
How long is the journey by train from York to Edinburgh?
It takes around 2.5 hours to travel between York and Edinburgh by train, give or take ten minutes. No changes are needed apart from on the last service of the day at weekends, when a connection must be made at Newcastle.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from York to Edinburgh?
Departure train station: York has one main train station, which is a six-minute walk from the city centre. It is also on bus routes 1, 4, and 5. The station has a travel centre, toilets, and public WiFi, as well as refreshment options and shops.
Arrival train station: The train from York arrives at Edinburgh Waverley station. The station is conveniently located at the foot of Princes Street, close to many of the city's attractions. There's a travel centre, toilets, showers, luggage storage, and free public WiFi at Waverley, as well as shops and cafés.
Which train companies travel from York to Edinburgh?
Trains from York to Edinburgh are operated by LNER, CrossCountry, and TransPennine Express. They all take around the same amount of time to complete the journey and generally do not require any changes.
LNER York to Edinburgh
Between York and Edinburgh, LNER operates Azuma trains, which make use of Japanese bullet-train technology. There are around two departures per hour throughout the day and they're all direct trips.
CrossCountry York to Edinburgh
CrossCountry runs around one train per hour between York and Edinburgh. Its high-speed trains travel directly to Edinburgh on this route.
TransPennine Express
TransPennine Express trains from York to Edinburgh run approximately once per hour throughout the day. Nova 1 high-speed trains are used on this route.
York to Edinburgh trains: Services on board
Passengers can opt for first-class tickets with LNER and enjoy spacious seating and complimentary hot and cold food and drinks. They can each bring three items of luggage onto LNER trains, with the largest measuring 90 cm × 70 cm × 30 cm. Spaces for bikes should be reserved prior to travel. Two small pets can be brought on board at no extra charge. LNER has a dedicated assisted travel team to help passengers with disabilities complete their journey. This service should be booked at least 24 hours prior to travel.
Passengers can upgrade to first class on CrossCountry trains for onboard hospitality and bigger seats. The luggage allowance on board CrossCountry trains consists of a suitcase no larger than 90 cm × 70 cm × 30 cm. Handbags and backpacks can be stored under the seats. Up to two dogs on a lead or small pets in a carrier are allowed per person. Bike spaces can be reserved in advance. Passenger assist services can be booked by phone or online up until the day before travel.
First-class tickets are available on TransPennine Express trains from York to Edinburgh and offer each passenger their own power socket, as well as a special menu. Larger bags can be stored in dedicated luggage racks, while smaller items can be kept in overhead storage. Bike space can be booked ahead of time. Up to two pets can be brought onto trains free of charge. Bike space, as well as travel assistance for those with disabilities, should be booked in advance.
How to find cheap train tickets from York to Edinburgh
Travelling by train between York and Edinburgh can be even more cost effective if booked early. Passengers can get a bargain by being flexible with their travel dates and times and comparing operators' ticket prices. You can find out more on how to get cheap train tickets in the UK on our cheap tickets page.
FAQs: York to Edinburgh train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from York 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 York and Edinburgh
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 20:00 Saturday 06:00 - 20:00 Sunday 08:00 - 19:00 For Advance Purchases, the opening hours are: Mon - Fri 08:00 until 19:00. Sat 08:00 until 18:00. Sun 09:00 until 18:00
- Car Park: Station Short Stay Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: The Ladies toilets are located in the Main Concourse and in the Waiting Room between Platforms 7 and 9. The Gents toilet is adjacent to Platform 2 and between Platforms 8 and 9. The National key toilets are adjacent to Platform 2 and between Platforms 8 and 9; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. A RADAR key is available from station staff.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are adjacent to Platform 2 and between Platforms 8 and 9; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: This station has heated waiting rooms available. Seating is available at an accessible height in the waiting room and on platforms
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Within station, within car park, and next to the ticket office
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at Bus Stand E outside the Principal Hotel
- 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 single platform
- 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 the bus stop on Milton Road East-West bound
- 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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