- 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.
Cheapest price
£47
Average price
£71
Fastest journey
2 h 17 m
Average duration
2 h 18 m
Trains per day
45
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 £71 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £47.
Of the 45 trains that leave York for Edinburgh every day 45 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 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 17 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 18 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.
G80274
G80251
G01083
G80257
C01943
G80257
G80198
G80251
G80209
G80226Omio 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 £22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 39m. 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 £22, and a train costs an average of £29.
Distance: 260 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£50 Average Price | £35 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 34m Average total duration 5h 4m 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.
The table below shows live departures for York to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G80191 | 5:45 York station (YRK) | 2h47 | 8:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G66980 | 6:36 York station (YRK) | 2h34 | 9:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80193 | 7:02 York station (YRK) | 2h36 | 9:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
C01971 | 8:06 York station (YRK) | 2h22 | 10:28 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80198 | 8:20 York station (YRK) | 2h18 | 10:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G66982 | 8:36 York station (YRK) | 2h32 | 11:08 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80199 | 9:06 York station (YRK) | 2h27 | 11:33 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80203 | 9:19 York station (YRK) | 2h19 | 11:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01055 | 9:36 York station (YRK) | 2h36 | 12:12 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80205 | 10:06 York station (YRK) | 2h24 | 12:30 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80209 | 10:19 York station (YRK) | 2h18 | 12:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G66987 | 10:36 York station (YRK) | 2h34 | 13:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80211 | 11:06 York station (YRK) | 2h26 | 13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80215 | 11:19 York station (YRK) | 2h19 | 13:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01060 | 11:36 York station (YRK) | 2h34 | 14:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80216 | 12:06 York station (YRK) | 2h21 | 14:27 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80221 | 12:19 York station (YRK) | 2h20 | 14:39 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01062 | 12:36 York station (YRK) | 2h34 | 15:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80224 | 13:06 York station (YRK) | 2h28 | 15:34 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80226 | 13:20 York station (YRK) | 2h18 | 15:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01064 | 13:36 York station (YRK) | 2h31 | 16:07 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80228 | 14:06 York station (YRK) | 2h21 | 16:27 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80232 | 14:19 York station (YRK) | 2h23 | 16:42 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01067 | 14:36 York station (YRK) | 2h33 | 17:09 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80234 | 15:06 York station (YRK) | 2h25 | 17:31 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80237 | 15:19 York station (YRK) | 2h19 | 17:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01069 | 15:36 York station (YRK) | 2h34 | 18:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80241 | 16:06 York station (YRK) | 2h22 | 18:28 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80245 | 16:19 York station (YRK) | 2h21 | 18:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01073 | 16:36 York station (YRK) | 2h35 | 19:11 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80247 | 17:06 York station (YRK) | 2h27 | 19:33 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80251 | 17:19 York station (YRK) | 2h18 | 19:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01074 | 17:35 York station (YRK) | 2h30 | 20:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
C01943 | 18:06 York station (YRK) | 2h23 | 20:29 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80257 | 18:19 York station (YRK) | 2h17 | 20:36 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01080 | 18:36 York station (YRK) | 2h33 | 21:09 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80259 | 19:06 York station (YRK) | 2h28 | 21:34 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80263 | 19:19 York station (YRK) | 2h21 | 21:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01082 | 19:37 York station (YRK) | 2h37 | 22:14 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
G80266 | 20:06 York station (YRK) | 2h29 | 22:35 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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.
Trains from York to Edinburgh run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 but you can travel from only £22 by coach.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:25, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 260 km distance in 2h 18m.
Distance 260 km |
Average train duration 2h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £29 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 2h 18m |
First train 0:25 |
Last train 23:28 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
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.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Waverley -> Princes Street, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 runs around one train per hour between York and Edinburgh. Its high-speed trains travel directly to Edinburgh on this route.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Most York to Edinburgh trains use the York to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare York and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: 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.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: 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.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are 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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: 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.
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
Information desks are 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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Park: 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need