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• London to Edinburgh (Waverley)

London to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train

It takes an average of 5h 39m to travel from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train, over a distance of around 332 miles (534 km). There are normally 58 trains per day travelling from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) and tickets for this journey start from £32.50 when you book in advance.

London to Edinburgh (Waverley) train times

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Travelling from London to Edinburgh by train

If you want to travel from London to Edinburgh by train, you've come to the right place.

The train from London to Edinburgh usually takes around 5 hours and 45 minutes but can take just 4 hours and 11 minutes on the fastest services, with around 59 trains running on this popular route every day. As soon as you board the train, you'll be able to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the journey as there are direct services available.

You'll be travelling with Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Lumo or Caledonian Sleeper on this route depending on the railway station you'll be leaving from. LNER and Lumo trains depart from London Kings Cross, while Avanti West Coast and Caledonian Sleeper services depart from London Euston station.

If you’d like to save money on your train tickets from London to Edinburgh, make sure you travel at Off-Peak times or try booking an Advance ticket, as it’s usually cheaper than booking tickets on the day of travel. You can compare all times and prices in our Journey Planner at the top of the page.

Once you’ve stepped off the train, you’ll find yourself in the bustling centre of the Scottish capital. From here, you can walk to some of Scotland’s most famous landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle , Arthur’s Seat and the National Museum of Scotland.

Ready to book? Start a search for cheap train tickets from London to Edinburgh in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. Want to find out more about the journey first? Keep reading for information on:

• LNER simpler fares
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Train operators from London to Edinburgh
• LNER train classes
• Avanti train classes
• Lumo train classes
• Caledonian Sleeper classes
• Food and drinks on trains from London to Edinburgh
• Services on trains from London to Edinburgh
• Travelling to the train station in London
• What to know about London train stations
• Arriving in Edinburgh

Using public transport in Edinburgh

Things to see and do in edinburgh and scotland.

• Popular train journeys from Edinburgh
• Reviews of the journey from London to Edinburgh .

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from london to edinburgh (waverley) we've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey., how long does the train from london to edinburgh (waverley) take.

The average journey time by train between London and Edinburgh (Waverley) is 5 hours and 39 minutes, with around 58 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between London and Edinburgh (Waverley) by train?

The fastest journey time by train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) is 4 hours and 11 minutes.

How much does the train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) cost?

Train ticket prices from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) can start from as little as £32.50 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)?

Yes, it is possible to travel from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) without having to change trains. There are 58 direct trains from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) leave?

The first train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) leaves at 04:46. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) leave?

The last train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) leaves at 23:45. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between London and Edinburgh (Waverley) by train?

Trains travelling from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) cover a distance of around 332 miles (534 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London . If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) .

Cheap train tickets from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)

Book in advance.

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for London to Edinburgh (Waverley) is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets , and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

What are my ticket options for this journey?

Advance train tickets, anytime train tickets, first class train tickets, groupsave train tickets, off-peak and super off-peak train tickets, return train tickets, flexible train tickets, enjoy simpler fares from london to edinburgh with lner.

LNER’s new Simpler Fares pilot launched on the journey between London and Edinburgh in January 2024. There are now just three ticket types available to buy for travel, to make planning your journey easier:

Advance (non-flexible)

This ticket remains the same and is valid for a specific time and date that you book in advance. Find out more about Advance train tickets .

70min Flex (semi-flexible)

This new ticket type is valid for a single journey and allows you to travel on any LNER service that departs up to 70 minutes before or after your original booked train. Like Advance tickets, you’ll have a seat reservation on your original booked train, but can simply board another valid train and find an available seat with your 70min Flex ticket.

Anytime (fully-flexible)

This ticket remains the same and is valid on any service within the booked date validity. Find out more about Anytime train tickets .

Can I book the 70min Flex ticket on Trainline?

Yes you can! Once you search for times and tickets, you’ll be able to find the new 70min Flex ticket in the ‘ Compare all ticket types ’ section on our website and ‘ First Class and more ’ section on our app.

Related FAQs on the train journey from London to Edinburgh

Which train company goes from london to edinburgh.

Trains from London to Edinburgh are operated by London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Lumo, Avanti and Caledonian Sleeper.

What stations does the train from London to Edinburgh stop at?

The stops will vary depending on the train you’re travelling with. However, most trains will stop at York, Durham and Newcastle before reaching Edinburgh Waverley station.

How long does the sleeper train from London to Edinburgh take?

The Caledonian Sleeper usually departs at 23:45 from London Euston station and arrives at 07:30 at Edinburgh Waverley station, taking 7 hours and 45 minutes in total.

What’s the cheapest way to get from London to Edinburgh by train?

If you’re travelling from London to Edinburgh by train, read our top tips for finding cheap train tickets below or check out the latest train deals and discounts :

• Get a Railcard: Save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year – find out more about Railcards
• Book in advance: Most train companies in the UK usually release tickets 12 weeks in advance
• Travel Off-Peak: Tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends compared to Peak times
• Use GroupSave: If you're travelling in a group of 3-9 people, you can save up to 34% on eligible journeys at Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak times with GroupSave
• Split your train tickets with SplitSave , our split-ticketing app feature.

LNER, Avanti West Coast, Lumo and Caledonian Sleeper trains from London to Edinburgh

You can travel from London to Edinburgh on LNER, Avanti West Coast, Lumo and Caledonian Sleeper trains. Keep reading for more details.

London North Eastern Railway (LNER)

Operating trains on the East Coast mainline since June 2018, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) covers journeys from London King's Cross to popular destinations like Edinburgh, Leeds, Harrogate, York, Hull, Newcastle, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen.

Learn more about LNER trains .

Avanti West Coast

One of the primary rail operators in the UK, Avanti West Coast provides services from London Euston to several terminals including Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street and Edinburgh Waverley.

Many of the routes feature high-speed services with no changes required, making Avanti West Coast an excellent alternative to air travel if you're looking to traverse up or down the length of the country.

Learn more about Avanti West Coast trains .

Launched in 2021, Lumo runs between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh via the East Coast Main Line. Lumo provides low-cost, fully digital, 100% electric travel across iconic cities on the route from Edinburgh to London and vice versa.

Offering low fares to people travelling between London and Scotland, Lumo aims to help people switch from coach and air travel to more eco-friendly long-distance rail travel.

Learn more about Lumo trains .

Caledonian Sleeper

The Caledonian Sleeper is one of the best sleeper trains to take from London. Six nights a week, the Caledonian Sleeper runs overnight from London to Scotland. If you want to save on a hotel room and maximize your time in Scotland’s capital, this could be a good option for you.

On the Lowlander route, you can travel from London Euston to either Edinburgh or Glasgow. There are 4 different classes to choose from: Seated Coach, Classic Room, Club Room and the Caledonian Double.

Learn more about Caledonian Sleeper trains .

LNER train classes from London to Edinburgh

LNER offers different seating classes to suit all budgets, whether you're travelling for work, pleasure or a bit of both.

Standard Class

In Standard Class, you’ll benefit from family-sized tables, plug sockets and quiet carriages, all at an affordable price.

First Class

In LNER’S First Class, you’ll get access to a few extra perks before, during and after your trip, as well as all the usual amenities you'll find in Standard Class.

Avanti West Coast train classes from London to Edinburgh

As well as Standard and First Class, Avanti also has a new class that offers some of the perks of First Class at a cheaper price.

Avanti West Coast’s Standard Class is the ideal class for travellers looking for low-budget fuss-free travel. On board, you will enjoy:

Standard Premium Class

Standard Premium Class sits between Standard and First Class and offers the usual amenities you’ll find in Standard Class, as well as a few extra perks, including:

If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to Avanti West Coast’s First Class and enjoy complimentary food and drink, as well as access to the First Class lounge at London Euston station.

Lumo train classes from London to Edinburgh

Lumo trains come with Standard Class only, but the service offers plenty of amenities on board that will make your journey super comfortable.

When travelling in Lumo’s Standard Class, you can take advantage of the free WiFi and order food through the LumoEats service from the comfort of your seat.

Caledonian Sleeper train classes from London to Edinburgh

On the Caledonian Sleeper, you can travel in 4 different classes, from the comfortable seats of Seated Coach to the luxury of Caledonian Double.

Seated Coach

Seated Coach offers an economical Caledonian Sleeper experience, but still ensures a stylish and comfortable journey. On board, you will find the following amenities:

Classic Room

Choose the Classic Room and travel between London and Edinburgh in your own personal room, with twin bunk beds and a sink.

Club Rooms include an en-suite with shower, as well as comfortable mattresses to ensure a great night’s sleep.

Caledonian Double

The Caledonian Double offers a truly luxurious experience, with a double bed and a complimentary breakfast to start your day in Edinburgh the right way.

Food and drink on board trains from London to Edinburgh

On your way from London to Edinburgh, you can enjoy food and drinks no matter which train company you're travelling with. Read on for a summary of the food and drinks provided by each train operator. 

When travelling with LNER, you can stretch your legs and wander down to their onboard cafe. Here, you can treat yourself to a wide range of sandwiches, snacks, as well as hot and cold drinks.

Or, if you’d rather not get up, you can order food from LNER's Café Bar range from the comfort of your seat. Just scan the QR code onboard and it’ll be brought to you.

If you are travelling in LNER’S First Class, you’ll be offered complimentary food and drinks throughout the day, meaning you can arrive at your destination full of energy and ready to go.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in their exclusive deli menu, with hot and cold sandwiches to choose from, as well as hot and cold drinks. Alcohol is served from 11:00 or 12:00 depending on the train.

Recently, Avanti West Coast introduced a new service that allows you to order food and drink during your journey and have it delivered to your seat.

Called 'At-Seat Order', the service is available on all their trains. Just log on to Avanti's onboard WiFi and you'll be able to order and pay for your items on a dedicated page. Your food and drink will then be delivered to your seat by a member of staff.

If you want to stretch your legs, there's also a click and collect option on Pendolino trains. You'll receive a notification when your order is ready, then you can just visit the onboard shop to collect your food and drink.

Travelling in First Class? Avanti West Coast serve complimentary food and drinks throughout your journey. The menu can vary depending on the type of train you're travelling on and the time/day of your journey. Here's an idea of what you can expect during your journey:

• Breakfast is served until 11:00 and includes soft drinks like tea or coffee, and usually a bacon roll or a veggie option
• During the rest of the day (10:00 to 22:00), light dishes or a hot meal will be on offer
• Healthy options are available
• Meals are made with unique, quality products made by local suppliers along the route.

Travelling from London to Edinburgh with Lumo and feeling a bit hungry? Forget about wandering up and down the train to find the onboard café, LumoEats means you can enjoy food and drink from a range of brands including M&S Food, Pasty Shop and Upper Crust without having to leave your seat.

There are two ways to order food for your Lumo train journey:

• Pre-order before your journey

Pre-ordering is the most convenient way to keep hunger at bay – you can order the food you’d like to eat during your journey up to 6 hours before your departure time. By pre-ordering, you’ll get the widest choice of food from well-known brands, and your meal will be served straight to your seat.

• Buy from their at-seat catering trolley

If you don’t have time to order food before your trip, there will be a cashless trolley service (card or phone payments only) on the train that offers a smaller selection of snacks and drinks.

How to pre-order with LumoEats:

• Head over to the LumoEats website or LumoGo app
• Select your departure station
• Enter your arrival station and the date and time of your train
• Select the food you’d like from the menu
• Enter your contact details, coach, and seat number
• You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your order.

If you’re travelling in the Caledonian Double and Club Rooms, you’ll find a wide range of breakfast choices, from a bacon roll to a full Highland Breakfast.

If you’re travelling in the Classic Room, you can purchase breakfast, with options including Scottish Porridge, bacon rolls or yoghurt bowls. Room service is available if preferred.

If you’re in the Seated Car, you can buy items from a range of quality food and drink.

Onboard services from London to Edinburgh

Learn more about the onboard services offered by each train company operating from London to Edinburgh.

LNER passengers are allowed to bring three items with them – one small handbag, a carry-on bag and one large suitcase. On board, you can store your luggage in the space beneath your seat, shelves above your head or in the compartments at the end of each carriage. Pushchairs must be folded and put away in the designated storage space.

With Avanti West Coast, your luggage must not exceed 30cm x 70cm x 90cm in size. There’s storage space near the doors of each carriage, as well as luggage racks above the seats.

To ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, you are allowed to bring up to two items per person on Lumo trains. These items include:

• One medium-sized suitcase (measuring no more than 63 cm in height, 41 cm in width, and 27 cm in depth).
• One small bag, backpack, or duffle bag that can fit either in your lap or under the seat in front of you.

Any luggage that exceeds these limits may be carried aboard at Lumo's discretion; however, additional fees may apply.

If you have a lot of luggage or don't want to worry about carrying your stuff, try LumoLuggage. This custom courier service was created to sustainably move large or heavy luggage between two places. It's a door-to-door service, so your luggage will be waiting for you when you arrive at your destination.

Each passenger can bring three items of personal luggage, such as a suitcase or rucksack, plus one item of hand luggage, for free. Your bags cannot exceed 30 cm x 70 cm x 90 cm.

Entertainment

From London to Edinburgh, you can work and play with complimentary onboard WiFi on each train. Additionally, with plug sockets at every seat, you'll never run out of battery.

You can connect to the onboard WiFi to surf the web, stay informed with the latest news, listen to music, or watch your favourite TV show.

Lumo trains offer free WiFi, making it easier for you to stay connected while on the go. WiFi is available on all Lumo trains, so you can check your emails, browse the internet and stay in touch with friends and family. The WiFi connection is secure and reliable, making it a perfect choice for you if you need to stay connected while travelling.

Although Caledonian Sleeper offers WiFi on their service, the rural location sometimes means they can't guarantee WiFi will be available for your entire journey. If you want to watch or listen to something while you travel, you may want to download it before you depart.

You can bring a maximum of two dogs, cats, or other small animals at no cost and without prior notice, as long as they don't occupy a seat. There may be an extra fee for more pets.

Avanti West Coast As long as your pet can fit on the train, you're all set! In fact, you can travel with two of your pets at no cost. However, any extra furry friends will require you to pay a fee.

Dogs must be kept on leads and other small household pets must always be transported in a fully enclosed basket that is not larger than 85 x 60 x 60 cm. Please remember that you cannot book a seat for animals, except for assistance dogs. Water dishes and bags are also available upon request, please ask a member of staff if you need any.

Caledonian Sleeper welcomes dogs and cats on board, as well as other pets too – contact the train company for more advice. Up to two pets can join you on board for free if you’ve booked a room, but they do charge a cleaning fee. Currently, this is £30 per room, for any single journey and for either one or two pets. Unfortunately, pets cannot travel in the Seated Car.

If you're taking a non-folding bicycle on your journey, you must make a reservation ahead of time. Folding bikes, on the other hand, can be placed with the rest of your luggage.

It's totally free to take your bike on Avanti West Coast trains, although you'll need to reserve a spot to bring a fully sized bike onboard. Folding bikes don't require a reservation, but you must be able to carry it onto the train and store it in the luggage rack.

On Lumo trains, only folding bikes are allowed and do not require a reservation. Simply fold your bike before boarding the train and keep it in the overhead luggage racks.

All bikes require a free reservation to travel on Caledonian Sleeper services. Due to high demand, you should reserve a space for your bike when you book. On board, there is a dedicated storage area for all reserved bikes next to the Seated Car.

How to get to London train stations

When travelling from London to Edinburgh, your train will depart from either London King’s Cross station or London Euston station. Not sure how to get to either one? Read on for more information on how to navigate the city’s public transport to your train.

How to get to London King’s Cross station

London King’s Cross station is conveniently located in the centre of the capital, and can be easily reached by National Rail, London Underground, bus services or car.

King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station is served by 6 Tube lines: the Hammersmith & City (pink line), Circle (yellow line), Metropolitan (purple line), Northern (black line), Piccadilly (dark blue line) and Victoria (light blue) lines.

You’ll also be able to get a taxi to King’s Cross station, though this will likely be more expensive than using public transport.

If you’re driving to London King’s Cross station, you’ll find a Click and Park car park at nearby London St Pancras International station – it has 315 spaces and is always open, with staff on hand 24/7. If you’re cycling to the station, there are plenty of cycle spaces to store your bike safely.

How to get to London Euston station

Located in the heart of the capital, London Euston station is easy to get to from all parts of the city. If you’re in the city centre, you can simply walk to the station to take your train. Alternatively, you can get to the station with one of the following modes of transport:

• London Overground: services run between Watford Junction and London Euston station.
• London Underground: the Northern (black) and Victoria (light blue) lines stop at London Euston station. The Hammersmith and City (pink), Circle (yellow) and Metropolitan (magenta) lines stop at Euston Square station; from here, it’s a short walk to Euston train station.
• Transport for London (TfL) buses: Bus lines 1, 18, 30, 68, 73, 91, 168, 205, 253, 390 and night bus lines N5, N20, N73, N91, N205 and N253 stop at London Euston.

Everything you need to know about London stations

While you're waiting for your train, there's plenty of things to do at London King's Cross station and London Euston station. Read on to find everything you need to know, including information on facilities and first class lounges. 

What's on offer at London King's Cross station?

Waiting for your train to arrive at the platform? There are plenty of amenities at London King’s Cross station:

• Restaurants and cafés
• Cash machines
• Customer information point
• Family Lounge
• First Class Lounge
• Lost property
• Luggage storage
• Photo booths
• Restrooms and changing places
• Water fountain
• Wheelchairs

What's on offer at London Euston station?

Want to grab something to read or find something to eat? There are plenty of facilities at London Euston station:

• Seating and waiting rooms

What is LNER's First Class lounge?

Travelling in First Class with LNER from London to Edinburgh? You can unwind in their newly redesigned First Class Lounge at London King's Cross. If you're not familiar with the location of the Lounge inside Kings Cross, you'll discover the entrance close to Waitrose. Here's what you'll enjoy in the lounge:

• Comfortable modern seating
• Complimentary hot and cold drinks and light snacks
• TVs showing the latest news
• Wireless phone chargers

What is Avanti West Coast’s First Class Lounge?

If you're travelling in First Class with Avanti West Coast from London to Edinburgh, you can relax in their First Class Lounge before departure. Not sure where the Lounge is? You'll find the doorway upstairs near the food court. Avanti First Class Lounge offers the following:

• Complimentary drinks
• Free newspapers
• Modern, comfortable spaces
• Plug sockets for charging devices.

Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley station from London

No matter which train operator you decide to travel with, you’ll arrive at Edinburgh Waverley station . The station lies between the Old Town and modern Edinburgh, close to Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle.

Once you’ve arrived, you’ll want to start soaking up the city’s atmosphere as soon as possible. All areas of Edinburgh are easily accessible due to the city’s public transport system:

• Bus: Local buses leave from Princes Street and North Bridge to all areas of the city.
• Tram: The nearest stop is St Andrew Square which connects you with the rest of Edinburgh.
• Taxi: The closest taxi rank is on Market Street.
• On foot: Edinburgh city centre is easy to explore on foot – though be prepared to walk up some hills!

Want to travel from Edinburgh Waverley station to Edinburgh Airport? You can simply walk to St Andrews Square and catch the tram to the airport, which takes around 35 minutes.

Edinburgh is a small city, so everywhere is easy to reach on foot. Plus, you’ll pass historic architecture as you walk. However, if you want to reach somewhere quickly, Edinburgh boasts a modern public transport system to help you navigate the city.

Taking the bus in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has multiple bus companies that operate in the heart of the city, but the most prominent are Lothian and First. Both companies use the same bus stops, but the bus numbers vary, and each company has its own ticket.

Lothian is the leading city operator with the largest number of buses and routes, while First has fewer bus routes and concentrates on the outskirts of the city.

Taking the tram in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s tram system features one route that links York Place to Edinburgh Airport. This route includes fifteen stops, all of which are equipped for wheelchair access.

It takes roughly thirty-five minutes to get from Edinburgh Airport to Princes Street (the closest stop to the city centre).

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, but unsure where to visit first, here are some ideas for things to see and do in Edinburgh and elsewhere in Scotland:

How to get from Edinburgh to the Highlands by train

The best day trips from edinburgh by train, the ultimate scotland by train itinerary, 3 days in scotland itinerary, where to travel next after edinburgh.

Want to explore somewhere else after visiting Edinburgh? We’ve got you covered. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from Edinburgh:

Edinburgh to London

Edinburgh to liverpool, edinburgh to glasgow, edinburgh to newcastle, tips and tricks from our trainline team, we love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences..

Andrew Brown

In September 2023, I took the train from London to Edinburgh with LNER , travelling in one of their First Class . carriages. It took around four and a half hours to get from London King’s Cross station to  Edinburgh Waverley station by train. 

What I enjoyed about the journey

The train was clean, the seating was comfortable, and I was happy with the amount of legroom I had in First Class. There was plenty of luggage storage on board, which was useful. I was also able to charge my devices thanks to the plug sockets at my seat.  

There were also toilet facilities on board, as well as a quiet carriage for passengers who prefer to travel in quieter surroundings. 

I was pleased with the food and drink options available on board. Since the journey is around 4 and a half hours long, it’s good to know you can get a snack if you want one! 

During the journey, I was able to sit back and relax. As I looked out of the window, I saw some great views as we whizzed through the British countryside.  

What I didn’t like about the journey

One thing I didn’t like about my trip was the lack of WiFi on the journey. LNER usually offer free WiFi for all customers on their trains, but it wasn’t available when I took this trip. 

That said, overall I really enjoyed travelling in First Class with LNER. My train was on time and the trip from London to Edinburgh was smooth, quick and fuss-free. 

About Andrew

Andrew, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between London and Edinburgh. The review has been written by one of our travel writers, based on a survey including multiple-choice questions regarding pros and cons of the journey. 

An enjoyable journey from London to Edinburgh by train

I recently took the train from London to Edinburgh with LNER, travelling in First Class. It took around four and a half hours to get from London King’s Cross station to Edinburgh Waverley station by train. 

During the journey, I enjoyed gazing out of the window at the British landscape. In particular, the views from the right-hand side of the train after we left Newcastle were stunning. The train was so close to the coast, and I had a lovely Scottish woman next to me pointing things out. 

I even saw the Flying Scotsman just after we stopped at York station, when I looked out of the left-hand side window. 

I was able to sit back and relax in one of the train's comfy seats. I was pleased that the train was air-conditioned, and there were toilet facilities on board too. 

In addition, the catering on board offered a good range of food and drinks, and the staff were all very helpful. I also liked that I could charge my devices on the go thanks to the plug sockets at my seat.

I was impressed with how quick the journey was – I was able to travel from England’s capital to Scotland’s capital in under five hours! 

One thing I didn’t like about my trip was the train’s WiFi availability. The connection was pretty poor on my outbound journey, though it was much better when I took the trip back from Edinburgh to London . 

That said, my train trip from London to Edinburgh was pretty good overall. I was happy with all the facilities that LNER offered on board, and the train itself was clean and comfortable. 

Matt, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between London and Edinburgh. The review has been written by one of our travel writers, based on a survey including multiple-choice questions regarding pros and cons of the journey. 

Looking for more ideas?

Trains from london, trains from edinburgh (waverley), more to explore.

• London to Manchester
• London to Brighton
• London to Liverpool
• London to Birmingham
• London to Newcastle
• Edinburgh (Waverley) to London
• Edinburgh (Waverley) to Glasgow Queen Street
• Edinburgh (Waverley) to Newcastle
• Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester
• Edinburgh (Waverley) to Aberdeen
• Liverpool to Ormskirk
• London Waterloo to Kingston
• Andover to London Waterloo
• Oxford to Reading
• Luton to London Kings Cross
• London Kings Cross to Welwyn Garden City
• Glasgow Queen Street to Dundee
• Glasgow to Manchester
• Prescot to Liverpool Lime Street
• Northumberland Park (London) to Stratford (London)
• Crewe to London Euston
• Telford Central to Birmingham New Street
• Leeds to Skipton
• London Victoria to Maidstone
• London Waterloo to Guildford

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How to Travel from London to Edinburgh by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

Edinburgh is the Scottish capital and sits about 400 miles from its English counterpart in the south. You'll have to traverse nearly all of the United Kingdom from south to north to get there, so flying is the fastest way to complete the journey. However, the train takes almost the same amount of time and also lets passengers enjoy the lush beauty of the landscape that you would otherwise miss. You can also enjoy the scenery for a fraction of the price by taking the bus, although that is a much longer trip. If you have access to a car, driving yourself is the best way to truly experience life in the U.K. outside of the major cities.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From London to Edinburgh?

If you don't mind an all-day (or all-night) bus trip, you can book a bus from London to Edinburgh on National Express or Megabus . It's a long journey and involves nearly 11 hours seated on the bus, but when tickets are as cheap as $20, it's hard to turn down. Megabus is about two hours faster than other services, getting you to Edinburgh in roughly nine hours. You can typically choose from four daily buses, two that leaves in the morning and two more that leave at night. The overnight bus is an ideal option so you don't miss out on a full day of your trip while also saving yourself a night of accommodation.

Regardless of the company you choose, you catch the bus in London from Victoria Station, with connections to the Circle, Victoria, and District lines of the Underground. The Edinburgh Bus Station is in the city center next to St. Andrew Square and is easily accessible to most parts of the city by foot.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From London to Edinburgh?

The method of transport with the least amount of travel time is flying, and you can choose from one of several direct daily flights between London and Edinburgh. The total time in the air is only 1 hour, 20 minutes and flights start as low as $30 for a one-way ticket. The primary airlines that fly this popular route are Easyjet and British Airways, with flights departing from any one of the several London airports—Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, or Stansted.

Heathrow is the largest of the airports and is the one that's best connected to the city center, with an express train from Paddington Station to the terminal. You can also take a train to Gatwick or Luton from the city center, while Stansted is only accessible by bus. Edinburgh Airport is located about 10 miles outside of the city, but you can take a tram or bus to the city center.

Although a plane is ostensibly the fastest way to get to Edinburgh from London, you also have to factor in all of the time it takes to get to and from the airport, check-in for your flight, pass through security, and wait at your gate. All things considered, flying and taking the train take almost the same amount of time.

How Long Is the Train Ride?

The fastest trains get you from London to Edinburgh in only 4 hours, 20 minutes. Considering that trains leave from King's Cross Station in the center of London and bring you directly to central Edinburgh, the total travel time of the train is more or less the same as going by plane. Taking the train also has the added benefits of enjoying the English countryside scenery while you travel as well as being the most environmentally friendly option.

Train tickets start at about $33 when you can find the cheapest "Advance" ticket prices. As those sell out, however, tickets jump up in price dramatically and can cost over $200 for a one-way ticket during peak travel times. Flexibility is key for finding the best deals, so try looking at different times and days to see if prices fluctuate. You should also buy tickets early to find the cheapest seats, as the Advance tickets usually go on sale about eight to 10 weeks before the travel date.

The drive to Edinburgh is about 400 miles and takes seven hours if you drive straight through along the direct route on the M1 highway. Traffic around London and Edinburgh can cause major delays at the beginning and end of your trip, but the bulk of the journey should be easy driving with the scenic countryside. Parking within the city center of Edinburgh is complicated at best. However, there are several Park & Ride structures outside of the city that offer free or inexpensive parking spaces and then shuttle customers into the city. Once you're in Edinburgh, everything is accessible on foot or public transportation and your vehicle won't be necessary.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Edinburgh?

Being Scotland, Edinburgh is cold and rainy in the winter (as well as much of spring). The summer months are the most comfortable time to enjoy the Scottish capital when the average high hovers around 65 degrees F and there are more days of sunshine than overcast. August not only all but guarantees you good weather, but the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is taking place all throughout the month. It's the largest arts festival in the entire world and it completely inundates the city for four weeks with performances, art shows, music, and entertainment. It's also the busiest time to visit the city, but it's a uniquely Edinburgh experience you won't regret seeing.

Winter may be chilly, but spending the holidays in Edinburgh has its own special magic, especially if you're visiting during the special New Year's celebration of Hogmanay . This three-day event starts on December 30 and goes until January 1 of the new year, and it's a special Scottish tradition that more than makes up for the cold weather.

What's the Most Scenic Route to Edinburgh?

If you have your own vehicle and want to get to Edinburgh quickly, the M1 highway will get you there in about seven hours. But one of the best parts of driving is being able to take your time and explore along the way. If you take the M6 highway along the west side of the country, you'll pass through worthwhile towns such as Oxford, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Liverpool, and Manchester before continuing through the photogenic national parks in northern England. The drive itself is minimally longer than the fastest route, but you'll definitely want to make pitstops along the way to see all the country has to offer.

What Is There to Do in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh offers all types of historical, cultural, and culinary delights, so it's no surprise that this Scottish capital is the second most popular city to visit in the U.K. after London. Edinburgh Castle overlooks the city and gives visitors an educational history lesson along with breathtaking views. Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and still retains the medieval architecture that it was founded with. Nearby is New Town, praised for its urban planning which culminates around the famous Princes Street, popular for shopping, restaurants, and going out.

Trains leave King's Cross Station in London and bring you directly to central Edinburgh in about four hours and 20 minutes.

Train is the best mode of travel as it's easy, convenient, and likely the fastest option (if you count the additional airport time you'd need if flying).

The drive to Edinburgh is about 400 miles and takes seven hours if you drive straight through along the direct route on the M1 highway. 

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Trains from London to Edinburgh

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Trains from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)

Travelling to Edinburgh by train from the busy streets of London is the perfect stress-free option for all travellers. Whether you're spending a weekend away to explore a new part of Scotland's gorgeous landscape or going away on business, Rail Online will help all travellers feel train-spired and ready to find the best cost-effective solution for their travel plans. Travelling from London to Edinburgh can take 4 hours and 10 minutes. With 69 daily train services trains running on this popular line, you'll easily find a train from London that fits in with your schedule without having to wait around. Catching your direct London to Edinburgh train will see you starting your journey at the iconic King's Cross station (riding with London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and Lumo) or Euston station (travelling with Avanti West Coast). Find tickets for your Edinburgh trip from as little as £19.90* with Rail Online today.

How to Find Cheap Train Tickets from London to Edinburgh

Whether you're well-travelled or jumping on an Edinburgh-bound train for the first time, finding the best available fares is always going to be high on your list of priorities. We know that travellers will also prefer to spend more on sightseeing or a special dinner than transport, which is why we always offer the cheapest tickets for your journey.

For those who want to get the absolute most from their London to Edinburgh train tickets, there are a few tips (other than choosing Rail Online) to help you find the best cost-effective travel solution.

• Get a Railcard: This can save up to one-third of your costs across eligible journeys for a whole year.
• Book in advance: Booking in advance will help you find the cheapest tickets. Most UK train companies release tickets up to 12 weeks in advance.
• Travel off-peak: Travelling off-peak is the simplest way to save on your tickets. If you have flexible departure times, consider travelling during off-peak hours.
• Use GroupSave: If you're travelling in a group of 3-9 people at off-peak and super off-peak times, you can be eligible to save up to 34% on your London to Edinburgh train tickets.

Now that you're ready to find the most affordable tickets for your London to Edinburgh trip head to Rail Online to find the right train for your journey. You can find all the information you need, including train schedules, organising your return trip home from Edinburgh to London and more, on our website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for more information about your future trip from London to Edinburgh ? Our team at Rail Online have the answers to all your questions.

How long does the train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) take?

Travelling from London to Edinburgh on the LNER high-speed train can take just 4 hours and 10 minutes. The remaining trains on this journey will take an average of 5 hours and 30 minutes between London and Edinburgh. It’s important to re member that these estimations may change when travelling during peak times or on the weekends.

What's the fastest journey time between London and Edinburgh (Waverley) by train?

The fastest journey takes 4 hours and 10 minutes, compared to standard trains which take just over 5 hours and 30 min utes.

Do I need a paper ticket to travel from London to Edinburgh (Waverly)?

Electronic tickets can be used when travelling between London to Edinburgh (Waverly). Make sure your phone is fully c harged before you arrive at the station to ensure you can get through the turnstile without any issues.

When does the first train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) leave?

The first train that leaves from London is at 4:45 am. The time of the first London to Edinburgh train may change dur ing the weekend and holidays.

What's the distance between London and Edinburgh (Waverley) by train?

There is a distance of 332 miles (534 km) to cover between London and Edinburgh (Waverly).

Is there a direct train from Edinburgh to London?

Yes, various direct train routes are available when travelling from Edinburgh to London. Remember that these times and route options may change during weekends and holidays.

What's the difference between 1st and 2nd classes?

2nd class train tickets between London and Edinburgh will have various seating options with front-facing chairs or grouped seating with tables. In addition, 2nd class will have f requent food trolleys for those that want to buy something. For travellers who want to spend their journey in comfort, 1st class offers more spacious seating, including extra legroo m and reclining seats, complimentary refreshments and snacks and lounge access in certain stations.

How much cO2 will I save by taking this train journey?

When travelling from London to Edinburgh via train, you can save between 87.68kg and 89.44kg of cO2 compared to travelling by car. If you’re considering travelling across the UK, train travel is one of the most eco-friendly and affordable options available for you.

What does the journey from London to Edinburgh (Waverly) look like?

Most trains from London to Edinburgh (Waverly) will leave from two of London’s busiest and most iconic stations, King s Cross Station and Euston station. These stations are just a short walk from some of London’s most famous attractions, including the British Museum and the British Library. However, it doesn’t matter where in London you’ve spent your time - whether you’ve visited the Victoria and Albert Museum in Kensington or Kenwood House in Hampstead, it’s easy to get to Kings Cross or Euston stations with a short trip on the London Underground. In fact, most major stations in central Lon don, such as Liverpool Street Station, Moorgate station, Farringdon station or Fenchurch Street station, have either dir ect or fast access to Kings Cross and Euston stations. You’ll be at the turnstile for your London to Edinburgh (Waverly ) train before you know it.

From here, the train will head towards the northern part of London (if you take the train from Kings Cross, you’ll he ad through the Gasworks Tunnel first). The train will speed through Finsbury Park station and Holloway and Caledonian Ro ad railway station, to name a few of the picturesque outer London suburbs you’ll see. The train’s first major town to pa ss through will be Peterborough. Depending on your route, you’ll also stop at Doncaster railway station, York and Durham before finally arriving at Edinburgh (Waverley) railway station.

How much does the train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) cost?

At Rail Online, we pride ourselves on offering affordable train tickets for your London to Edinburgh trip. Our ticket s can start from £19.90* but may change depending on your departure time, route, class and time of booking.

Is there a direct train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley)?

Yes, for those who want to reach Edinburgh as soon as possible, direct train journeys are available each day. These t rain routes may be more limited in the services and times available and will depend on your exact departure date.

When does the last train from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) leave?

The last train you can catch on your journey from London to Edinburgh leaves at 10:50 pm, although this may change on weekends and holidays. There may be sleeper services available for both late-night and early-morning departures

Is there a high-speed train from London to Edinburgh?

Yes, there are two train lines that offer the fastest travelling times for your London to Edinburgh route; the InterC ity-Express operated by Avanti West Coast and LNER` s high-speed train. The InterCity-Express can take you between the c apital of England and Scotland in 5 hours and 30 minutes, whereas the LNER high-speed train will take around 4 hours and 10 minutes.

What to expect on your journey from London to Edinburgh?

Your train journey from London to Edinburgh will take you through scenic routes with views of stunning coasts, Durham Cathedral, Lindisfarne and much more. The trip will take you from one city centre to another with magnificent views and smooth travelling. Depending on your ticket and train carrier, you can expect luggage storage on board as well as buffet counters,

Is there wifi available on trains from London to Edinburgh?

Most trains running from London to Edinburgh will offer complimentary wifi for all passengers, which can be accessed through an online log-in to your train carriers website.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, route of the flying scotsman.

An LNER train links London & Edinburgh at up to 125mph almost every 30 minutes through the day, 393 miles in 4 hours 20 minutes, city centre to city centre with zero check-in.  Flying takes 4 hours, by local train to the airport, airport security, flight, then a tram - the train is less hassle, cuts CO2 emissions by 84%, and is a genuine travel experience.  This page helps you buy the cheapest tickets and get the most from the journey.

Lo-cost Lumo trains:   In addition to the frequent LNER service, lo-cost Lumo trains started in October 2021, Lumo run up to 5 trains per day each way from £19.90.

Train times

LNER trains leave London Kings Cross for Edinburgh Waverley almost every half-hour 07:00-19:00.  Fastest journey 4 hours, typical journey time 4h20.

Lo-cost Lumo trains run up to 5 times per day each way, typical journey time 4h32.

Check train times for both operators at any train operator website such as tfw.wales or www.lner.co.uk or use www.thetrainline.com .  Booking for British trains usually opens up to 3 months ahead.

There's also an overnight sleeper between London & Edinburgh, see the Caledonian Sleeper page .

Route map:   See map of the UK train network .  The East Coast Main Line from London to Edinburgh goes via Peterborough, York, Newcastle & Berwick-Upon-Tweed.  One or two trains link London Euston with Edinburgh via Milton Keynes, Crewe & Carlisle, but these take longer.

Station location maps:   London Kings Cross .  Edinburgh Waverley .

How much does it cost ?

Lumo starts at £19.90 each way, standard class.

LNER starts at £32.80 each way, standard class.

LNER starts at £80.60 each way in 1st class.

If you want a flexible fare

LNER have abolished the Super Off-Peak fare

In February 2024, LNER abolished the popular £91.20 semi-flexible Super Off Peak fare, which was refundable, was good for any off-peak train on weekdays and any train at all at weekends, good for any operator or permitted route, and allowed stopovers.

They've replaced it with a far more restrictive Advance 70 minute flex fare

They've replaced it with a very restrictive '70 minute flex' fare, only good for the specific train you book or another LNER train up to 70 minutes before or 70 minutes after it.  No refunds, no stopovers allowed, only valid on LNER trains. 

It's becoming clear that this means higher prices and vastly reduced flexibility.  The 70 minute flex fare is dynamic like other Advance fares, and it's often more expensive than the Super Off-Peak fare it has replaced.  Regular Advance fares have become more expensive as a result, too.  On a Monday next month, I'm seeing £101 Advance fares and £121 Advance 70 minute flex fares (no refunds, limited validity, no break of journey etc) on trains where an £91 Super Off-Peak fare would always have been available (and refundable, stopovers allowed, good for any off-peak train, and so on).

If LNER fares between London & Edinburgh get anywhere neat £90 one-way, I suggest using the workaround below.

The workaround:  Buy a Super Off-Peak ticket between London & Haymarket instead!

You can still buy a Super Off-Peak fare with all its advantages, far greater flexibility and often cheaper price, like this:

Northbound, buy a Super Off-Peak ticket from London to Haymarket ticket for £91.20 and use it from London to Edinburgh.

Southbound, buy a Super Off-Peak ticket from Haymarket to London for £91.20 and use it from Edinburgh to London.

Haymarket is one stop north of Edinburgh, it's not included in this 70 minute flex pilot scheme so Super Off-Peak fares still exist.  Break of journey is allowed, so you can legitimately buy from London to Haymarket and leave the train at Edinburgh, or buy from Haymarket to London and join the train at Edinburgh southbound.  There's no need to actually go to or from Haymarket!

The £91.20 price is fixed and availability is unlimited, you can always buy it at this price for any off-peak train.  So if LNER want £125 for a restrictive non-refundable London-Edinburgh Advance fare, simply buy a flexible, refundable, Super Off-Peak to Haymarket for £91.20 instead!

Super Off-Peak tickets are good for any off-peak train (meaning any train all day at weekends), good for any operator, by any permitted route.  The refundability alone could save you hundreds of pounds if your plans unexpectedly change compared to LNER's new fares.

On Mondays-Fridays these Super Off-Peak tickets are good for any northbound train except those due to leave London before 09:06 or from 14:59 to 18:59 (18:15 on Fridays).  They are good for any southbound train except those due to arrive in London before 11:17.

You can use this fare with or without a reservation on any train on which it is valid.  That time restriction was correct when written, but check when you buy.

How to buy tickets

Upgrade to first class with Seatfrog :  If you buy a standard class London-Edinburgh ticket for LNER you can bid for a budget upgrade to first class.  See how it works & download the Seatfrog app .

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What are the train s like?

Lner's azuma trains.

Train operator LNER introduced new 125 mph Azuma trains in 2019-2020, replacing older Mk4 carriages from the 1990s.  The Azumas are electric, although some are hybrids with diesel engines so they can run on unelectrified lines such as Edinburgh to Aberdeen & Inverness  See Azuma video .  LNER is the main government-contracted operator between London & Edinburgh.

Lo-cost Lumo trains

Lumo is a new open-access operator (an operator running trains on a fully-commercial basis with no government contract).  They started lo-cost train service between London & Edinburgh on 25 October 2021 with 2 trains per day each way, ramping up to 5 per day in early 2022.  The trains are all standard class (no first class) with power sockets & USB ports at all seats, free WiFi and good legroom.  There's plenty of space for luggage, a refreshment trolley and LumoEats , the ability to pre-order food & drink online from known brands like M&S for delivery to your seat.  It's a really smart train - the only thing lo-cost is the price.  I travelled from London to Edinburgh on Lumo's press & media preview train on 21 October 2021, see the video here .

London Kings Cross station

First class lounge.

Anyone with a 1st class ticket over £10 for travel via the East Coast route can use the LNER first class lounge with complimentary tea, coffee, snacks & soft drinks.  The door to the lounge is to the left of the blue neon glow (actually a row of ATMs) in the centre of the concourse photo above.  The lounge is upstairs, accessed via a lift.  The lounge was refurbished again in July 2019, this photo is courtesy of Douglass Scott.

The Parcel Yard pub

If you can't get into the 1st class lounge, head for the excellent Parcel Yard pub at the back of the concourse, a great place to have a meal or beer while waiting for your train.  Or for a special meal, the excellent upmarket Rails Restaurant is located on the first floor of the Great Northern Hotel , with an entrance directly off the new Kings Cross station concourse.

What to see on the journey

Edinburgh waverley station, video :  london to edinburgh by train.

The video shows a journey with LNER.  If you plan on using Lumo, see the Lumo video here .

Travel tips

Stop off in York on the way?  The obvious choice for a stopover between London & Edinburgh is York.  It's a fabulous city to visit, home to the UK's National Railway Museum, www.nrm.org.uk . You can leave your luggage at a left luggage facility near the station, leftluggageyork.co.uk . 

For an overnight stop, the top choice is the Principal Hotel, York , formerly the York Royal Station Hotel built in 1878 by the North Eastern Railway and set in its own grounds adjacent to York station.  The Standard rooms are mostly in a modern annexe called The Sidings, but if you book a Superior grade room or above you'll be in either the original building from 1878 or the Klondyke wing added in 1896.

A bit of history

Hotels in edinburgh :  a tale of two rivals, hotels in london:  the great northern.

There's a classic railway hotel at Kings Cross, re-opened after years or dereliction refurbished top class standards in April 2013.  The Great Northern Hotel was the LNER's London hotel, right next to the station.  I can thoroughly recommend it, not least because on each floor you'll find a pantry with complimentary coffee, tea, cake and jelly-babies .  The Rails Restaurant on the 1st floor is excellent, too.   Check the reviews and book the hotel .

Short breaks to Scotland by train

Train travel specialist Railbookers arranges short breaks & longer tours from London to Edinburgh & the Highlands, and several packages include the Caledonian Sleeper .  Railbookers can arrange trips for almost any date you like, trips can be customised to your own requirements with additional stops or extra nights.  Download brochure (UK edition) .

- City breaks to Edinburgh by Caledonian Sleeper.

- London - Caledonian Sleeper - Edinburgh - York - London.

- London - Edinburgh - Fort William - Jacobite steam train to Mallaig - Caledonian Sleeper back to London.

- London - Caledonian Sleeper - Inverness - Kyle of Lochalsh - Isle of Skye - London.

- London - Caledonian Sleeper - Inverness - Loch Ness & Glen Urquhart - Edinburgh - London.

Call to arrange, they have offices in the UK, North America & Australia:

  UK 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk , download brochure .

  us call free 1-888-829-4775, www.railbookers.com .,   canada call free 1-855-882-2910, www.railbookers.com .,   australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, www.railbookers.com.au . ,   new zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website ..

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Travelling by train from London to Edinburgh takes approximately 4h 11m. From London to Edinburgh there are an average of 34 trains per day. The first train departs at 09:25, and the last train leaves at 22:35. For more detailed information, please consult our Train Journey Planner and Timetable .

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How to take a rail journey from Edinburgh to London

Share this journey with a friend..., edinburgh to london by train.

There are two options available for taking the train from Edinburgh to London

• A train operated by LNER...
• ...A more basic, and much less frequent service operated by Lumo
• OR travelling overnight on one of Europe's smartest night trains.

Routes you can take to go from Edinburgh to London

When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.

Choose one of the following options:

Looking for connections, route information, option 1: travel during the day with lner, station guides.

Travel Time (approx)

4hr 20 min - 4hr 45min (approx)

Travel Info

Monday to Saturday = 2 x trains per hour Sunday = 25 x trains (1 - 3 x trains per hour from 09:00)

The timetable is typically arranged so that the fastest trains depart at 30 mins passed each hour (these trains are typically non-stop from York to London); with the slower services departing at 00 passed each hour

Though at weekends maintenance work on the railway line can also cause trains to be diverted on to longer routes.

Purchase Tickets

ShowMeTheJourney earns a small commission on Trainline ticket sales. On longer-distance journeys within the UK it automatically offers a split ticket option if it will be cheaper. Plus it sells tickets for all train operators on each route.

Trainline (UK) Guide

Other Ticket Providers

LNER offers a couple of services which offer additional benefits to how tickets are usually sold for long-distance journeys: They are:

• a https://www.lner.co.uk/tickets-savings/your-ticket/price-promise/ service, which enables its customers to claim refunds for the differences in price between LNER and other booking agents for journeys by LNER trains.
• LNER Perks is a useful service for those who regularly travel by LNER trains.
• Seatfrog is a service by which those who have book Standard Class tickets can 'bid' to upgrade to First Class seats. In effect you can set the additional price you will be willing to pay to travel in First Class and if your price matches the winning bid, you'll be able to upgrade.

National Rail Guide

In Great Britain each Train Operating Company provides its own booking service for journeys by its trains, but many of their websites also sell tickets for nationwide journeys, regardless of which company operates the trains on the routes you wish to travel by.

The National Rail website is plugged into all of the train operator's booking services, so when more than one of these companies offers tickets for a route, it in effect offers a price comparison service. It isn't a ticket agent, so you will be connected to the website of your choice in order to make a booking.

Travel Information

Final Destination: London King's Cross

Some trains also call at: Doncaster and Peterborough

The Edinburgh to London King's Cross rail service has been transformed - on Mondays to Fridays there will now be 2 x trains per hour during the day and after 41 years of service, the 125 trains have ceased operating on the East Coast main line!

Aside from environmental considerations there are two very good reasons for opting to take the train from Edinburgh to London

(1) Edinburgh Waverley station has a fabulous location in the heart of the Scottish capital, so you will be departing from the city centre, (2) Much of the Edinburgh to London train journey is glorious.

The alternative overnight train:

Travel by these daytime trains and you won't arrive in London until at least 09:40, but the overnight train is scheduled to arrive in the capital at 07:07. The overall journey time will be around three hours longer, but you will be travelling on Europe's newest overnight train service.

Though note that the overnight train arrives at Euston station and not at King's Cross station.

This is a direct journey

You will be travelling on one of these trains....

Journey Features

Good to know.

There are also up to seven trains per day, which are operated by Avanti West Coast, which take an alternative route and arrive at London Euston station. But it's best to avoid those trains as the journey time to London is around two hours longer and there isn't a particular advantage to be had in arriving at Euston station instead of King's Cross.

Journey description:

The route from Edinburgh to London by train is a journey of three phases:

(1) Until Darlington for the first two hours of travel it's an epic journey, with coastal views and numerous other highlights. However all of the best of the views are on the left hand side of the train (when facing the direction of travel).

(2) Between Darlington and Hitchin the train predominantly travels through pleasant, but unremarkable countryside; though if you are in a forwards facing seat on the left, look out for a view of York Minster as the train nears the station.

(3) For the final 20 -25 minutes the train is travelling through the London suburbs and the commuter towns which surround the capital - though look out for the view from Welwyn Viaduct around 15 before journey's end.

If you haven't lucked out and have been assigned a seat(s) on the right-hand side when making a booking, when boarding see if you can find available seats on the left hand side of the train. If you move to a different seat(s) it won't affect the validity of your ticket.

For most of the part of the journey between Edinburgh and Newcastle the railway lives up to its name of the ' The East Coast Mainline' . The trains take a route on which the coast can be seen before the train has even left Edinburgh behind; and the sea views initially continue until south of Dunbar.

To the north of Berwick-upon-Tweed the train will travel across the clifftops as it crosses the border into England, these are the most dramatic coastal views on the journey.

Minutes after the train has passed through Berwick-upon-Tweed, the next highlight is the view from the majestic Royal Border Bridge .

Between there and Alnmouth there are views on the left over the dramatic Northumberland coast.

The next highlight of the journey is the passage over the River Tyne, as the train departs from Newcastle Central station and heads over the King Edward VII Bridge.

Looking to the left, five other bridges that span the river can be seen; and there are also some great views of the Tyne Bridge as the train arrives in Newcastle station.

Around 15 mins after leaving Newcastle comes the final highlight of the journey, the stunning views over the city of Durham.

Over on the left before and after the station, the town's stunning  castle and cathedral can be clearly seen in all their glory.

How to choose seats with sea views

When booking on the LNER website it will automatically assign seats, but there is the option use a seating plan to check the position of the seat(s) you have been placed in - and more crucially you can select alternative seat(s). The trick is to take up the option of using the 'Manage your seat reservations' tool.

This is an example of a seating plan on a train being used for an Edinburgh to London departure, so if you want to choose seats on the side of the train with the sea views, ignore the seating layout as it will differ between coaches and trains etc. The crucial piece of information to take note of is the direction of travel arrow - and this is consistent, no matter the train which will be used for the departure you have chosen. The trick is to choose seats on the opposite side of the train to the arrow.

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Travelling after February 10th:

LNER is undertaking a trial for a new approach for long-distance rail tickets on the London to Edinburgh route instead of Advance, Off Peak and Anytime tickets travellers can choose between

1: Fixed Tickets - like Advance tickets they can only be used on the specific departure selected when booking, hence the new name. This type of ticket can't be refunded from two hours after booking, if you subsequently change your travel plans, or miss the train in circumstances not to do with a connecting train. A £10 admin fee will be payable if you want to exchange your ticket to a different departure to the same destination, to that which you selected when making your booking PLUS you will ALSO be charged any price difference with the new ticket you'll then have to purchase.

2: Semi Flexible aka 'the 70 Min Flex tickets: When booking you will choose a specific departure, but can then swap the ticket to an alternative departure leaving 70mins before or after the chosen train, without incurring additional charges. If you instead want to choose a different departure outside of those 70 min windows, you will need to pay the £10 admin fee and the price difference if the alternative train you select is more expensive. This type of ticket can't be refunded from two hours after booking.

3: Fully Flexible When booking you will choose a specific departure, but can then swap the ticket to an alternative departure leaving at anytime on your travel date, or on the day before, or after. The tickets are refundable up to 28 days from your ticket’s expiry date, but if you don't choose another journey you will be charged a £10 admin fee.

Travelling before February 10th:

If you want to travel at the cheapest possible price, look for the 'Advance tickets', though the two key things worth knowing about booking and using 'Advance' tickets are:

(1) This type of ticket can't be refunded if you subsequently change your travel plans, or miss the train in circumstances not to do with a connecting train.

(2) A £10 admin fee will be payable if you want to exchange your ticket to a different departure to the same destination, to that which you selected when making your booking PLUS you will ALSO be charged any price difference with the new ticket you'll then have to purchase.

Also what is unusual about booking with LNER is that Advance tickets are now available online up to only 5 mins before departure. They will have sold out sooner on the most popular trains, and the earlier you can book the cheaper they will be - but before buying walk-up Off Peak or Anytime tickets at a station, just prior to departure, it's worth checking on your phone to see whether Advance tickets are still available, before heading to the ticket counter or machines.

Travelling on Monday - Friday:

Tickets are usually available 12 weeks ahead of the travel date.

However, when you look up a journey you may see dates further ahead on the calendar, but you'll be informed that tickets aren't yet available for those dates. On the LNER website you'll be prompted to sign up to a Ticket Alert service - if you will be using a PC, over on the right on the screen you'll be taken to, you'll see the furthest date ahead that tickets can be booked for.

Travelling on Saturday-Sunday

Tickets are usually available 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, but maintenance work on the route is periodically undertaken at weekends and if it is scheduled on your travel date, it can affect when tickets will be released for sale.

If you're looking up a journey less than 12 weeks ahead and tickets aren't available, it can be a good indication that works will be impacting on your travel date. It can be worth checking this on the National Rail website - enter LNER as the operator.

Making an end-to-end journey will still be possible, so it can be worth signing up to LNER's ticket alert service, though you MAY ultimately have to take a substitution bus service for part of the trip. It's the confirmation of these alternative travel arrangements which can hold up the release of the tickets for sale.

Reservations:

When you book an Advance ticket for a London to Aberdeen train journey, you will be automatically assigned a seat(s), but if you book the other types of ticket ahead, you can request a complimentary reservation - more info on this

Seat reservations aren't automatically included when booking Off Peak or Anytime tickets online, but you can add the complimentary reservation, once you've made choice of departure, either when booking or afterwards. When booking walk-up tickets at a station ticket counter, if the Advance tickets aren't available for the next departure, confirm whether a seat reservation has been added to the booking of an Anytime or Off Peak ticket, in theory reservations will be available until around 5 mins pre-departure.

If you will be using a rail pass, including a Britrail or Eurail pass, you should be able to obtain a reservation, at no charge, from a ticket counter up until 5 mins before the departure; keep this in mind as it is not the norm when using rail passes in Britain.

Receiving Your Ticket(s) booked with LNER

The four options for receiving your ticket(s) are:

(1) You will receive a booking reference number on your order confirmation email and you can use this reference number to collect ticket(s) from a ticket machine. Some stations will have dedicated ticket collection machines, but standard ticket machines will also have an option for collecting pre-booked tickets.

You will need to enter your reference number into the machine, so make sure you'll have easy access to it when you are using the machine. You will also need to insert the specific credit or debit card you used when making the booking, so have that with you too.

Showing the email you have received to staff at the ticket gates won't get you on to the train, nor will this be valid if you can only show the email to the conductor when you are on the train.

If you forget to bring your ticket(s) with you to the station, but do have the card with you that you used when booking, you can use the machines to collect your ticket(s).

Take your time and take care that you have picked up all your ticket(s) and seat reservations.

(2) Print off the tickets you receive before heading to the station - the instructions for doing this are available here .

(3) Opt to pay an additional charge to have your tickets posted to you; not available when booking tickets from outside the UK.

(4) Mobile tickets - if you select this option when making a booking you will need to download the LNER Travel Buddy app so that you can 'Activate' your ticket.

The LNER website states that 'Advance' tickets will be automatically activated, but there's no suggestion on the LNER website that it will be OK to save the ticket(s) you will receive as a PDF to your mobile device. So download the app to be sure that you can use a mobile ticket.

The potential to save by splitting tickets on Trainline

It can be worth looking up this journey on Trainline .

It can be possible to save money by using split ticketing, with the booking process being no more complicated than booking conventional tickets - find out more .

Option 2: travelling overnight

7hr 27min (Mon to Fri); 7hr 52min (Sunday)

Not Every Night

There is no departure on Saturday evenings.

Final Destination: London Euston Note that this is a different station to King's Cross, where the daytime trains arrive.

The train also call at: Watford Junction where connections are available into a train which serves multiple destinations in West London including Shepherd's Bush, Kensington Olympia, West Brompton (connect for Earl's Court) and Clapham Junction. The daytime trains take a completely different route so do not call at this station.

On Board - summary:

More information is available by clicking the 'train guide, but if you make this journey you will be travelling on Europe's most modern overnight trains. You can opt to choose from three different types of sleeping cabin, one of which offers the opportunity to travel in a double bed, OR you can travel in reclining seats.

On Mondays to Fridays the train is scheduled to depart Edinburgh at 23:40, with boarding available from 23:00; on Sunday the train is scheduled to depart at 23:15, with boarding available from 22:30

The train is due to arrive in London at 07:07, though passengers can remain in the cabins and leave the train at 07:30. The earliest arrival into London by daytime trains is at 09:40.

Edinburgh to London night

Unusually for UK train tickets, you can book journeys on the Caledonian Sleeper up to twelve months ahead. If you want a full choice of accommodation in the summer months or around holiday times, it's best to book at least a month in advance.

When making a journey by these Caledonian Sleeper trains, you can choose from three types of sleeping cabin, or you can opt to travel in reclining seats - If you want to travel in the reclining seats , you will in effect only be paying the journey costs.

In common with how tickets are sold to travel in sleeping cabins on other European night train services, there are two elements to the total cost of the sleeping cabin ticket price;

• the cost of making the journey, and
• the accommodation costs of travelling in the cabin.

On these Caledonian Sleeper trains the sleeping cabins have a fixed price, so how the total costs are calculated is dependent on how the sleeping cabins will be occupied.

If you will be making an individual booking you will have sole occupancy of a Club Room or Classic Room - booking a Caledonian Double isn't an option for solo travellers. Although the total cost per person is more expensive if you will be travelling individually, because if you travel solo you pay the cost for the Club Room or Classic Room, plus a cost for making the journey. But two people travelling together pay the same charge for the Club Room and Classic rooms, and the additional cost comes from having to purchase two journey tickets.

Paying a higher price for single occupancy of a sleeping cabin is the norm on European night trains, but this particular pricing methodology makes the sleeping cabins on a Caledonian Sleeper service, a comparatively expensive option for solo travellers.

Travelling as a family group:

The costs of adults and children travelling together will be calculated during the booking process - here is the relevant information .

Using Rail Passes:

If you will be using a valid rail pass you can travel in a reclining seat at no additional charge, but you must reserve a place prior to boarding, by calling the Guest Service Centre on 0330 060 0500.

If you want to travel in a bed in a Club Room sleeping cabin, you need to pay a 'Room only supplement' of £170 if you will be travelling solo, or £200 if two people will be travelling together. If you want to travel in a Classic Room sleeping cabin, the supplement is £120 for solo travellers and £140 if two people are travelling together.

These 'Room only supplements' can be booked online .

Option 3: travelling during the day with Lumo

4hr 30min - 4hr 40min (approx)

Monday to Friday

Monday to Friday = 4 x trains per day Sat/Sun = no service (for the moment)

Lumo is a relatively new rail operator which offers a more-basic alternative to travelling on LNER's trains. If you want to travel in Standard Class and...

• are happy to take your own food/drink on board with you
• want access to WiFi during the journey
• won't be travelling with more than one medium suitcase per person
• won't be taking a bike
• and aren't that bothered by seeing the view from the windows (comparatively few of the seats on Lumo trains line up well with the windows) ...then travelling with Lumo seems to compare well with travelling with LNER.

The core differences between the Lumo trains and the Azuma trains used by LNER are:

First Class: LNER = available Lumo = not available

Bar/bistro car: LNER = available Lumo = not available

At seat catering: LNER = available Lumo = available, but more substantial items such as sandwiches need to be pre-ordered up to 10 hours prior to departure

Large suitcases: LNER = yes Lumo = no

Non-folding bicycles: LNER = yes, spaces can be reserved Lumo = no

Final destination: London Kin's Cross All trains also call at Newcastle Lumo trains do not call in York

The Lumo trains take the same route as the LNER trains.

Book early and save: Yes

Online bookings usually open 24 weeks ahead of the travel date.

Lumo only offers two types of tickets for sale: Anytime and Lumo Fixed, which are its equivalent of discounted Advance tickets. The prices of Lumo Fixed tickets will be cheaper the further ahead that they are booked and in common with Advance tickets they are departure specific, so include complimentary seat reservations. They can be changed right up to the time of departure for any future without any admin fees, though any price difference to travel by the different departure will be payable.

Something to look out for is that the cheapest price of Lumo Fixed tickets are lower than cheapest prices of Advance tickets sold by LNER for Edinburgh journeys, but these cheapest prices will sell out at different rates on each operator.. So it's worth comparing prices on your travel date(s), particularly if you won't be booking months ahead, you may find cheaper prices available on some LNER departures.

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Train versus plane between London and Edinburgh: rail wins, but not by too much

The man who pays his way: appreciate the benefits of intercity competition, article bookmarked.

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Could anyone loathe railways any more than the current prime minister? Rishi Sunak’s sheer contempt for the future of train travel (as well as the north of England) was most amply demonstrated when he scrapped HS2 north of Birmingham.

The Conservative leader has tolerated 18 months of intermittent strikes by train drivers with no apparent appetite for a settlement.

And even as chancellor, Mr Sunak did what he could to encourage travellers to fly rather than take the train: on the eve of the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow, he announced the halving of air passenger duty on domestic routes.

Airline passengers between Edinburgh and London comprise the most numerous beneficiaries of the tax cut from £13 to £6.50. So that makes it a good route on which to compare train versus plane for cost.

The Rail Delivery Group has done the work for me. In a new report, the organisation representing train operators claims: “Travelling by rail can be up to 80 per cent cheaper on similar routes than flying, when accounting for the additional cost of baggage and airport transfers.”

On Edinburgh-London the saving is a handy 72 per cent. A return train, out on 27 May and returning four days later, is priced at £111, while the cost of a flight is £114 – with an extra £80 for baggage and (wait for it) £200 for a minicab to and from the airport at either end.

An important element of research is peer review. The fares were researched on 4 April, and I am checking them 16 days later. But that is still five weeks before departure, so a fresh comparison is valid.

I am delighted to say the cheapest rail ticket has fallen to £90 return: northbound on Lumo from London King’s Cross, southbound on Avanti West Coast to London Euston.

But the cheapest flight has come down even further: the lowest return airfare, thanks in no small part to the prime minister’s benevolence towards airlines, is just £39 on Ryanair from London Stansted. But that £200 in minicabs cited by the Rail Delivery Group appears to be for a combination of Gatwick and Edinburgh, so let’s look at the Sussex airport. The fare on easyJet is £95 return, so already the train is a fiver ahead. Add in £61 (not the mysterious £80 quoted by the study) for a very chunky 23kg checked-in case. That’s £156.

Now for the surface transport. Nobody in their right mind would ever get a minicab between central London and Gatwick: the A23 is the worst artery the capital has (and yes, I have checked).

With trains every few minutes during the day, and at least hourly at night, any sensible traveller will pay the £26 return fare on Thameslink, serving a series of city-centre stations including Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras. Ditto between Edinburgh airport and the centre of the Scottish capital: the Airlink 100 bus takes about 30 minutes for a return fare of £8, a much better deal than the tram with its punitive airport surcharge. All told, the airline passenger with a heavy case pays £190. So the train triumphs, saving £100 (or 53 per cent, if you prefer percentages).

Yet I am troubled by all these assumptions. Price-sensitive passengers would surely head for Stansted and that Ryanair flight and take only a modest cabin bag. Adding the Stansted Express train and Edinburgh Airlink bus takes the total to £83 return, cheaper than rail.

Conversely, though, one huge advantage of the train is the fact that hardly anyone needs pay full fare on the railway. Children travel half-price; any adult with a child qualifies for a railcard, as do the under-31s and over-60s. Even during that annoying age range in the middle, you can team up with another traveller to buy a Two Together railcard that will save money even on one round trip.

“By choosing to take the train, you are helping the planet while also saving yourself from hidden costs for baggage and airport transfers,” says the Rail Delivery Group. I agree wholeheartedly. But it helps not to exaggerate the benefits – and to appreciate the benefits of competition.

Simon Calder, also known as The Man Who Pays His Way, has been writing about travel for The Independent since 1994. In his weekly opinion column, he explores a key travel issue – and what it means for you

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Planes cheaper than trains? It's a MYTH, claims the UK Rail Delivery Group, which says travelling by train can be up to 80% cheaper than flying

• Taking a train from London to Edinburgh can be over £200 cheaper than flying
• Rail is up to 17 times greener than flying when travelling domestically - study
• READ MORE:  'Oscars for airports' names Doha's Hamad best airport in the world  

Travelling by rail in the UK can be up to 80 per cent cheaper than flying, according to a new report.

A Rail Delivery Group study found that while in some cases airfare prices initially appear cheaper on certain routes, the final cost is often much higher once all the additional expenses are factored in.

The group said: ‘We’re often told that flying domestically is faster, cheaper, and more convenient. This myth is amplified by quick comparisons that typically ignore the length of time security checks take at airports, as well as ignoring add-on costs for luggage and seat selection.

‘Many don’t take into account the time it takes to get to and from the airport and forget that railway stations are in central convenient locations, while airports sit on the outskirts of our cities.’

According to the study, switching from plane to train could save you more than £200 for a journey from London to Edinburgh , once the additional cost of baggage and airport transfers are taken into account.

BETTER BY TRAIN? 

London to Edinburgh

Rail £111, plane £394

London to Glasgow

Rail £133, plane £403

London to Manchester

Rail £73, plane £311

Manchester to Aberdeen

Rail £77, plane £388

London to Newcastle

Rail £104, plane £347

Exeter to Edinburgh

Rail £256, plane £416

Prices include baggage, seat allocation and taxis. Source: Rail Delivery Group

The Rail Delivery Group also highlighted that of the six domestic travel routes it looked at for the study - also including London to Glasgow , London to Newcastle, Manchester to Aberdeen, London to Manchester and Exeter to Edinburgh - travelling by plane takes longer door-to-door.

What’s more, it said, rail is up to 17 times greener when travelling for business across Britain compared to flying.

Jaqueline Starr, CEO at Rail Delivery Group, said: ‘For too long, the narrative has been that flying domestically is cheaper and faster. However, when you do a true cost comparison, rail travel can be considerably cheaper.

‘Rail travel offers a more affordable, sustainable, and convenient way to travel. Our research highlights the many advantages that rail travel offers to our customers when travelling within Britain.’

David Flesher, Commercial Director at LNER, said: 'Time and again people claim that it’s cheaper and quicker to fly between London and Edinburgh or London and Newcastle. However, when you properly compare the cost and the time, then rail works out considerably quicker and cheaper.

'It’s not just speed and value for money, of course. The value to the planet of taking the train is huge.

‘This research is clear that whichever way you look at it, travelling by train is simply better. Better for your wallet, a better use of your time and better for the environment.'

Train strikes in May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Rail lines are set for disruption in the week following the first May bank holiday as train drivers at 16 rail companies strike on different days.

Thursday 25 April 2024 10:29, UK

Train drivers will stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans in May, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from 7 to 9 May.

Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when.

Rail strike dates

Tuesday 7 May

Strikes will affect c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

Wednesday 8 May

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Thursday 9 May

Strikes will affect LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express.

Overtime ban dates

From Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May union members will not work overtime.

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, means some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

How do strikes and overtime bans affect services?

Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services.

Are there strikes on the Tube too?

There have been regular strikes on London Underground too recently, and while there aren't any planned walkouts for drivers, customer service managers are set to walk out on Friday 26 April in a dispute over terms and conditions.

There will also be an overtime ban for the customer service managers on the following days:

Monday 29 April

Tuesday 30 April

Wednesday 1 May

Tuesday 2 May

Wednesday 3 May

Thursday 4 May

Friday 5 May

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) says the action by its members is likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute, including on the Saturday following the strike (27 April), while TfL has said on its website "some stations may need to close at short notice".

Despite the warning, a TfL spokesperson has said they aren't expecting significant disruption.

This action follows strike action taken by the same workers on 10 April, which the TSSA said had a "real impact" with "many stations shut at short notice".

They say they are "extremely concerned" about TfL's 'Stations Changes' proposals.

"We have made it clear that our union will not accept the continued threats to our members' roles, locations, terms, and conditions to stand unchallenged," a TSSA spokesperson said.

"We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith."

Commenting on the impending strikes, a TfL spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that TSSA is continuing with this strike action following a consultation process.

"While we don't expect this action will cause significant disruption, we urge TSSA to continue to work with us to help find a resolution.

"There are no planned job losses as part of these vital changes which will improve the service we provide to customers at our stations."

How can I stay in the loop?

You can use the National Rail's journey planner to see when trains are running.

Be sure to check it close to when you plan to travel, as it will be updated regularly.

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Why are the strikes still happening?

Aslef rejected a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year, saying it is way below inflation, and is linked to changes in terms and conditions.

Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

The union said after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks.

General secretary Mick Whelan said the year-old pay offer of 4% and another 4% was "dead in the water".

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• Rail strikes

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Only 40 LNER intercity rail services to run on Saturday as train drivers strike

Almost three in four services between London, Edinburgh and York will be cut in Aslef members’ stoppage

A train drivers’ strike will lead to almost three in four services being cut on Saturday on LNER, which operates intercity trains between London, York and Edinburgh .

Members of the Aslef union will take industrial action for 24 hours on 20 April – and also ban overtime during the weekend – in a dispute over terms and conditions, separate to the wider pay row that has led to strikes at all national rail operators across England.

LNER expects to run about 40 services on the east coast mainline on Saturday, just over a quarter of its normal schedule.

Mick Whelan, the general secretary of Aslef, said: “Train drivers are fed up with the bad faith shown by this company … and we are not prepared to put up with being bullied and pushed about by a company that thinks it can break agreements whenever it feels like it.”

While the drivers’ action is not directly related to the wider rail pay disputes, which led to the biggest series of strikes in a generation, more disruption could come after the RMT union rejected a pay rise from Network Rail . The state-owned company, which runs the track and infrastructure, has offered a 3.5% pay rise to its employees, including signallers and maintenance workers.

The RMT said it had rejected the offer, maintaining that it fell below the standard benchmark for inflation used in rail pay negotiations – the November retail prices index figure – which was 5.3%.

The union’s general secretary, Mick Lynch, said: “Network Rail is once again making an offer that represents a cut in living standards as pay is not keeping up with the rising costs of rent, mortgages, energy, food and other essentials. As a result, RMT is calling for urgent fresh negotiations and a much-improved offer for this year.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said it had put forward a 3.5% unconditional offer with other benefits that was “fair and represents a significant increase given current and forecast rates of inflation … We expect negotiations to continue.”

It is understood that even though Network Rail has more control of its budget than train operating companies – which have not been able to offer drivers more money – the organisation is still under pressure to keep pay rises down in line with the wider public sector.

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The RMT has, however, highlighted the 5.5% award given to MPs last month. The union’s members at Network Rail settled their strike action last year for a two-year deal worth 9%, below inflation.

• Rail strikes
• Industrial action
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More on this story

Aslef drivers to hold more train strikes in early May

Aslef’s final strike day disrupts rail services in south and east England

Aslef says more train strikes likely as drivers’ pay row continues

Rail passengers face rolling strikes but London Underground action called off

Train drivers at Northern and LNER to strike in March, Aslef union announces

Weekend rail strikes: travel disrupted across Great Britain

Train drivers will keep striking to ‘raise profile’ of pay dispute, says Aslef boss

Weekend rail strikes and overtime ban disrupt UK travel

Rail strikes: trains in south-east England halted as rolling stoppages begin

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Clearing the air

Better by train.

We’re often told that flying domestically is faster, cheaper, and more convenient. This myth is amplified by quick comparisons that typically ignore the length of time security checks take at airports as well as ignoring add-on costs for luggage and seat selection.

Many don’t take into account of the time it takes to get to and from the airport and forget that railway stations are in central convenient locations, while airports sit on the outskirts of our cities.

There is also the environmental impact of these choices too. For example, travelling by train for business between Edinburgh and London is 17 times greener by rail than by plane, according to new Green Travel Pledge data.

Travelling long-distances across Britain presents a choice for customers between rail and domestic air travel.

For too long, the narrative has been that flying domestically is cheaper and faster. However, when you do a true cost comparison, rail travel is considerably cheaper. Rail travel offers a more affordable, sustainable, and convenient way to travel. Our research highlights the many advantages that rail travel offers to our customers when travelling within Britain. Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive of Rail Delivery Group

Routes compared

We have picked six domestic routes that offer both trains and flights to provide a fair comparison of costs, carbon emissions and availability of services.

• London – Glasgow
• London – Edinburgh
• London – Manchester
• Manchester – Aberdeen
• London – Newcastle
• Exeter – Edinburgh

Key takeaways

CHEAPER: Travelling by rail can be up to 80% cheaper on similar routes than flying, when accounting for the additional cost of baggage and airport transfers.

MORE SUSTAINABLE: Rail is up to 17 times greener when travelling for business across Britain compared to flying.

FASTER: Travelling by plane takes longer than by train city-to-city for four out of the six domestic travel routes we looked at.

MORE FLEXIBLE: There are 50% more rail services available per day from London to Edinburgh compared to flights (39 rail services compared to 26 flights).

The cost of a city-to-city journey is cheaper by rail

Travelling by rail can be up to 80% cheaper on similar routes than flying, when accounting for the additional cost of baggage and airport transfers..

• London – Glasgow Rail £133 Plane £403 Rail £133 FREE NONE Plane £126 £86 £191
• London – Edinburgh Rail £111 Plane £394 Rail £111 FREE NONE Plane £114 £80 £200
• London – Manchester Rail £73 Plane £311 Rail £73 FREE NONE Plane £144 £0 £167
• Manchester – Aberdeen Rail £77 Plane £388 Rail £77 FREE NONE Plane £279 £0 £109
• London – Newcastle Rail £104 Plane £347 Rail £104 FREE NONE Plane £175 £0 £172
• Exeter – Edinburgh Rail £256 Plane £416 Rail £256 FREE NONE Plane £296 £0 £120

*Costs of a return fare between selected routes, leaving on 27 May 2024 and returning on 31 May 2024. Prices correct at of 4 April 2024 and are taken directly from operators. Minicab prices have been based on TfL rates and The Airport Guide.

We have analysed the cost of taking similar trips across Britain in May 2024, noting that fares can vary depending on how far in advance the booking is made, the date chosen and the time of travel.

Whilst it is sometimes possible to purchase a cheap single airline fare between domestic British airports, the presentation of this as the total cost of travel fails to give customers the other associated costs including transfers, baggage, and seat selection.

In April 2024 we undertook a comparison between the air and rail fares for journeys taking place in May 2024.

Our report shows that travelling by train is significantly cheaper than flying when you take into account the additional costs of airport transfers, seat selection and baggage for domestic flights.

Top tips to save on a train ticket in Britain.

• Book in advance wherever possible – most cheap tickets are released roughly 12 weeks prior to travel.
• Get a Railcard to save around 1/3 off most rail journeys at www.railcard.co.uk
• Claim a refund from the train operator if your journey is delayed or cancelled via Delay Repay.

Airport to city centre transfer costs

Airport transfers are a significant cost for customers, these additional costs are not always considered at the point of purchase (see Table 2). In contrast, rail delivers people into the heart of towns and cities across Britain, avoiding the added time and expense of airport transfers.

Table 2: Average return fare of a minicab between the airport and city centre.

These findings corroborate the research undertaken by Campaign for Better Transport’s report, ‘ Plane speaking: moving journeys from air to rail’ , which found that of the top 20 UK routes, half were found to be cheaper by rail.

More sustainable by rail

Rail is up to 17 times greener when travelling for business across britain compared to flying..

Air travel is now the fastest-growing contributor to global warming (contributing between 4% - 9% of total emission output). Avoiding a flight when there are easy alternatives is often the biggest single thing that any individual can do to cut their carbon footprint and limit their impact on the environment. Rail is the cleanest public transport option available, contributing only 1.5% of the UK’s total transport emissions.

In 2019, 3.4 million people travelled between London and Edinburgh by air, making it the 2nd busiest air corridor in Europe producing 244,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Rail is one of the most environmentally friendly ways of transporting large numbers of people for long distances, at speed. Rail is intrinsically a sustainable form of transport as new carbon calculations, from Rail Delivery Group, demonstrate that travelling by rail between Edinburgh and London is 17 times greener than the equivalent flight.

We’ve used new Green Travel Pledge carbon data to compare a business trip by plane and by train. 

Green Travel Pledge carbon emission data currently unavailable for Exeter to Edinburgh and Manchester to Aberdeen routes.

Overall city-to-city domestic travel time is quicker by rail

• London – Glasgow TRAIN QUICKER BY 15 MINS Flight time 1 hr 15 Mins Total city-to-city travel time for air 4 hrs 45 Mins Rail travel time 4 hrs 30 Mins
• London – Edinburgh TRAIN QUICKER BY 20 MINS Flight time 1 hr 10 Mins Total city-to-city travel time for air 4 hrs 40 Mins Rail travel time 4 hrs 20 Mins
• London – Manchester TRAIN QUICKER BY 2 HRS 24 MINS Flight time 1 hr Total city-to-city travel time for air 4 hrs 30 Mins Rail travel time 2 hrs 6 Mins
• Manchester – Aberdeen PLANE QUICKER BY 56 MINS Flight time 1 hr 10 Mins Total city-to-city travel time for air 4 hrs 40 Mins Rail travel time 5 hrs 36 Mins
• London – Newcastle TRAIN QUICKER BY 2 HRS 3 MINS Flight time 1 hr 10 Mins Total city-to-city travel time for air 4 hrs 40 Mins Rail travel time 2 hrs 37 Mins
• Exeter – Edinburgh PLANE QUICKER BY 2 HOURS 42 MINS Flight time 1 hr 25 Mins Total city-to-city travel time for air 4 hrs 55 Mins Rail travel time 7 hrs 37 Mins

More flexible

There are 50% more rail services available per day from london to edinburgh compared to flights (39 rail services compared to 26 flights)..

Rail offers a more frequent service and can provide seamless connections to more destinations. Rail networks reach destinations that may be inaccessible by air, offering travellers the opportunity to explore remote villages, historic towns, and charming countryside retreats, that are often missed when travelling by air.

Average number of daily flights to Edinburgh compared to rail services

39 daily rail services from central london to edinburgh.

7 Euston / 32 King’s Cross 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆 🚆  

26 daily flights from airports in & surrounding

London 8 London City / 4 Gatwick / 6 Heathrow / 3 Luton / 5 Stansted ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️

Choose rail

This report demonstrates that travelling by rail is cheaper, more sustainable, and often quicker, compared to air, when travelling domestically. Rail travel is simpler, with fewer processes and more alternative routes available if things go wrong.

By choosing to take the train, you are helping the planet while also saving yourself from hidden costs for baggage and airport transfers. We hope the facts and figures contained in this report help to clear the air and show why taking the train is the best way to travel across Britain.