How to take the wonderful rail journey from London to beautiful Edinburgh

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London to Edinburgh by train

There are three options available for taking the train from London to Edinburgh:
Taking the scenic journey by day, either on:

  1. A train operated by LNER; on which travelling 1st Class includes complimentary catering - With a hot meal served on most departures.
  2. ...A more basic, and much less frequent service operated by Lumo; on which 1st class is not available
  3. OR travelling overnight on one of Europe's smartest night trains.

Routes you can take to go from London to Edinburgh

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:

Route Information

Option 1: travel during the day with LNER
Travel Time (approx)

4hr 20 min - 4hr 40min

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

This is the typical journey time, the departures at 00 minutes past the hour are faster than the trains which leave at 30 minutes past the hour.
At weekends maintenance work on the railway line can cause trains to be diverted on to longer routes.

There are 2 x trains per hour for most of the day, there is always at minimum of 1 x departure per hour.


Is the journey from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley direct?
Yes, there are no changes for the journey between London and Edinburgh on this line.


Is the journey scenic?
Yes, you can see views of the sea if you sit on the correct side of the train. (Read: How to choose seats with sea views in the Journey Information for details).


What other tourist locations are along the route from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley?
York, Durham, Newcastle, Berwick-Upon-Tweed


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Edinburgh Waverley from London Kings Cross?
From 10:00 to 10:15 on Monday to Friday; from 10:00 to 10:15 on Saturday; from 13:00 to 13:15 on Sunday


When is the usual approximate latest departure from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley?
19:00 on Monday to Thursday and Sunday; 19:30 on Friday; 18:00 on Saturday


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for the London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley train?
Yes


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for the London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley train?
12 weeks; see the Ticket Information


What are the child ticket terms for the London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley train?
Aged 5 to 15 = 50%; 4 and under = free


Does the ticket for the London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley train include assigned seats?
Varies; Yes with Advance Tickets; see the Ticket Information


Do rail pass users need to book reservations for the London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley train?
No


Is catering available on the London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley train?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car and At Seat Catering; Complimentary catering in 1st class, which can include a full meal service

Route Information

Option 2: travelling during the day with Lumo
Travel Time (approx)

4hr 25min - 4hr 37min

Frequency

Monday to Friday

Travel Info

5 x trains per day

The Lumo timetable

Journey Summary:

  • Is the journey direct? = Yes
  • Is the journey scenic? = Yes; see the Journey Information
  • What other tourist locations are long this route? = York, Durham, Newcastle, Berwick-Upon-Tweed
  • When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at the destination? = from 10:00 to 10:15 on Monday to Saturday; from 13:00 to 13:15 on Sunday
  • When is the usual approximate latest departure? = before 20:30 on Monday to Friday; before 18:30 on Saturday; before 19:30 on Sunday
  • Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance? = Yes
  • How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale? = 24 weeks; see the Ticket Information
  • What are the child ticket terms? = aged 5 to 15 = 50%; 4 and under = free
  • Does the ticket include assigned seats? = Yes with Fixed Tickets; see the Ticket Information
  • Do rail pass users need to book reservations? = No
  • Is catering available on the train? = Yes = At Seat Catering

Route Information

Option 3: travelling through the night
Travel Time (approx)

7hr 33min - 7hr 56min

Frequency

Nightly

Travel Info

The shorter journey time applies to Mon-Fri departures

There are no departures on Saturday evenings

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