Cheltenham to Edinburgh train with CrossCountry

Fri, Oct 23
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 23

Cheapest price on Oct 23

$76

Average ticket price on Oct 23

$259

Fastest journey on Oct 23

5 h 7 m

Average journey duration on Oct 23

5 h 12 m

Trains on Oct 23

21

Distance

456 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cheltenham to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cheltenham to Edinburgh will cost around $259 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $76.

Fast trains

On Fri, Oct 23, we found 21 trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh, including 10 direct services.

On Fri, Oct 23 the direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 5 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 7 m .

On Fri, Oct 23 the slowest trains will take 5 h 24 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • CrossCountryG01080
    3:12 PM5h57
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    9:09 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    $761One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountryG01083
    5:12 PM5h55
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    11:07 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    $761One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountryG01082
    4:12 PM6h02
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    10:14 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    $761One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountryG00883+Transpennine ExpressW85208
    3:40 PM5h58
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    9:38 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    $1691One-way
    1 transfer
  • CrossCountryG01082+Transpennine ExpressW85208+Avanti West CoastW34287
    4:12 PM5h26
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    9:38 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    $1691One-way
    2 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $64 but you can travel from only $29 by flight.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 18:15. The fastest train covers the 283 miles (456 km) distance in 4h 50m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $29
Distance
283 miles (456 km)
Average train duration
5h 29m
Cheapest ticket price
$64
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
4h 50m
First train
4:45 AM
Last train
6:15 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
1 day
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $29

Frequently asked questions about your Cheltenham to Edinburgh trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.

Train ticket prices from Cheltenham to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $64, while the average price is around $177.
The train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh takes 4h 50m and runs 6 per day.
The first train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh leaves at 4:45 AM.
The distance by train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh is 283 miles (456 km).
The last train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh leaves at 6:15 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by CrossCountry.

Live departures

Cheltenham to Edinburgh train times

The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Friday, October 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
CrossCountryG01060
On time
8:12 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h58
2:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01062
On time
9:12 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h58
3:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01062+Avanti West CoastW33941
On time
9:12 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h07
2:19 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 transfer
CrossCountryG01064+Avanti West CoastW33935+Transpennine ExpressW85182
On time
10:12 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h24
3:36 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 transfers
CrossCountryG01064
On time
10:12 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h58
4:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG00869_G0106711:12 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h57
5:09 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01069+Avanti West CoastC01372+Transpennine ExpressW85191
On time
12:12 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h29
5:41 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 transfers
CrossCountryG01069
On time
12:12 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h58
6:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01073
On time
1:12 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h59
7:11 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01073+Avanti West CoastW34290
On time
1:12 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h08
6:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 transfer
CrossCountryG01074+Avanti West CoastW34292+Transpennine ExpressW85201
On time
2:12 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h29
7:41 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 transfers
CrossCountryG01074
On time
2:12 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h53
8:05 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01080
On time
3:12 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h57
9:09 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01080+Avanti West CoastW34289
On time
3:12 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h12
8:24 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 transfer
CrossCountryG00883+Transpennine ExpressW852083:40 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h58
9:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 transfer
CrossCountryG01082+Avanti West CoastW34287+Transpennine ExpressW85208
On time
4:12 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h26
9:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 transfers
CrossCountryG01082
On time
4:12 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
6h02
10:14 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01083+Avanti West CoastW34291
On time
5:12 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h09
10:21 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 transfer
CrossCountryG01083
On time
5:12 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h55
11:07 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG00894+Transpennine ExpressW85210
On time
5:40 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
6h01
11:41 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 transfer
CrossCountryG00723+Avanti West CoastW34288+Transpennine ExpressW85210
On time
6:12 PM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h29
11:41 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cheltenham to Edinburgh trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast or Transpennine Express offer trains services from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast from Cheltenham to Edinburgh trainsCrossCountry, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Cheltenham and Edinburgh from $29. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
5h 24m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
$64
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
4h 56m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
$88
Transpennine Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
4h 50m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
$78
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cheltenham and Edinburgh

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

There is no high speed train available from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.

Complete guide to Edinburgh

Things to do in Edinburgh

Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.

  • Must visit

National Museum of Scotland

Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.

  • Must visit

National Gallery of Scotland

Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.

  • Recommended

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.

British pound sterling (£)

Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels surge in festival season, dining is mid-to-high, and transit is reasonable but not especially cheap for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£70+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for coffee.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.

Plan your visit to Edinburgh

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Edinburgh.

The train journey from Cheltenham to Edinburgh offers a diverse range of scenic views, including the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, lush countryside landscapes, and glimpses of the stunning Lake District as you travel north.
Popular day trips by train from Edinburgh include Glasgow, Newcastle, St Andrews, Stirling, Dundee.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Edinburgh, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Royal Mile and public transport. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers who don’t use the meter. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers near popular attractions to prevent fraud.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

FAQs: Trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham to Edinburgh by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Yes, you can take the train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cheltenham to Edinburgh

Most Cheltenham to Edinburgh trains use the Cheltenham Spa to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh Park. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cheltenham
Arrival train stations in Edinburgh

Which Cheltenham station do trains to Edinburgh leave from?

Trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh leave from Cheltenham Spa. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Cheltenham city centre at Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom.
Cheltenham SpaCheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom+44 345 165 2030WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Cheltenham Spa from Cheltenham city centre

Cheltenham Spa is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:

BusD, E, G · 7m · $5 · every ~25 min
M1 · 8m

Cheltenham Spa train station facilities and services

Cheltenham Spa has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Railway Inn, The Coconut Tree

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham Spa. Information desks are located near the main entrance.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Cheltenham Spa. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cheltenham Spa: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cheltenham Spa: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham Spa: Elevators, ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Queens Hotel Cheltenham, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham.

Train stations for Cheltenham to Edinburgh

Check train stations information for Cheltenham and Edinburgh, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Cheltenham that goes to Edinburgh is Cheltenham Spa, which connects to Edinburgh Waverley.

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