Cheltenham to Edinburgh train with CrossCountry

Wed, Jun 10
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
London North Eastern Railway
Cross Country
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
London North Eastern Railway
Cross Country
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cheltenham to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for Jun 10

Cheapest price

$66

Average price

$217

Fastest journey

5 h 6 m

Average duration

5 h 41 m

Trains per day

5

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 $217 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Cheltenham for Edinburgh on Wed, Jun 10, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Jun 10 the direct trains cover the 456 km distance in an average of 5 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 6 m .

On Wed, Jun 10 the slowest trains will take 5 h 58 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • CrossCountry
    7:12 AM5h58
    Cheltenham
    1:10 PMEdinburgh
    $661One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountry
    9:12 AM5h58
    Cheltenham
    3:10 PMEdinburgh
    $1061One-way
    0 transfers
  • Avanti West Coast
    6:14 AM5h06
    Cheltenham
    11:20 AMEdinburgh
    $2571One-way
    0 transfers
  • Transpennine Express
    10:12 AM5h24
    Cheltenham
    3:36 PMEdinburgh
    $3141One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountry
    8:12 AM5h58
    Cheltenham
    2:10 PMEdinburgh
    $3401One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Cheltenham to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $23, and a train costs an average of $44.

Distance: 283 miles (456 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus
Driving

$172

Average price

$52

Average price

Cheapest

$56

Average price

$164

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 49m

Average total duration

5h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 8m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 8m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

11h 25m

Average total duration

10h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 15m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

easyJet

Most popular airline

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Cheltenham to Edinburgh is a flight with an average price of $52 (€42).

This is compared to other travel options from Cheltenham to Edinburgh:

A flight is $5 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cheltenham to Edinburgh costing on average $56 (€46).

A flight is $121 (€98) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh costing on average $172 (€140).

The fastest way to travel from Cheltenham to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 8m.

Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 19m.

Bus takes on average 10h 55m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cheltenham and Edinburgh including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cheltenham to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 56m sooner (5h 19m by train vs 6h 15m by car). Tickets start at around $172 (€140) compared to roughly $164 (€133) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Direct services run with CrossCountry, Cross Country.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Cheltenham to Edinburgh train times

The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Edinburgh trains for today, Tuesday, June 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
CrossCountryG66987
On time
7:14 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h56
1:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG66987+Avanti West CoastW34144
On time
7:14 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h06
12:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 transfer
CrossCountryG01060
On time
8:12 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h58
2:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01060+Avanti West CoastC01369+Transpennine ExpressW85177
On time
8:12 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
5h20
1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 transfers
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)
5h55
4:07 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cheltenham to Edinburgh by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Wed
Jun 10
Thu
Jun 11
Fri
Jun 12
Sat
Jun 13
Sun
Jun 14
Mon
Jun 15
Tue
Jun 16

Why should you book Cheltenham to Edinburgh trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, Cross Country and more 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, Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway or Cross Country 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, Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway or Cross Country 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.

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 7 times per day, taking around 5h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) but you can travel from only $23 (€18) 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 5h 6m.

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 $23 (€18)
Distance
283 miles (456 km)
Average train duration
5h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
$44 (€36)
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
5h 6m
First train
4:45 AM
Last train
6:15 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
28 days
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 $23 (€18)

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, Cross Country from Cheltenham to Edinburgh trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, Cross Country trains will get you between Cheltenham and Edinburgh from $23 (€18). 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 Duration
5h 55m
Cheapest Price
$44 (€36)
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

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 Duration
5h 6m
Cheapest Price
$104 (€85)
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

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 Duration
5h 20m
Cheapest Price
$214 (€175)
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

London North Eastern Railway

About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
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
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 6m
Cheapest Price
$381 (€310)
Cross Country frequency
16 a day

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 with collections spanning natural history, science, design, fashion, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.

  • Must visit

Scottish National Gallery

The national art gallery in central Edinburgh, known for European masters and Scottish art. Easy to combine with Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Mile.

  • Recommended

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

A striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of people who shaped Scottish history and culture. Popular for both the collection and the architecture.

Pound sterling

Expensive by UK standards. Hotels peak in summer and festival season, while pubs and casual dining are more manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a simple cafe meal.
Mid-range
GBP 20-35 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.

Tipping culture

About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not already included. Round up for taxis. Tips are optional in pubs and cafes.

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
Train ticket prices from Cheltenham to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $44 (€36), while the average price is around $172 (€140).
The train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh takes 5h 6m and runs 7 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.
There is no high speed train available from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.
The train station in Cheltenham that goes to Edinburgh is Cheltenham Spa (CNM), which connects to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
The cheapest way to get from Cheltenham to Edinburgh is by flight, with a cost of around $23 (€18).
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.
A day trip from Cheltenham to Edinburgh is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 6m. Trains run 7 times per day.
In Edinburgh, visitors can explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket, enjoy a ghost tour of the haunted streets, attend shows at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and visit the Royal Botanic Garden. Discover hidden gems at the Stockbridge Market. Key sights include Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, The Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and The National Museum of Scotland.
For a fulfilling experience, spending 2 to 3 days in Edinburgh allows you to explore its historic sites, such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, enjoy cultural attractions, and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
Yes, you can take the train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.
Since neither Cheltenham nor Edinburgh are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Edinburgh include Glasgow, Newcastle, St Andrews, Stirling, Dundee.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cheltenham to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
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.
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.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cheltenham to Edinburgh

Cheltenham
Edinburgh
The major train station for departures in Cheltenham is Cheltenham Spa. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cheltenham Spa for your trip from Cheltenham to Edinburgh.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
  • 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
  • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24/7, accessible from Queens Road.
Dining
Dining
  • The Railway Inn
  • The Coconut Tree
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • £0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • Queens Hotel Cheltenham
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham
  • Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located near the main entrance
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 300 places, covered
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the main entrance
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station has a main concourse with ticketing facilities and waiting areas, with platforms accessible via lifts and stairs.
Public transit options for Cheltenham Spa
  • Bus: Several local bus services available
  • Taxi: Taxi rank outside the station

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