Trains to Edinburgh

Step off the train in Edinburgh and enter a world of steep, winding streets, wide coastal views, rich history and mesmerizing architecture. Direct trains to the city depart from all of the UK’s major cities, throughout the day and week. Even if your journey is a long one from England’s south, you’ll travel in comfort thanks to well-equipped long-distance services with plenty of amenities for the ride, including cafes, bathrooms, Wi-Fi and power outlets on many services.

Which is the main train station in Edinburgh?

Long-distance trains to Edinburgh all arrive at Edinburgh Waverley railway station. The station has a central location on the edge of Edinburgh’s Old Town, right by Princes Street, the city’s best shopping area. The station is the terminus of the East Coast Main Line, a key branch of the UK’s extensive rail network, which makes Edinburgh easily accessible from anywhere in the country. Edinburgh Waverley features many stores, cafes and restaurants for travelers.

Which train companies offer trains to Edinburgh?

CrossCountry provide many trains to the city, including a long-distance service from Plymouth that travels via Birmingham New Street. They also provide hourly trains from Glasgow. Virgin Trains, meanwhile, offer trains from London Euston every couple of hours, also traveling via Birmingham. London North Eastern Railway offer trains from London Kings Cross, up to twice an hour. First Transpennine Express also offer a convenient service to and from Manchester Airport, every two hours.

Why travel by train to Edinburgh?

Taking the train is certainly the most relaxing way to reach Edinburgh. Instead of sitting in queues of traffic, you can sit back and enjoy stunning Scottish scenery while enjoying a snack or a hot drink. Not to mention, your journey might just be a piece of history itself. Edinburgh is the destination for the UK’s most famous train service, the Flying Scotsman, which has connected Edinburgh and London since 1862. Flying Scotsman trains depart daily from London King’s Cross at 10:00 a.m. as per tradition.

Before you travel to Edinburgh by train - good to know!

On arrival in Edinburgh, passengers can opt for an Edinburgh PlusBus pass, the gives them unlimited access to the cohesive bus and tram systems. Head off the beaten path to discover unique curiosities at one of the Edinburgh's lesser-known museums, which are all easy to reach by bus. Explore medical history at the Surgeon's Hall Museum, go giddy for optical illusions at the Camera Obscura or get playful at the Museum of Childhood.