- Recommended
Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
Local museum on Barnstaple's history, archaeology, and culture. A strong first stop for understanding the town and wider North Devon.
Cheapest price
$199
Average price
$201
Fastest journey
8 h 31 m
Average duration
9 h 6 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
545 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Barnstaple is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Barnstaple will cost around $201 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $199.
Of the 2 trains that leave Edinburgh for Barnstaple on Wed, Aug 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 545 km distance in an average of 9 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 31 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 9 h 41 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Barnstaple among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $82. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $82, and a train costs an average of $171.
Distance: 338 miles (545 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$208 Average price | $120 Average price Cheapest | $134 Average price | $167 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 9m Average total duration 8h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 41m Average total duration 15h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Barnstaple:
A bus is $14 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Barnstaple costing on average $134.
A bus is $88 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Barnstaple costing on average $208.
Other travel options to Barnstaple take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 39m.
Bus takes on average 15h 11m.
Tickets start at around $208 compared to roughly $167 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-41.20. The journey takes 8h 39m versus 8h 27m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Barnstaple trains for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:52 AM Edinburgh | 8h39 | 7:31 PM Barnstaple | 4 transfers | |
![]() | 10:52 AM Edinburgh | 8h39 | 7:31 PM Barnstaple | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 12:52 PM Edinburgh | 8h41 | 9:33 PM Barnstaple | 4 transfers | |
![]() | 12:52 PM Edinburgh | 8h41 | 9:33 PM Barnstaple | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 2:52 PM Edinburgh | 15h27 | 6:19 AM Barnstaple | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 4:52 PM Edinburgh | 13h27 | 6:19 AM Barnstaple | 4 transfers | |
![]() | 6:52 PM Edinburgh | 15h37 | 10:29 AM Barnstaple | 4 transfers | |
![]() | 6:52 PM Edinburgh | 15h37 | 10:29 AM Barnstaple | 3 transfers | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
![]() | 8:52 AM Edinburgh | 9h41 | 6:33 PM Barnstaple | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Edinburgh to Barnstaple run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $171 but you can travel from only $49 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 06:06, the last at 17:30. The fastest train covers the 338 miles (545 km) distance in 8h 26m.
Distance 338 miles (545 km) |
Average train duration 8h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $171 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 8h 26m |
First train 6:06 AM |
Last train 5:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Barnstaple — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barnstaple trip today.
Local museum on Barnstaple's history, archaeology, and culture. A strong first stop for understanding the town and wider North Devon.
Regional arts venue presenting contemporary exhibitions, film, and performances. Worth visiting for changing visual art shows in central Barnstaple.
Maritime museum in a historic signal station at nearby Instow. Displays explain local seafaring and estuary links relevant to North Devon.
Traffic-free trail along the old railway, linking Barnstaple with coast and countryside. Excellent for walking or cycling with estuary scenery.
Historic shopping street lined with characterful buildings. Ideal for appreciating Barnstaple's commercial heritage and everyday town-centre atmosphere.
Green riverside park popular for walks, sports, and family time. It offers open views and a relaxed break close to the town centre.
A rich North Devon cream made by slowly heating milk. Served with scones and jam, it is a defining regional treat across Devon tea rooms.
Traditional Devon split scones filled with jam and clotted cream. The Devon style puts cream before jam and is a proud local custom.
A classic West Country cider from nearby orchards. Dry or sparkling styles are widely drunk in North Devon pubs and with local food.
Smart modern restaurant in Barnstaple known for seasonal British cooking, tasting menus, and polished service in an intimate setting.
Established Italian restaurant with a loyal local following, serving pasta, pizza, and seafood in a relaxed riverside area.
Historic pub and restaurant in the town centre, popular for cask ales, classic British dishes, and a traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and meals are usually lower than major cities, while local buses and everyday dining stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Barnstaple Railway Station -> The Square, Barnstaple
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Edinburgh to Barnstaple trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Barnstaple station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Barnstaple train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Barnstaple has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food options include: Station Masters Cafe
Ticket office support is available at Barnstaple.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Barnstaple: Parking, WC.
Available at Barnstaple: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barnstaple: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - step free access available to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need