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The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Chester
Showing times and prices for Jul 18
Cheapest price
$85
Average price
$123
Fastest journey
3 h 17 m
Average duration
3 h 31 m
Trains per day
19
Distance
308 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Chester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Chester will cost around $123 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Chester without transferring at least once.
W33762+
G383952:52 PM3h57Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)6:49 PMChester station (CTR)$851One-way1 transfer- W33686+G384046:52 AM3h57Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)10:49 AMChester station (CTR)$971One-way1 transfer
- W33686+G386266:52 AM3h52Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)10:44 AMChester station (CTR)$971One-way1 transfer
W84925+G384224:11 PM4h38Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)8:49 PMChester station (CTR)$981One-way1 transfer- W84900+G384108:11 AM4h38Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)12:49 PMChester station (CTR)$981One-way1 transfer
- W33596+
G8910212:52 PM3h17Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)4:09 PMChester station (CTR)$1441One-way1 transfer - W33654+G890824:52 PM3h17Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)8:09 PMChester station (CTR)$1501One-way1 transfer
- W33398+G8909510:52 AM3h17Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2:09 PMChester station (CTR)$1501One-way1 transfer
- W33762+G386442:52 PM3h52Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)6:44 PMChester station (CTR)$1071One-way1 transfer
- W33596+G3864012:52 PM3h52Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)4:44 PMChester station (CTR)$1071One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Edinburgh to Chester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Chester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $44, and a flight costs an average of $37.
Distance: 191 miles (308 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$87 Average price | $92 Average price | $68 Average price Cheapest | $126 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 19m Average total duration 3h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 24m Average total duration 4h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Chester is a bus with an average price of $68 (€56).
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Chester:
A bus is $19 (€16) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Chester costing on average $87 (€71).
A bus is $24 (€20) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Chester costing on average $92 (€76).
The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Chester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 10m.
Other travel options to Chester take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 49m.
Bus takes on average 4h 54m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Chester including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Chester among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 50m faster (3h 49m by train vs 4h 39m by car) and roughly $39 (€32) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($87 (€71) vs $126 (€104)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Edinburgh to Chester train times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Chester trains for tomorrow, Saturday, July 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W84897+W33548+G89080 | 6:13 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h55 | 10:08 AM Chester station (CTR) | 2 transfers | |
| W33686+G38626 | 6:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 10:44 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| W33686+G38404 | 6:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h57 | 10:49 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| W84900+G38410 | 8:11 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h38 | 12:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| W33693+G38630 | 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 12:44 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| W33693+W84904+G38414 | 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h57 | 1:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 2 transfers | |
| W33398+G89095 | 10:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h17 | 2:09 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| W84913+G38387 | 12:11 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h38 | 4:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| W33596+G89102 | 12:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h17 | 4:09 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| W33596+G38640 | 12:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 4:44 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| W84919+W33687+G89075 | 2:08 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h06 | 6:14 PM Chester station (CTR) | 2 transfers | |
| W33762+G38644 | 2:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 6:44 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| W33762+G38395 | 2:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h57 | 6:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| W84925+G38422 | 4:11 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h38 | 8:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| W33654+G89082 | 4:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h17 | 8:09 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Chester 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.
Sat
Jul 18
Jul 18
Sun
Jul 19
Jul 19
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Jul 20
Jul 20
Tue
Jul 21
Jul 21
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Jul 22
Jul 22
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Jul 24
Why should you book Edinburgh to Chester trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Edinburgh to Chester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Chester.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Chester.
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Chester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Chester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Chester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Chester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Edinburgh to Chester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€26) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:51, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 191 miles (308 km) distance in 3h 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
Distance 191 miles (308 km) |
Average train duration 3h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€26) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 50m |
First train 3:51 AM |
Last train 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express from Edinburgh to Chester trainsAvanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Edinburgh and Chester from $31 (€26). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
3h 50m
Cheapest Price
$31 (€26)
Avanti West Coast frequency
4 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
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
4h 35m
Cheapest Price
$48 (€40)
Transpennine Express frequency
4 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
Caledonian Sleeper
About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 12m
Cheapest Price
$127 (€104)
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 44m
Cheapest Price
$183 (€150)
TransPennine Express frequency
6 a day
FAQs: Trains from Edinburgh to Chester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Chester 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 Chester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Edinburgh to Chester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $31 (€26), while the average price is around $87 (€71).
The train from Edinburgh to Chester takes 3h 50m and runs 7 per day.
The first train from Edinburgh to Chester leaves at 3:51 AM.
The distance by train from Edinburgh to Chester is 191 miles (308 km).
The last train from Edinburgh to Chester leaves at 11:30 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Edinburgh to Chester.
There is no direct train service currently available from Edinburgh to Chester.
Yes, there is a night train from Edinburgh to Chester.
The train station in Edinburgh that goes to Chester is Edinburgh Waverley (EDB), which connects to Chester station (CTR).
The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Chester is by train, with a cost of around $31 (€26).
The train journey from Edinburgh to Chester offers scenic views, including the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, the picturesque coastline near Berwick-upon-Tweed, and the lush landscapes around the Lake District.
A day trip from Edinburgh to Chester is not feasible due to the journey time being 3h 50m. However, there are 7 trains per day for this route.
In Chester, you can explore Chester Zoo, one of the UK's largest zoos, and the Grosvenor Museum with its local history exhibits. Enjoy the scenic River Dee with a walk or boat trip. Visit Storyhouse for theatre, cinema, and library experiences. Discover military history at the Cheshire Military Museum. Don't miss Chester Cathedral's stunning architecture, the Chester Roman Amphitheatre, the medieval Chester City Walls, the iconic Eastgate Clock, and The Rows for unique shopping experiences.
To fully experience Chester, two to three days are ideal. This allows time to explore its historic attractions, such as the Roman walls, Chester Cathedral, and the historic Rows, as well as enjoy its shops and dining options.
Yes, you can take the train from Edinburgh to Chester.
Since neither Edinburgh nor Chester 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 Chester include Manchester, Liverpool, Shrewsbury, Crewe, Stockport.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Chester 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 Chester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center and near popular attractions. Be wary of unofficial taxi services and always use licensed taxis or pre-booked transportation. Scams involving overpriced goods or services can occur in busy tourist spots, so it's advisable to agree on prices beforehand and be vigilant when approached by street vendors.
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.
Most popular train connections from Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Chester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Chester and Edinburgh
Most popular train connections to Chester
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