- Must visit
Grosvenor Museum
An award-winning medical history attraction exploring disease, cures, and public health in a playful way. It is unusual, family-friendly, and increasingly popular.
Cheapest price on Sep 01
$85
Average ticket price on Sep 01
$120
Fastest journey on Sep 01
3 h 49 m
Average journey duration on Sep 01
3 h 50 m
Trains on Sep 01
6
Distance
308 km
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 $120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Chester without transferring at least once.
W33933+
G38629
W34124+
G38639
W34060+
G38635
W84912+
W34063+
G89102
W84901+
W34039+
G89086
W84912+
W34063+
G89102
W84901+
W34039+
G89086
W84907+
W33973+
G89095
W34060+
G38635
W33933+
G38629Omio 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 train, with an average ticket price of $63 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 14m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $63, while a bus costs an average of $76.
Distance: 191 miles (308 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$63 Average price Cheapest | $76 Average price | $76 Average price | $129 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 19m Average total duration 3h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 17h 21m Average total duration 16h 51m 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Chester:
A train is $13 (€10) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Chester costing on average $76 (€61).
A train is $13 (€10) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Edinburgh to Chester costing on average $76 (€61).
Other travel options to Chester take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 49m.
Bus takes on average 16h 51m.
The journey is about 50m faster (3h 49m by train vs 4h 39m by car) and roughly $66 (€53) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($63 (€51) vs $129 (€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.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Chester trains for today, Monday, August 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33933+ G38629 | Delayed 7:52 AM 8:52 AMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 11:45 AM 11:45 AMChester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
W33933+ G38409 | Delayed 7:52 AM 8:52 AMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h57 | 11:54 AM 11:54 AMChester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
W33861+ G38652 | On time 6:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 10:44 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
W34026+ G38424+ L88274 · L87092 | Delayed 7:21 PM 7:00 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h52 | 11:52 PM Chester station (CTR) | 3 transfers | |
W84877+ G38427 | On time 8:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h34 | 12:46 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
W84901+ W34039+ G89086 | 8:12 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h49 | 12:01 PM Chester station (CTR) | 2 transfers | |
W33933+ G38629 | 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 12:44 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
W84907+ W33973+ G89095 | 10:11 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h50 | 2:01 PM Chester station (CTR) | 2 transfers | |
W34060+ G38635 | On time 10:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 2:44 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
W84912+ W34063+ G89102 | 12:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h49 | 4:01 PM Chester station (CTR) | 2 transfers | |
W34124+ G38639 | On time 12:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 4:44 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
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 Chester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) 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 17m.
Distance 191 miles (308 km) |
Average train duration 3h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€19) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 17m |
First train 3:51 AM |
Last train 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Chester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chester trip today.
An award-winning medical history attraction exploring disease, cures, and public health in a playful way. It is unusual, family-friendly, and increasingly popular.
A major museum on Roman Chester with archaeology, reconstructed rooms, and hands-on displays. It is the best place to understand the city’s ancient roots.
A richly furnished Georgian townhouse showing domestic life across centuries. Costumed interpretation and period interiors make it engaging and memorable.
A wide green expanse by the River Dee, popular for walks, picnics, and events. It offers classic views of the water and easy access to central sights.
A scenic trail following the old city defences with frequent viewpoints and easy access to landmarks. It is one of the best ways to see Chester efficiently.
One of Chester’s main shopping streets, lined with historic buildings and Rows. It captures the city’s distinctive mix of heritage and everyday life.
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and spice, long linked to Chester and nearby Cheshire baking traditions.
Crumbly, creamy cow's milk cheese from Cheshire, one of England's oldest named cheeses and a staple of local farming.
Traditional Cheshire cheese melted with beer, mustard and seasoning on toast; a classic pub and supper dish in the region.
Established city-centre bistro serving modern British food with local produce in a relaxed, smart setting.
Popular independent restaurant focused on seasonal small plates, natural wines and creative modern cooking.
Refined fine dining by chef Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor, known for polished tasting menus and formal service.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining cost less than London, but tourist areas raise prices. Buses are reasonable; central sights are walkable.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% at restaurants for good service. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Chester Railway Station -> Chester City Centre
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.

Most Edinburgh to Chester trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Chester station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Chester 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.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, 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: No.
Edinburgh Gateway is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Gateway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh Gateway. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Parking, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Gateway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 4, 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.
Chester is 1 km from Chester city centre. Public transport options include:
Chester has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Chester.
ATMs are available at Chester.
Ticket office support is available at Chester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Chester: Parking, WC.
Available at Chester: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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.
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