Cambridgeshire Clanger
Cambridgeshire clanger is a baked suet pastry with savoury filling at one end and sweet jam or fruit at the other, created as a portable farm worker meal.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$125
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$138
Fastest journey on Sep 18
4 h 26 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
4 h 42 m
Trains on Sep 18
11
Distance
454 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Ely is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Ely will cost around $138 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $125.
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Ely without transferring at least once.
C02006+
C04354
C02029+
C04359
C01942+
C04357
G80049 · L01631+
G00814
G80073 · L01636+
G00826
C02014+
G00824
G08180 · L01628+
G00808
G80049 · L01631+
G00814
G08186+
G01184+
G07981+
G00812
G80055+
W29935+
G07995+
G00818Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Ely among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $105 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 41m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $105, while a train costs an average of $133.
Distance: 282 miles (454 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$133 Average price | $105 Average price Cheapest | $120 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 41m Average total duration Fastest 4h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 22m Average total duration 11h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Ely:
A bus is $28 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Ely costing on average $133 (€109).
A bus is $205 (€168) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Ely costing on average $310 (€254).
Other travel options to Ely take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 11m.
Bus takes on average 11h 52m.
You'll arrive about 2h 35m sooner (4h 11m by train vs 6h 46m by car). Tickets start at around $133 (€109) compared to roughly $120 (€98) 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.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Ely trains for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G80049 · L01631+ G00814 | On time 10:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h46 | 2:46 PM Ely station (ELY) | 2 transfers | |
C01942+ C04357 | On time 10:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h49 | 3:19 PM Ely station (ELY) | 1 transfer | |
G80055 · C01959 · G07995+ G00818 | On time 11:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h46 | 3:46 PM Ely station (ELY) | 3 transfers | |
C02029+ C04359 | On time 11:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h49 | 4:19 PM Ely station (ELY) | 1 transfer | |
G80061 · C01918+ G00821 | On time 12:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h52 | 4:52 PM Ely station (ELY) | 2 transfers | |
C02014+ G00824 | On time 1:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h26 | 5:56 PM Ely station (ELY) | 1 transfer | |
G80073 · L01636+ G00826 | On time 2:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h48 | 6:48 PM Ely station (ELY) | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
G08180 · L01628+ G00808 | 8:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h45 | 12:45 PM Ely station (ELY) | 2 transfers | |
C02015+ C04350 | 8:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h49 | 1:19 PM Ely station (ELY) | 1 transfer | |
G08186 · G07981+ G01184 · G00812 | 9:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h46 | 1:46 PM Ely station (ELY) | 3 transfers | |
C02006+ C04354 | 9:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h49 | 2:19 PM Ely station (ELY) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Ely run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $133 (€109) but you can travel from only $91 (€75) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 19:18. The fastest train covers the 282 miles (454 km) distance in 4h 11m.
Distance 282 miles (454 km) |
Average train duration 4h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $133 (€109) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 11m |
First train 4:55 AM |
Last train 7:18 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Ely — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ely trip today.
Cambridgeshire clanger is a baked suet pastry with savoury filling at one end and sweet jam or fruit at the other, created as a portable farm worker meal.
Ely plum bread is a lightly spiced fruit loaf long linked with nearby cathedral city baking traditions, usually sliced and served with butter.
Fenland celery is a historic local crop from the rich peat soils around Ely, prized for its crisp texture and strong flavour in salads and soups.
Well-regarded independent restaurant and deli focused on seasonal British ingredients, small plates and a cosy neighbourhood feel.
Riverside brasserie at Poets House known for polished British dishes, cocktails and a smart yet relaxed setting near Ely Cathedral.
Popular waterside pub on the Great Ouse serving hearty pub meals, fish dishes and drinks with relaxed marina views.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be limited and pricier in peak periods, but dining and local transport are usually manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a service charge; if not, 10-12.5% is typical for good service. Taxi fares are usually rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Ely Railway Station -> Ely City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Ely 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 Ely, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Edinburgh to Ely trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Ely station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Ely 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.
Ely has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ely.
Wi-Fi is available at Ely.
Ticket office support is available at Ely. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ely: Parking, WC.
Available at Ely: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ely: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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.
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