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
$244
Average price
$271
Fastest journey
4 h 16 m
Average duration
4 h 25 m
Trains per day
12
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 $271 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $244.
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Ely without transferring at least once.
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Omio 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 train with prices starting from $71. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $71, and a flight costs an average of $42.
Distance: 282 miles (454 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$96 Average price Cheapest | $133 Average price | $98 Average price | $119 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 9m Average total duration 5h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 43m Average total duration 15h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Ely:
A train is $2 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Edinburgh to Ely costing on average $98 (€80).
A train is $38 (€31) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Ely costing on average $133 (€108).
Other travel options to Ely take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 39m.
Bus takes on average 15h 13m.
The journey is about 1h 7m faster (5h 39m by train vs 6h 46m by car) and roughly $23 (€19) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($96 (€78) vs $119 (€97)). 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 Ely trains for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:30 AM Edinburgh | 4h49 | 12:19 PM Ely | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:30 AM Edinburgh | 4h49 | 1:19 PM Ely | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:30 AM Edinburgh | 4h49 | 2:19 PM Ely | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 10:00 AM Edinburgh | 5h19 | 3:19 PM Ely | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 10:30 AM Edinburgh | 4h16 | 2:46 PM Ely | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:00 AM Edinburgh | 5h19 | 4:19 PM Ely | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 11:30 AM Edinburgh | 4h16 | 3:46 PM Ely | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:31 PM Edinburgh | 4h21 | 4:52 PM Ely | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 1:00 PM Edinburgh | 5h19 | 6:19 PM Ely | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 1:30 PM Edinburgh | 4h26 | 5:56 PM Ely | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:30 PM Edinburgh | 4h47 | 7:17 PM Ely | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 3:00 PM Edinburgh | 5h17 | 8:17 PM Ely | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 3:30 PM Edinburgh | 4h22 | 7:52 PM Ely | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:30 PM Edinburgh | 4h17 | 8:47 PM Ely | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:00 PM Edinburgh | 5h15 | 10:15 PM Ely | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 5:30 PM Edinburgh | 4h16 | 9:46 PM Ely | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:20 PM Edinburgh | 10h43 | 7:03 AM Ely | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:00 PM Edinburgh | 12h19 | 9:19 AM Ely | 2 transfers | |
| Tuesday, August 4 | |||||
![]() | 6:30 AM Edinburgh | 4h49 | 11:19 AM Ely | 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 Ely run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $71 (€58) but you can travel from only $42 (€34) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 19:18. The fastest train covers the 282 miles (454 km) distance in 4h 49m.
Distance 282 miles (454 km) |
Average train duration 5h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $71 (€58) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 49m |
First train 4:55 AM |
Last train 7:18 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 56 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need