- Must visit
National Railway Museum
Major railway museum with iconic locomotives, royal trains, and engineering exhibits. One of Britain's best family-friendly museums.
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$84
Fastest journey
2 h 14 m
Average duration
2 h 14 m
Trains per day
49
Distance
260 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to York is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to York will cost around $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Of the 49 trains that leave Edinburgh for York on Fri, Jul 31, 44 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct trains cover the 260 km distance in an average of 2 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 14 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest trains will take 2 h 14 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.
G01170
G00842
C01988
C02070
W85796 · C24979
G08180
G08186
G80049
G80061
G80055Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to York among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 36m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $30, and a bus costs an average of $30.
Distance: 161 miles (260 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$60 Average price Cheapest | $62 Average price | $113 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 6m Average total duration Fastest 2h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration 5h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 York:
A train is $3 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Edinburgh to York costing on average $62.
Other travel options to York take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 6m.
The journey is about 1h 36m faster (2h 36m by train vs 4h 12m by car) and roughly $53 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($60 vs $113). 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.
Direct services run with London North Eastern Railway, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country.
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 York trains for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G08186 | 9:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h14 | 11:14 AM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01148 | On time 9:05 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h34 | 11:39 AM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85785 · G15907 | On time 9:08 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h53 | 12:01 PM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
C02006 | On time 9:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h22 | 11:52 AM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80049 | On time 10:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h14 | 12:14 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29884 | On time 10:05 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h34 | 12:39 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85787 · G15922 | On time 10:08 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h53 | 1:01 PM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
C01942 | On time 10:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h22 | 12:52 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80055 | On time 11:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h14 | 1:14 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01153 | 11:04 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h35 | 1:39 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02029 | On time 11:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h22 | 1:52 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80061 | On time 12:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h14 | 2:14 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01154 | 12:05 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h34 | 2:39 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85790 · C24965 | On time 12:08 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h54 | 3:02 PM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
C02007 | On time 12:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h23 | 2:53 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80067 | On time 1:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h14 | 3:14 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01161 | On time 1:05 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h34 | 3:39 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02014 | On time 1:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h22 | 3:52 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80073 | 2:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h14 | 4:14 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29909 | On time 2:04 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h34 | 4:38 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85793 · C24972 | On time 2:08 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h53 | 5:01 PM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
C02046 | On time 2:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h22 | 4:52 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80080 | On time 3:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h14 | 5:14 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01166 | On time 3:04 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h35 | 5:39 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01988 | 3:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h22 | 5:52 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02070 | 4:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h14 | 6:14 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01169 | On time 4:05 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h35 | 6:40 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85796 · C24979 | On time 4:08 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h53 | 7:01 PM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
W84923 · G16001 | 4:11 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h25 | 9:36 PM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
C02066 | On time 4:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h22 | 6:52 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80091 | On time 5:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h14 | 7:14 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01170 | On time 5:04 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h35 | 7:39 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01989 | 5:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h22 | 7:52 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80097 | On time 6:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h15 | 8:15 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00842 | On time 6:04 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h33 | 8:37 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W84928 · C24655 | On time 6:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h42 | 11:54 PM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
W84928 · C24655 | On time 6:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h42 | 11:54 PM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
C02062 | On time 6:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h32 | 9:02 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02033 | 7:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h27 | 9:27 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02017 | On time 7:25 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h35 | 10:00 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02056 | On time 8:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h36 | 10:56 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01960 | On time 9:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h59 | 11:59 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
G08170 | 5:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h16 | 7:53 AM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01968 | 5:50 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h38 | 8:28 AM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29862 | 6:02 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h36 | 8:38 AM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W84896 · C24590 | 6:12 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h24 | 11:36 AM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
C02042 | 6:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h22 | 8:52 AM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G08175 | 7:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h14 | 9:14 AM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29868 | 7:03 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h35 | 9:38 AM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02002 | 7:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h22 | 9:52 AM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G08180 | 8:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h14 | 10:14 AM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29873 | 8:08 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h30 | 10:38 AM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02015 | 8:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h23 | 10:53 AM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 York run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $30 if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:25, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 161 miles (260 km) distance in 2h 14m.
Distance 161 miles (260 km) |
Average train duration 2h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 2h 14m |
First train 12:25 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of York — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect York trip today.
Major railway museum with iconic locomotives, royal trains, and engineering exhibits. One of Britain's best family-friendly museums.
Immersive walk-through museum recreating Victorian streets, shops, and homes. Brilliant for understanding everyday life in historic York.
York's main city museum with archaeology, Roman finds, and local history. Set in beautiful gardens beside abbey ruins.
Narrow medieval street with overhanging timber-framed buildings and many independent shops. York's most famous and atmospheric lane.
Peaceful riverside gardens with abbey ruins, museum access, and lawns. Ideal for a scenic break amid York's historic core.
Grand civic street lined with historic buildings, gardens, and cultural sites. A key route for exploring the heart of York.
Yorkshire pudding is a baked batter pudding served with roast beef and gravy, iconic across Yorkshire and a staple of the traditional Sunday roast.
York ham is a prized cured ham from the city, traditionally mild, tender, and often served thick-cut in sandwiches, salads, or classic British meals.
Parkin is a sticky ginger cake made with oats and treacle, strongly linked to Yorkshire and especially eaten around Bonfire Night.
Michelin-starred fine dining by Tommy Banks, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant city-centre setting.
Beloved tearoom serving York rarebit, afternoon tea, and the famous fat rascal in an old-fashioned, bustling setting.
Long-established seafood restaurant known for very fresh fish, shellfish, and a smart but relaxed dining room in central York.
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller towns, but transit is limited and many sights are walkable.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
York Railway Station -> York Minster, York
The train connection between Edinburgh and York offers a convenient and scenic journey through the heart of England. Passengers can choose from several providers, including London North Eastern Railway, Cross Country, and Transpennine Express. With frequent services available throughout the day, travelers can enjoy comfortable seating and stunning views as they traverse this picturesque route. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, these trains provide an efficient way to explore two cities rich in history and culture.
Traveling from Edinburgh to York takes approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes. There are a total of 25 connections available each day, all of which are direct services. Passengers will depart from either Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket stations and arrive at York station.
The first daily train journey from Edinburgh departs at 04:48, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore. The last departure of the day is scheduled for 20:00, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their evening in York before returning.
The cheapest ticket price for a train from Edinburgh to York is €35, while the average ticket price tends to be around €63.
Welcome to York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. Its history dates back to the 7th century, and it stands as a testament to centuries of architectural innovation and religious significance for both locals and visitors alike. What makes this landmark truly unique are its stunning stained glass windows, including the Great East Window, which is considered one of the finest examples of medieval art.
As we stroll through The Shambles, you'll find yourself transported back in time along this charming medieval street lined with timber-framed buildings that date from the 14th century. Once a bustling marketplace for butchers selling their wares, today it captivates tourists with its quaint shops and cafes while retaining an enchanting atmosphere steeped in history. One distinctive feature you’ll notice is how some buildings lean toward each other across narrow lanes—an iconic sight that adds character to this picturesque area.
Finally, we arrive at Clifford's Tower—a remarkable structure that has witnessed over 1,000 years of York’s tumultuous past. Originally built by William the Conqueror as part of his castle complex in 1068, it served various roles throughout history including a royal mint and prison before becoming a symbol of resilience against adversity. Climbing up to enjoy panoramic views from its summit offers not only breathtaking scenery but also insight into why this tower remains such an important historical landmark within our cityscape.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to York 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 York, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Edinburgh to York trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to York station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and York 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.
Slateford is 4 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Slateford has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Slateford.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, 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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Slateford: Parking.
Available at Slateford: Bike Parking.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, 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