- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€59
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€81
Fastest journey on Sep 19
6 h 16 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
6 h 19 m
Trains on Sep 19
12
Distance
454 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ely to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ely to Edinburgh will cost around €81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €59.
It's difficult to get from Ely to Edinburgh without transferring at least 2 times.
G80248 · G80249+
P01506
G80200 · G80202+
P76007
C04451+
G80204 · G80207
C04462+
G80230 · G80233
C04473+
G80252 · G80255
C01937 · G80214+
P01498
G80236 · G80239+
P01503
G80200 · G80202+
P76007
G80222 · G80227+
P01501
C04451+
G80204 · G80207Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ely to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €102 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 48m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €102, while a flight costs an average of €229.
Distance: 282 miles (454 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€102 Average price Cheapest | €229 Average price | €107 Average price | €133 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 48m Average total duration 4h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 48m Average total duration Fastest 1h 48m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 13h 22m Average total duration 12h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Ely to Edinburgh:
A train is €6 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Ely to Edinburgh costing on average €107.
A train is €127 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ely to Edinburgh costing on average €229.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 18m.
Bus takes on average 12h 52m.
The journey is about 1h 56m faster (4h 18m by train vs 6h 14m by car) and roughly €31 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (€102 vs €133). 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 Ely to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00951+ C01972 · C01953 | 5:30 AM Ely station (ELY) | 6h34 | 12:04 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80200 · G80202+ P76007 | 6:59 AM Ely station (ELY) | 6h17 | 1:16 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80204 · G80207+ C04451 | 7:45 AM Ely station (ELY) | 6h28 | 2:13 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
C01937 · G80214+ P01498 | 9:00 AM Ely station (ELY) | 6h16 | 3:16 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80218 · G80219+ C04457 | 9:48 AM Ely station (ELY) | 6h37 | 4:25 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80222 · G80227+ P01501 | 11:00 AM Ely station (ELY) | 6h17 | 5:17 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80230 · G80233+ C04462 | 11:48 AM Ely station (ELY) | 6h29 | 6:17 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80236 · G80239+ P01503 | 1:00 PM Ely station (ELY) | 6h16 | 7:16 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80240 · G80243+ C21594 | 1:48 PM Ely station (ELY) | 6h37 | 8:25 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80248 · G80249+ P01506 | 3:00 PM Ely station (ELY) | 6h38 | 9:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80252 · G80255+ C04473 | 3:48 PM Ely station (ELY) | 6h31 | 10:19 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G00979+ G80145 · G80262 | 4:15 PM Ely station (ELY) | 6h56 | 11:11 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
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 Ely to Edinburgh run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €83 but you can travel from only €41 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:48, the last at 19:17. The fastest train covers the 282 miles (454 km) distance in 4h 8m.
Distance 282 miles (454 km) |
Average train duration 4h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price €83 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 8m |
First train 5:48 AM |
Last train 7:17 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.
Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.
Historic spine of the Old Town linking the castle and palace, lined with closes, landmarks, performers, shops, and layered city history.
Elegant shopping boulevard in the New Town with castle views, gardens below, major monuments, and strong access to central attractions.
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park climbed for sweeping city views, sunrise walks, and one of Edinburgh's most memorable outdoor experiences.
A rich savoury pudding of sheep offal, oats, suet, onion and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. Scotland’s national dish and central to Burns Suppers.
Mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This classic Scottish side is a staple of traditional Edinburgh meals.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions in milk or cream. Strongly linked to Scotland’s fishing heritage and widely loved in Edinburgh.
Refined Scottish fine dining in the Balmoral Hotel, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
Historic oyster bar and restaurant serving Scottish seafood, shellfish and game in a lively, classic Victorian dining room.
Celebrated modern Scottish restaurant focused on local produce, creative small plates and a relaxed but high-quality neighbourhood feel.
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels surge in festival season, dining is mid-to-high, and transit is reasonable but not especially cheap for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ely to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ely to Edinburgh trains use the Ely to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Ely and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
South Gyle is 6 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
South Gyle has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at South Gyle.
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 South Gyle: Parking.
Available at South Gyle: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at South Gyle: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B station. Ramps to both platforms and roadbridge connecting both platforms Blue Badge parking bays: 1, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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