- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum with major collections in science, design, world cultures, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$23
Fastest journey
1 h 37 m
Average duration
1 h 46 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
56 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hamilton to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hamilton to Edinburgh will cost around $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Of the 3 trains that leave Hamilton for Edinburgh on Thu, Jun 25, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 25 the direct trains cover the 56 km distance in an average of 1 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 37 m .
On Thu, Jun 25 the slowest trains will take 1 h 54 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hamilton to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $5. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $5, and a train costs an average of $19.
Distance: 34 miles (56 km)
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$21 Average price | $6 Average price Cheapest |
1h 35m Average total duration 1h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 31m Average total duration Fastest 1h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Hamilton to Edinburgh:
A bus is $16 (€13) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Hamilton to Edinburgh costing on average $21 (€18).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 5m.
The table below shows live departures for Hamilton to Edinburgh trains for today, Wednesday, June 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:54 PM Hamilton | 2h00 | 9:54 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, June 25 | |||||
![]() | 8:23 AM Hamilton | 1h37 | 10:00 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:45 AM Hamilton | 1h54 | 10:39 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:56 AM Hamilton | 1h48 | 10:44 AM Edinburgh | 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 Hamilton to Edinburgh run on average 14 times per day, taking around 1h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 (€15) but you can travel from only $5 (€4) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:33, the last at 22:26. The fastest train covers the 34 miles (56 km) distance in 1h 24m.
Distance 34 miles (56 km) |
Average train duration 1h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€15) |
Trains per day 14 |
Fastest train 1h 24m |
First train 5:33 AM |
Last train 10:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 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 with major collections in science, design, world cultures, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.
The principal fine art gallery in central Edinburgh, known for Scottish and European masterpieces in a prime Princes Street Gardens setting.
A landmark portrait gallery celebrating Scotland’s people through art, photography, and decorative interiors in a striking neo-Gothic building.
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street, linking the castle and Holyroodhouse through closes, shops, courtyards, and major landmarks.
One of the city’s best viewpoints, known for sunrise and sunset photos, monuments, and broad views over Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.
The city’s famous volcanic peak in Holyrood Park, offering one of the best outdoor walks and panoramic views in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of minced offal, oats, onion, and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. It is strongly associated with Edinburgh and Burns Night suppers.
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. Though originating in the northeast, it is a classic dish widely served in Edinburgh.
A small double-crust meat pie, usually filled with spiced minced lamb or mutton. It is a traditional Scottish bakery staple and a common quick bite in Edinburgh.
Long-established Edinburgh favourite serving modern Scottish dishes in a warm, relaxed setting. Good choice for haggis, seafood, and seasonal local produce.
Well-known gastropub by celebrated local chefs, offering refined Scottish pub food and a polished but comfortable atmosphere in Stockbridge.
Established seafood restaurant known for high-quality Scottish fish and shellfish, with a smart city-centre setting suited to a more upscale meal.
Costs are high by UK standards, especially for central hotels. Pubs and casual dining are manageable, but attractions and festival periods raise overall daily spend.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not already included. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not usually expected for counter service, pubs, or coffee shops, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hamilton 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.

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