- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum covering history, science, design and world cultures in a landmark Victorian building. A top all-round visit in the city.
Cheapest price
$137
Average price
$190
Fastest journey
4 h 47 m
Average duration
5 h 5 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
392 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Edinburgh will cost around $190 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $137.
It's difficult to get from Leicester to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
G00801+
G80199
G00803+
G80205
C21767+
G89685+
G80205
C21774+
G00703+
G80199
W70940+
G01055
C21767+
G89685+
G80205
C21774+
G00703+
G80199
W70940+
G01055
G00803+
G80205
G00801+
G80199Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a train costs an average of $41.
Distance: 243 miles (392 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$115 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $62 Average price | $145 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 11m Average total duration 4h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 52m Average total duration 8h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration Fastest 1h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Leicester to Edinburgh:
A bus is $21 (€17) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Leicester to Edinburgh costing on average $62 (€51).
A bus is $74 (€60) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to Edinburgh costing on average $115 (€93).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 41m.
Bus takes on average 8h 22m.
The journey is about 59m faster (4h 41m by train vs 5h 40m by car) and roughly $29 (€24) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($115 (€93) vs $145 (€117)). 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 Leicester to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00801+ G80199 | 6:15 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 5h18 | 11:33 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C21774+ G00703+ G80199 | 6:37 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 4h56 | 11:33 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
W70940+ G01055 | 7:06 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 5h06 | 12:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G00803+ G80205 | 7:13 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 5h17 | 12:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C21767+ G89685+ G80205 | 7:43 AM Leicester station (LEI) | 4h47 | 12:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers |
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 Leicester to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $41 (€33) but you can travel from only $23 (€18) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:37, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 243 miles (392 km) distance in 4h 23m.
Distance 243 miles (392 km) |
Average train duration 4h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€33) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 23m |
First train 5:37 AM |
Last train 11:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 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 covering history, science, design and world cultures in a landmark Victorian building. A top all-round visit in the city.
Major national art gallery on The Mound with Scottish and European masterpieces. Central, elegant and one of Edinburgh’s classic cultural stops.
Striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of figures from Scottish history and culture. Well regarded for both the collection and the building itself.
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, courtyards, shops and major sights.
One of Edinburgh’s essential viewpoints, especially popular for sunrise and sunset photography. Famous for sweeping views over the city and Arthur’s Seat.
Ancient volcanic peak in Holyrood Park with the city’s most famous hike and outstanding panoramic views. A classic outdoor Edinburgh experience.
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a peppery savoury pudding traditionally made with oats and offal, served with mashed turnips and potatoes. It is strongly associated with Edinburgh and Burns supps
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Though from Cullen, it is a classic on Edinburgh menus and a comforting local staple
A traditional hearty soup of barley, root vegetables and usually lamb or mutton. It is a long-standing Scottish comfort food commonly found in pubs and cafes
A polished gastropub from Tom Kitchin, known for refined Scottish pub classics, seasonal produce and a warm neighbourhood atmosphere
A long-established seafood restaurant popular for Scottish mussels, fish dishes and a relaxed city-centre setting
A respected upscale seafood restaurant focused on high-quality Scottish fish and shellfish in an elegant contemporary space
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities, especially for hotels and dining in the centre during peak season.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Rounding up is common in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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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