- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum covering science, design, world cultures, and Scottish history in one major city-centre complex.
Cheapest price
$230
Average price
$230
Fastest journey
5 h 41 m
Average duration
5 h 41 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
530 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Heathrow Airport to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Heathrow Airport to Edinburgh will cost around $230 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $230.
It's difficult to get from London Heathrow Airport to Edinburgh without transferring at least 2 times.
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Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
C37658
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Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
C37658Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from London Heathrow Airport to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a flight costs an average of $84.
Distance: 329 miles (530 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$213 Average price | $242 Average price | $57 Average price Cheapest | $217 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 39m Average total duration Fastest 5h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 1m Average total duration 6h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 4m Average total duration 8h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 1m 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 London Heathrow Airport to Edinburgh:
A bus is $156 (€126) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Heathrow Airport to Edinburgh costing on average $213 (€172).
A bus is $185 (€149) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London Heathrow Airport to Edinburgh costing on average $242 (€196).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Flight takes on average 6h 1m.
Bus takes on average 8h 34m.
The journey is about 1h 52m faster (5h 9m by train vs 7h 1m by car) and roughly $4 (€3) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($213 (€172) vs $217 (€175)). 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 London Heathrow Airport to Edinburgh trains for today, Thursday, May 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:15 AM London Heathrow Airport | 5h55 | 1:10 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:32 AM London Heathrow Airport | 5h38 | 1:10 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:00 AM London Heathrow Airport | 5h39 | 1:39 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:32 AM London Heathrow Airport | 5h38 | 2:10 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:00 AM London Heathrow Airport | 5h39 | 2:39 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:02 AM London Heathrow Airport | 5h32 | 2:34 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:17 AM London Heathrow Airport | 5h22 | 2:39 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:17 PM London Heathrow Airport | 5h25 | 12:42 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 London Heathrow Airport to Edinburgh run on average 20 times per day, taking around 5h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $75 (€61) but you can travel from only $38 (€31) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 19:17. The fastest train covers the 329 miles (530 km) distance in 5h 21m.
Distance 329 miles (530 km) |
Average train duration 5h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 (€61) |
Trains per day 20 |
Fastest train 5h 21m |
First train 6:00 AM |
Last train 7:17 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 science, design, world cultures, and Scottish history in one major city-centre complex.
The national art collection in central Edinburgh, with major European paintings and an excellent Scottish art selection.
Striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of figures from Scottish history, culture, and public life.
The Old Town’s most famous historic street, linking Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse through dense medieval architecture.
Short, rewarding hill walk with some of Edinburgh’s best panoramic views, especially popular at sunrise and sunset.
The city’s most famous natural viewpoint, offering a memorable hike and sweeping views over Edinburgh and the coast.
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a savoury pudding of minced offal, oats, onion, and spices, usually served with mashed turnips and potatoes. It is strongly associated with Edinburgh and Burns Sup
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, often finished with milk or cream. It is a classic warming starter found in many Edinburgh pubs and restaurants.
A traditional double-crust meat pie, usually filled with spiced minced mutton or beef. It is a classic bakery and football-day snack across Scotland and remains a familiar local comfort food.
Well-known gastropub from Tom Kitchin, serving polished Scottish pub classics in a relaxed setting. A good choice for traditional dishes with high-quality ingredients.
Long-running local favourite serving modern Scottish dishes with local produce. Friendly, reliable, and popular with visitors seeking approachable regional food.
Historic, atmospheric restaurant near Edinburgh Castle, known for refined Scottish cuisine and a dramatic Gothic setting popular for special occasions.
Moderate by UK standards. Attractions and pubs add up, but transport and casual dining are manageable.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if not included. Pubs: not expected. Taxis: round up. Hotels: optional for helpful service.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Waverley -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Heathrow Airport 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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