- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum covering science, world cultures, design, fashion, and Scottish history in one major city-centre complex.
Cheapest price
$107
Average price
$161
Fastest journey
5 h 25 m
Average duration
5 h 27 m
Trains per day
48
Distance
505 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Stansted 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 Stansted Airport to Edinburgh will cost around $161 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $107.
It's difficult to get from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh without transferring at least 2 times.
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Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Kings Cross+
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Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Kings Cross+
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Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Kings Cross+
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Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Kings Cross+
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Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Kings Cross
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Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Kings Cross
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Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Kings Cross+
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Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Kings Cross
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Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Kings Cross+
G80273Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $44, and a train costs an average of $57.
Distance: 313 miles (505 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$121 Average price | $89 Average price | $70 Average price Cheapest | $171 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 6m Average total duration 5h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 53m Average total duration 11h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 51m 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 Stansted Airport to Edinburgh:
A bus is $19 (€16) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh costing on average $89 (€73).
A bus is $51 (€42) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh costing on average $121 (€100).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 36m.
Bus takes on average 11h 23m.
The journey is about 1h 15m faster (5h 36m by train vs 6h 51m by car) and roughly $50 (€41) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($121 (€100) vs $171 (€140)). 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 Stansted Airport to Edinburgh trains for today, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G80215+ Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Kings Cross+ P66175 | Delayed 8:30 AM 8:09 AMStansted Airport (SSD) | 5h29 | 1:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G00959+ G80216 | On time 8:28 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 5h59 | 2:27 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G00959 · G01060+ G08088 · C02036 | On time 8:28 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 5h42 | 2:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 transfers | |
G80216+ Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Kings Cross+ P66199 | Delayed 9:03 AM 8:41 AMStansted Airport (SSD) | 5h46 | 2:27 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80221+ P66222+ Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Kings Cross | Delayed 9:30 AM 9:11 AMStansted Airport (SSD) | 5h28 | 2:39 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G00960 · G00739 · G01062+ G08095 | On time 9:25 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 5h45 | 3:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 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 London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $57 (€47) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 07:09, the last at 18:57. The fastest train covers the 313 miles (505 km) distance in 5h 28m.
Distance 313 miles (505 km) |
Average train duration 5h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 (€47) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 5h 28m |
First train 7:09 AM |
Last train 6:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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, world cultures, design, fashion, and Scottish history in one major city-centre complex.
The principal national art gallery in central Edinburgh, known for Scottish and European masterpieces and an easy-to-visit Princes Street Gardens setting.
A striking neo-Gothic gallery dedicated to portraits of figures from Scottish history, with strong permanent displays and temporary exhibitions.
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street, linking the castle and Holyrood, lined with closes, monuments, museums, and major visitor sights.
One of Edinburgh’s essential viewpoints, known for sunrise and sunset city panoramas and its concentration of monuments.
A curving, colorful Old Town street that is heavily photographed and widely associated with Edinburgh’s most social-media-friendly streetscape.
Scotland’s national dish made from minced offal, oats, suet, and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. It is closely associated with Edinburgh and Burns Night suppers.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, often finished with milk or cream. It is a classic warming dish found in many Edinburgh pubs and restaurants.
A small double-crust meat pie, usually filled with seasoned minced lamb or mutton. It is a traditional Scottish snack commonly found in bakeries and football kiosks.
A long-established local favourite serving modern Scottish dishes with local produce in a relaxed setting. Popular for haggis, seafood, and dependable service.
A well-known gastropub by Tom Kitchin offering refined Scottish pub food in a warm neighbourhood atmosphere. Good for elevated classics and seasonal ingredients.
A reliable city-centre seafood restaurant known for Scottish mussels, oysters, and fish dishes. Casual and lively, it is a strong choice for local coastal flavours.
Edinburgh is pricey by UK standards, especially in August. Dining and hotels cost more than in many other British cities.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for pubs or takeaway, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Stansted 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.

Most London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh trains use the London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare London Stansted Airport and Edinburgh 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need