- 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 23
$13
Average ticket price on Sep 23
$18
Fastest journey on Sep 23
46 m
Average journey duration on Sep 23
56 m
Trains on Sep 23
13
Distance
53 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Motherwell to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Motherwell to Edinburgh will cost around $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $13.
On Wed, Sep 23, we found 13 trains from Motherwell to Edinburgh, including 6 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 23 the direct trains cover the 53 km distance in an average of 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 46 m .
On Wed, Sep 23 the slowest trains will take 1 h 7 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.
C14939 · W84203
L88554 · L88238
G01148
W29873
L88537 · W84266
W29873
G01148
L87093
L87095
C15596Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Motherwell to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $7 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 1h 26m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, while a train costs an average of $20.
Distance: 32 miles (53 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$20 Average price | $7 Average price Cheapest | $57 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 40m Average total duration 1h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 26m Average total duration Fastest 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Motherwell to Edinburgh:
A bus is $13 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Motherwell to Edinburgh costing on average $20.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 10m.
Tickets start at around $20 compared to roughly $57 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $37. The journey takes 1h 10m versus 1h 2m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with CrossCountry, Scotrail.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Motherwell to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C15588 | 5:48 AM Motherwell station (MTH) | 1h19 | 7:07 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L88462 · W84226 | 6:16 AM Motherwell station (MTH) | 1h15 | 7:31 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W29873 | 7:06 AM Motherwell station (MTH) | 0h46 | 7:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C15596 | 7:21 AM Motherwell station (MTH) | 1h07 | 8:28 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01148 | 8:04 AM Motherwell station (MTH) | 0h52 | 8:56 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L88537 · W84266 | 8:19 AM Motherwell station (MTH) | 1h30 | 9:49 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
L88554 · L88238 | 8:47 AM Motherwell station (MTH) | 1h24 | 10:11 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C14939 · W84203 | 9:17 AM Motherwell station (MTH) | 1h27 | 10:44 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
L87093 | 10:05 AM Motherwell station (MTH) | 0h55 | 11:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C14943 · L88247 | 10:48 AM Motherwell station (MTH) | 1h14 | 12:02 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
L87095 | 12:02 PM Motherwell station (MTH) | 0h59 | 1:01 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L88690 · W84189 | 12:17 PM Motherwell station (MTH) | 1h27 | 1:44 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street+ L87945+ W85170 | 12:23 PM Motherwell station (MTH) | 1h40 | 2:03 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
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 Motherwell to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $13 but you can travel from only $5 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:33, the last at 23:27. The fastest train covers the 32 miles (53 km) distance in 43m.
Distance 32 miles (53 km) |
Average train duration 1h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 43m |
First train 5:33 AM |
Last train 11:27 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Motherwell 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 Motherwell to Edinburgh trains use the Motherwell to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Motherwell and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Motherwell has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Motherwell.
Wi-Fi is available at Motherwell.
Ticket office support is available at Motherwell. 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 Motherwell: Parking.
Available at Motherwell: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Motherwell: 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 Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 3, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Airbles has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Airbles.
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 Airbles: Parking.
Available at Airbles: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Airbles: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B station. Accessible to all platforms - ramps to both platforms and connecting roadbridge between platforms, 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: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, 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.
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