- 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
$89
Average price
$196
Fastest journey
5 h 37 m
Average duration
5 h 40 m
Trains per day
48
Distance
484 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Oxford to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Oxford to Edinburgh will cost around $196 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $89.
It's difficult to get from Oxford to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
G00706 · G01069
G00710 · G01073
G00718 · G01082
G00738+
G80211
W35357+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
G80215
G00858+
W34286
G00851+
W33941
G00866+
W34290
G00847+
W34144
G00891+
W34291Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oxford to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 22m. 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 $35, and a train costs an average of $63.
Distance: 300 miles (484 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$156 Average price | $58 Average price Cheapest | $74 Average price | $190 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 46m Average total duration 6h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 44m Average total duration 10h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.9kg 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 Oxford to Edinburgh:
A bus is $15 (€12) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Oxford to Edinburgh costing on average $74 (€59).
A bus is $97 (€79) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Oxford to Edinburgh costing on average $156 (€126).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 16m.
Bus takes on average 10h 14m.
The journey is about 26m faster (6h 16m by train vs 6h 42m by car) and roughly $35 (€28) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($156 (€126) vs $190 (€154)). 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 Oxford 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00851+ W33941 | On time 8:40 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 5h39 | 2:19 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G00851+ W33941 | On time 8:40 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 5h39 | 2:19 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W35358+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80221 | On time 8:47 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 5h52 | 2:39 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G00739 · G01062 | On time 9:14 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 5h56 | 3:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G01000+ G15041+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80224 | On time 9:18 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 6h16 | 3:34 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 transfers | |
G15120+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80226 | On time 9:32 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 6h06 | 3:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G00855+ W33935+ W85182 | On time 9:40 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 5h56 | 3:36 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G01176+ W35117+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80226 | On time 9:43 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 5h55 | 3:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 transfers | |
G00698 · G01064 | On time 10:12 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 5h55 | 4:07 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G00858+ W34286 | On time 10:41 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 5h37 | 4:18 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G00701 · G01067 | On time 11:12 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 5h57 | 5:09 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G00701+ G80234 | On time 11:12 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 6h19 | 5:31 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, May 22 | |||||
V99785 · C48605+ G25677 | On time 12:10 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 9h47 | 9:57 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80199+ W34850 | 5:20 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 6h13 | 11:33 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80205+ W34851 | 6:00 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 6h30 | 12:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80205+ C48418 · W35431 | 6:04 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 6h26 | 12:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 transfers | |
G00847+ W34144 | 6:39 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 5h41 | 12:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80209+ W34853 | 6:48 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 5h51 | 12:39 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G00738 · G66987 | 7:15 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 5h55 | 1:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G00738+ G80211 | 7:15 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 6h17 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G00849 · G01060 | 7:39 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 6h31 | 2:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G00849+ C01369+ W85177 | 7:39 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 5h53 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80215+ W35357 | 7:53 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 5h45 | 1:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 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 Oxford to Edinburgh run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $63 (€50) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 03:46, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 300 miles (484 km) distance in 5h 36m.
Distance 300 miles (484 km) |
Average train duration 6h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $63 (€50) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 5h 36m |
First train 3:46 AM |
Last train 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 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 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
The train connection between Oxford and Edinburgh offers a convenient and scenic journey through the heart of England. Travelers can choose from several providers, including London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, and Cross Country. With frequent services available throughout the day, passengers can enjoy comfortable seating and onboard amenities while taking in picturesque views along the route. Whether you're heading to Scotland's capital for its rich history or vibrant culture, this rail link makes it easy to explore both cities seamlessly.
The train journey from Oxford to Edinburgh takes approximately 5 hours and 38 minutes, with a total of up to 10 connections per day. This route is not direct, requiring at least one transfer during the trip.
The first daily journey from Oxford to Edinburgh departs at 06:10 AM, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the scenic route. The last train of the day leaves at 09:32 PM, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their day in either city before returning.
The cheapest ticket price for a train journey between Oxford and Edinburgh is €104. The average ticket price tends to be around €128, providing travelers with options depending on their budget and booking time.
Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century and served as a royal residence and military stronghold. Its significance lies in being one of Scotland's most iconic symbols, representing national pride and resilience through centuries of conflict. Unique features include the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs, and breathtaking panoramic views over Edinburgh that leave visitors awestruck.
Holyrood Palace is not only an official residence for the British monarch but also steeped in tales from Scotland’s turbulent past; it was once home to Mary Queen of Scots. The palace holds great significance as a site where history unfolded—its grand architecture reflects both regal elegance and historical drama. Visitors are captivated by its stunning gardens and opulent state apartments that transport them back to royal times.
Arthur's Seat offers more than just natural beauty; this ancient volcano stands as a testament to Edinburgh’s geological history while providing hikers with sweeping vistas across the cityscape. Its significance stems from its role as part of Holyrood Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and its connection to local legends surrounding King Arthur himself. What makes Arthur's Seat truly unique is how easily accessible it is for all ages yet still feels like an escape into nature amidst urban life.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Oxford 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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