- 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
$164
Average price
$240
Fastest journey
5 h 29 m
Average duration
5 h 51 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
521 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Edinburgh will cost around $240 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $164.
It's difficult to get from Reading to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
G80220+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
C06050
G80217+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
C00668
G80223+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
W35373
G80225+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
C01231
W33373+
G00860
G80220+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
C06050
G80225+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
C01231
G80223+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
W35373
W33373+
G00860
G80217+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
C00668Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $21, and a train costs an average of $77.
Distance: 323 miles (521 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$153 Average price | $60 Average price Cheapest | $113 Average price | $180 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 11m Average total duration 5h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 49m Average total duration 11h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Edinburgh:
A flight is $52 (€43) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Reading to Edinburgh costing on average $113 (€93).
A flight is $93 (€77) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Edinburgh costing on average $153 (€126).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 41m.
Bus takes on average 11h 19m.
The journey is about 1h 44m faster (5h 41m by train vs 7h 25m by car) and roughly $26 (€22) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($153 (€126) vs $180 (€148)). 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 Reading to Edinburgh trains for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00852+ W33753 | On time 8:15 AM Reading station (RDG) | 6h05 | 2:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W35164+ G80214+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | On time 8:16 AM Reading station (RDG) | 5h22 | 1:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
W34465+ G80218+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | On time 8:44 AM Reading station (RDG) | 5h43 | 2:27 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
W35168+ G80219+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | On time 9:17 AM Reading station (RDG) | 5h27 | 2:44 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
W34556+ G80222+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | On time 9:44 AM Reading station (RDG) | 5h50 | 3:34 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G00859+ W33799 | On time 10:15 AM Reading station (RDG) | 6h03 | 4:18 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
Y15273+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80227 | On time 10:17 AM Reading station (RDG) | 5h21 | 3:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
W34475+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80230 | On time 10:42 AM Reading station (RDG) | 5h46 | 4:28 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
W34558+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G25706 | On time 11:05 AM Reading station (RDG) | 5h27 | 4:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
C42289+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80233 | On time 11:18 AM Reading station (RDG) | 5h21 | 4:39 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 Reading to Edinburgh run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $77 (€63) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 03:54, the last at 22:26. The fastest train covers the 323 miles (521 km) distance in 5h 20m.
Distance 323 miles (521 km) |
Average train duration 5h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $77 (€63) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 5h 20m |
First train 3:54 AM |
Last train 10:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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, 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 Reading 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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