- 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
€89
Average price
€92
Fastest journey
3 h 45 m
Average duration
4 h 5 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
268 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rochdale to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rochdale to Edinburgh will cost around €92 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €89.
It's difficult to get from Rochdale to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
P24052 · G89047+
W33941
P24048+
W85177
G89084 · P28647+
W85177
P24044 · G89062+
W34144
G89113+
G01060
G89084 · P28647+
W85177
P24052 · G89047+
W33941
P24044 · G89062+
W34144
P24048+
W85177
G89110+
G66987Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rochdale to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €33. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €33, and a flight costs an average of €127.
Distance: 166 miles (268 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€72 Average price | €38 Average price Cheapest | €156 Average price | €60 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 0m Average total duration 6h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 54m Average total duration 4h 54m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Rochdale to Edinburgh:
A bus is €34 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rochdale to Edinburgh costing on average €72.
A bus is €117 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rochdale to Edinburgh costing on average €156.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Flight takes on average 4h 54m.
Bus takes on average 6h 30m.
You'll arrive about 27m sooner (3h 55m by train vs 4h 22m by car). Tickets start at around €72 compared to roughly €60 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Rochdale to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P24044 · G89062+ W34144 | 8:22 AM Rochdale station (RCD) | 3h58 | 12:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G89110+ G66987 | 8:35 AM Rochdale station (RCD) | 4h35 | 1:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
P24048+ W85177 | 9:21 AM Rochdale station (RCD) | 4h11 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G89113+ G01060 | 9:34 AM Rochdale station (RCD) | 4h36 | 2:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G89084 · P28647+ W85177 | 9:47 AM Rochdale station (RCD) | 3h45 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
P24052 · G89047+ W33941 | 10:21 AM Rochdale station (RCD) | 3h58 | 2:19 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 Rochdale to Edinburgh run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €47 but you can travel from only €33 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 21:00. The fastest train covers the 166 miles (268 km) distance in 3h 58m.
Distance 166 miles (268 km) |
Average train duration 3h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price €47 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 3h 58m |
First train 4:45 AM |
Last train 9:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 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 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 Rochdale 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 Rochdale to Edinburgh trains use the Rochdale to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Rochdale and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Rochdale has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Rochdale.
Ticket office support is available at Rochdale.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rochdale: Parking, WC.
Available at Rochdale: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rochdale: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Level access to the station and platforms via lifts, which are available during station staffing hours, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Castleton is 3 km from Rochdale city centre. Public transport options include:
Castleton has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Castleton: Parking.
Available at Castleton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Castleton: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, From Manchester Road down 41 steps to Manchester platform or 42 steps to the Rochdale platform. From the station approach roads, there is level access onto both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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.
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
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 Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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