- 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
$39
Average price
$40
Fastest journey
1 h 58 m
Average duration
1 h 58 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
154 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from South Shields to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from South Shields to Edinburgh will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Of the 2 trains that leave South Shields for Edinburgh on Thu, Jul 16, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 16 the direct trains cover the 154 km distance in an average of 1 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 58 m .
On Thu, Jul 16 the slowest trains will take 1 h 58 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.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from South Shields to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, and a flight costs an average of $261.
Distance: 95 miles (154 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$39 Average price | $15 Average price Cheapest | $468 Average price | $42 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 25m Average total duration 2h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 47m Average total duration 8h 47m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from South Shields to Edinburgh:
A bus is $24 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from South Shields to Edinburgh costing on average $39 (€32).
A bus is $452 (€372) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from South Shields to Edinburgh costing on average $468 (€384).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 55m.
Flight takes on average 8h 47m.
The journey is about 57m faster (1h 49m by train vs 2h 46m by car) and roughly $2 (€2) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($39 (€32) vs $42 (€34)). 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 South Shields to Edinburgh trains for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TW036500+ G25677 | On time 7:59 AM Brockley Whins (BNR) | 1h58 | 9:57 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C01971+ TW040300 | Delayed 8:03 AM 8:36 AMBrockley Whins (BNR) | 1h52 | 10:28 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W85810+ TW042000 | 8:48 AM Brockley Whins (BNR) | 2h13 | 11:01 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G66982+ TW027900 | Delayed 8:40 AM 9:13 AMBrockley Whins (BNR) | 1h55 | 11:08 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G80199+ TW030800 | 9:35 AM Brockley Whins (BNR) | 1h58 | 11:33 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G01055+ TW035300 | Delayed 9:39 AM 10:12 AMBrockley Whins (BNR) | 2h00 | 12:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
TW032400+ G01060 | On time 12:09 PM East Boldon station (EBL) | 2h01 | 2:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G01060+ TW032400 | Delayed 11:40 AM 12:12 PMBrockley Whins (BNR) | 1h58 | 2:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G01060+ TW032400 | Delayed 11:40 AM 12:14 PMFellgate (FEG) | 1h56 | 2:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
TW035400+ G80216 | 12:31 PM East Boldon station (EBL) | 1h56 | 2:27 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G80216+ TW035400 | 12:35 PM Brockley Whins (BNR) | 1h52 | 2:27 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
TW035400+ G80216 | 12:37 PM Fellgate (FEG) | 1h50 | 2:27 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
TW036700+ W85816 | 12:45 PM East Boldon station (EBL) | 2h14 | 2:59 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
TW036700+ W85816 | 12:48 PM Brockley Whins (BNR) | 2h11 | 2:59 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
TW036700+ W85816 | 12:50 PM Fellgate (FEG) | 2h09 | 2:59 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
TW039000+ G01062 | On time 1:09 PM East Boldon station (EBL) | 2h01 | 3:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G01062+ TW039000 | Delayed 12:40 PM 1:12 PMBrockley Whins (BNR) | 1h58 | 3:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
TW039000+ G01062 | On time 1:14 PM Fellgate (FEG) | 1h56 | 3:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G80224+ TW042200 | 1:33 PM East Boldon station (EBL) | 2h01 | 3:34 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G80224+ TW042200 | 1:36 PM Brockley Whins (BNR) | 1h58 | 3:34 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G80224+ TW042200 | 1:38 PM Fellgate (FEG) | 1h56 | 3:34 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
TW029300+ G01064 | On time 2:09 PM East Boldon station (EBL) | 1h58 | 4:07 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G01064+ TW029300 | Delayed 1:40 PM 2:13 PMBrockley Whins (BNR) | 1h54 | 4:07 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
TW029300+ G01064 | On time 2:16 PM Fellgate (FEG) | 1h51 | 4:07 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 South Shields to Edinburgh run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) but you can travel from only $13 (€10) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:40, the last at 21:00. The fastest train covers the 95 miles (154 km) distance in 1h 55m.
Distance 95 miles (154 km) |
Average train duration 1h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€29) |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 1h 55m |
First train 5:40 AM |
Last train 9:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 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 South Shields 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 South Shields to Edinburgh trains use the Brockley Whins to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare South Shields 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need