- 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 18
$256
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$256
Fastest journey on Sep 18
13 h 51 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
13 h 51 m
Trains on Sep 18
1
Distance
469 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Thetford to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Thetford to Edinburgh will cost around $256 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $256.
It's difficult to get from Thetford to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Thetford to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $101 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 27m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $101, while a flight costs an average of $315.
Distance: 291 miles (469 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$133 Average price | $315 Average price | $101 Average price Cheapest | $125 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 13m Average total duration 4h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 13h 28m Average total duration 12h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Thetford to Edinburgh:
A bus is $32 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Thetford to Edinburgh costing on average $133.
A bus is $214 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Thetford to Edinburgh costing on average $315.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 43m.
Bus takes on average 12h 58m.
You'll arrive about 1h 50m sooner (4h 43m by train vs 6h 33m by car). Tickets start at around $133 compared to roughly $125 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 Thetford to Edinburgh trains for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:36 PM Thetford | 13h51 | 10:27 AM Edinburgh | 1 transfer | |
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 Thetford to Edinburgh run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $127 but you can travel from only $34 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:10, the last at 18:00. The fastest train covers the 291 miles (469 km) distance in 4h 36m.
Distance 291 miles (469 km) |
Average train duration 4h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $127 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 36m |
First train 5:10 AM |
Last train 6:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 Thetford 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 Thetford to Edinburgh trains use the Thetford to Edinburgh Waverley station pair. Use this guide to compare Thetford and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Thetford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Thetford.
Wi-Fi is available at Thetford.
Ticket office support is available at Thetford.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Thetford: Parking, WC.
Available at Thetford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Thetford: Staff help available: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: On platform 2, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need