- 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
$50
Average price
$86
Fastest journey
2 h 17 m
Average duration
2 h 18 m
Trains per day
65
Distance
260 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from York to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from York to Edinburgh will cost around $86 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Of the 65 trains that leave York for Edinburgh on Fri, Jul 31, 45 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct trains cover the 260 km distance in an average of 2 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 17 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest trains will take 2 h 18 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.
G01080
G01082
G80274
C24610 · W85208
G15813 · W85208
G80257
G80251
G80273
G80198
G80209Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from York to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 4m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, and a train costs an average of $40.
Distance: 161 miles (260 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$64 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest | $113 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 34m Average total duration Fastest 3h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 21m Average total duration 4h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 York to Edinburgh:
A bus is $15 (€13) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from York to Edinburgh costing on average $64 (€53).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 51m.
The journey is about 1h 7m faster (3h 4m by train vs 4h 11m by car) and roughly $49 (€40) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($64 (€53) vs $113 (€93)). 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.
Direct services run with London North Eastern Railway, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country.
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 York to Edinburgh trains for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C24826 · W85168 | Delayed 4:02 AM 5:02 AMYork station (YRK) | 6h35 | 11:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G16071 · W85182 | On time 9:49 AM York station (YRK) | 5h47 | 3:36 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C24952 · C03158 · W85182 | On time 10:04 AM York station (YRK) | 5h32 | 3:36 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80205 | On time 10:06 AM York station (YRK) | 2h24 | 12:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80209 | On time 10:19 AM York station (YRK) | 2h18 | 12:37 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C03158 · W85182 | 10:20 AM York station (YRK) | 5h16 | 3:36 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G66987 | 10:36 AM York station (YRK) | 2h34 | 1:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80211 | On time 11:06 AM York station (YRK) | 2h26 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80215 | On time 11:19 AM York station (YRK) | 2h19 | 1:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C24587 · W85191 | On time 11:21 AM York station (YRK) | 6h19 | 5:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G01060 | On time 11:36 AM York station (YRK) | 2h34 | 2:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15812 · W85191 | On time 11:46 AM York station (YRK) | 5h54 | 5:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G15907 · C24593 · W85191 | On time 12:04 PM York station (YRK) | 5h36 | 5:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80216 | On time 12:06 PM York station (YRK) | 2h21 | 2:27 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80221 | On time 12:19 PM York station (YRK) | 2h20 | 2:39 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C24593 · W85191 | On time 12:20 PM York station (YRK) | 5h20 | 5:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G01062 | On time 12:36 PM York station (YRK) | 2h34 | 3:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80224 | On time 1:06 PM York station (YRK) | 2h28 | 3:34 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80226 | On time 1:20 PM York station (YRK) | 2h18 | 3:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01064 | On time 1:36 PM York station (YRK) | 2h31 | 4:07 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80228 | On time 2:06 PM York station (YRK) | 2h21 | 4:27 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80232 | 2:19 PM York station (YRK) | 2h23 | 4:42 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01067 | On time 2:36 PM York station (YRK) | 2h33 | 5:09 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80234 | 3:06 PM York station (YRK) | 2h25 | 5:31 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80237 | 3:19 PM York station (YRK) | 2h19 | 5:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C24610 · W85208 | On time 3:20 PM York station (YRK) | 6h18 | 9:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G01069 | On time 3:36 PM York station (YRK) | 2h34 | 6:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15813 · W85208 | On time 3:49 PM York station (YRK) | 5h49 | 9:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C24969 · C03182 · W85208 | On time 4:04 PM York station (YRK) | 5h34 | 9:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G80241 | On time 4:06 PM York station (YRK) | 2h22 | 6:28 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80245 | On time 4:19 PM York station (YRK) | 2h21 | 6:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C03182 · W85208 | On time 4:20 PM York station (YRK) | 5h18 | 9:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G01073 | 4:36 PM York station (YRK) | 2h35 | 7:11 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80247 | On time 5:06 PM York station (YRK) | 2h27 | 7:33 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80251 | On time 5:19 PM York station (YRK) | 2h18 | 7:37 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01075 | 5:35 PM York station (YRK) | 2h30 | 8:05 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15817 · W85210 | On time 5:45 PM York station (YRK) | 5h56 | 11:41 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C24975 · C03192 · W85210 | On time 6:04 PM York station (YRK) | 5h37 | 11:41 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
C01943 | 6:06 PM York station (YRK) | 2h23 | 8:29 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80257 | On time 6:19 PM York station (YRK) | 2h17 | 8:36 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C03192 · W85210 | On time 6:20 PM York station (YRK) | 5h21 | 11:41 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G01080 | On time 6:36 PM York station (YRK) | 2h33 | 9:09 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80259 | On time 7:06 PM York station (YRK) | 2h28 | 9:34 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80263 | On time 7:19 PM York station (YRK) | 2h21 | 9:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01082 | On time 7:37 PM York station (YRK) | 2h37 | 10:14 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80266 | On time 8:06 PM York station (YRK) | 2h29 | 10:35 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80268 | On time 8:20 PM York station (YRK) | 2h20 | 10:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01083 | On time 8:30 PM York station (YRK) | 2h37 | 11:07 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80272 | 9:04 PM York station (YRK) | 2h31 | 11:35 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80273 | 9:21 PM York station (YRK) | 2h18 | 11:39 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80274 | 10:05 PM York station (YRK) | 2h33 | 12:38 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
G80191 | 5:45 AM York station (YRK) | 2h47 | 8:32 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15889 · W85168 | 6:17 AM York station (YRK) | 5h20 | 11:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G66980 | 6:36 AM York station (YRK) | 2h34 | 9:10 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80193 | 7:02 AM York station (YRK) | 2h36 | 9:38 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15891 · W85177 | 7:17 AM York station (YRK) | 6h15 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G15825 · W85177 | 7:49 AM York station (YRK) | 5h43 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C24945 · G15894 · W85177 | 8:04 AM York station (YRK) | 5h28 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
C01971 | 8:06 AM York station (YRK) | 2h22 | 10:28 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15894 · W85177 | 8:19 AM York station (YRK) | 5h13 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G80198 | 8:20 AM York station (YRK) | 2h18 | 10:38 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G66982 | 8:36 AM York station (YRK) | 2h32 | 11:08 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80199 | 9:06 AM York station (YRK) | 2h27 | 11:33 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80203 | 9:19 AM York station (YRK) | 2h19 | 11:38 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15893 · W85182 | 9:21 AM York station (YRK) | 6h15 | 3:36 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G01055 | 9:36 AM York station (YRK) | 2h36 | 12:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 York to Edinburgh run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $40 (€33) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by bus.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:25, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 161 miles (260 km) distance in 2h 18m.
Distance 161 miles (260 km) |
Average train duration 3h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€33) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 2h 18m |
First train 12:25 AM |
Last train 11:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 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 York 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 York to Edinburgh trains use the York to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare York and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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.
Slateford is 4 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Slateford has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Slateford.
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 Slateford: Parking.
Available at Slateford: Bike Parking.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need