How to Go to Edinburgh from London

If you’re planning a UK adventure, few routes are as iconic as the journey to Edinburgh from London. Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and one of the UK’s most visited destinations, with a history stretching back over a thousand years. The city is best known for Edinburgh Castle, which sits dramatically on Castle Rock, and the Royal Mile, a street packed with historic buildings, shops, and pubs that links the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

We break down your best options for transport between the two cities (plus ideas on what to do once you get there) below, so keep reading for more! 

The most popular way to go to Edinburgh from London is by train. It’s fast, convenient, and scenic, with routes running along the East Coast Main Line that give you views of rolling countryside, seaside towns, and historic landmarks.

Trains depart from London King’s Cross and arrive right in the heart of the city at Edinburgh Waverley Station. The journey takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes on high-speed services. If you book tickets in advance, fares can be as low as £40–£50 (~USD 54-67), but closer to the date prices often rise to £100  (~USD 135) or more.

If you’re planning multiple train journeys across Britain, consider the BritRail Consecutive Rail Pass. It gives you unlimited train travel on consecutive days, perfect if you’re exploring other cities like York, Manchester, or Glasgow on the same trip.

And for peace of mind when you arrive, you can secure Edinburgh Waverley Station tickets ahead of time, making the whole process smoother.

Flying is technically the fastest way to get to Edinburgh from London. Flight times are around 1 hour and 15 minutes, with departures from airports like Heathrow and Gatwick.

But here’s the catch: once you add in airport transfers, security checks, and waiting times, the total journey often takes about 4 hours anyway, roughly the same as the train. Unless you’re connecting from an international flight, the train usually wins for comfort and convenience.

If you do fly, remember that Edinburgh Airport is about 30 minutes from the city center. You can hop on the Airlink bus or the tram straight into town, or pre-book a reliable transfer like the Edinburgh Airport to City Center for a hassle-free ride directly into central Edinburgh.

If you’re watching your wallet, coaches are a great option to get to Edinburgh from London. Operators like National Express and Megabus run direct routes that take 8-10 hours, with tickets starting at £23.90 ( approx. ~USD 32) on the National Express.

One bonus is the option to take an overnight bus. You’ll leave London late at night and arrive in Edinburgh early morning, saving on a night’s accommodation. Just keep in mind it’s a long ride, so bring snacks, headphones, and maybe a neck pillow to survive the journey comfortably.

If you’re taking this route, WiFi is essential to check timetables and maps on the go. Consider using a Europe eSIM with high-speed internet for easy connectivity. Just scan a QR code to install the eSIM onto your device (no need to swap out your physical SIM card), and you’re good to go!

For travelers who like flexibility, driving is another option. The distance between the two capitals is about 400-415 miles, and the drive takes around 7-8 hours depending on traffic and stops. Historic towns such as York and Durham are along or near these routes if you want stops en route.

Parking in central Edinburgh can be tricky (and pricey), so consider staying at a hotel with parking or leaving the car on the city’s outskirts and using public transport.

Reaching the city is just the first step. Once you’ve stepped off your train, flight, or coach, here are the must-sees in this scenic city.

Perched high on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline. It’s one of the most visited landmarks in the UK and a must for first-time visitors. Inside, you’ll see the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and sweeping views across the city. Doing a guided tour makes it even more engaging, as you’ll get the inside stories of kings, queens, and sieges that shaped Scotland.

Scotland and whisky go hand in hand. For a fun, flavorful introduction, join The Scotch Whisky Tour. You’ll learn how whisky is made, the history behind it, and the different regional flavors. Perfect for warming up on a chilly Edinburgh evening.

On the opposite end of the Royal Mile from the castle, you’ll find the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This is the official Scottish residence of the British monarch. Visitors can explore the state apartments, the throne room, and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. It’s a great way to understand Scotland’s role in the wider story of the UK.

Edinburgh is wonderfully walkable, but the hills and cobblestones can be a workout. To save your legs and cover more ground, grab a Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus Pass. It loops around the main attractions, including St. Andrew Square, Old Town, John Knox House, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and more, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace.

No matter how you choose to travel, getting to Edinburgh from London is straightforward with options to suit every style: fast trains, budget-friendly buses, quick flights, or even a road trip. Once you arrive, Edinburgh is well worth the journey with its historical landmarks and unique, almost magical atmosphere. So, are you ready to go? 😉 If you were looking for a sign to book that flight — this is it!

The fastest high-speed services from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley take around 4 hours and 30 minutes. Standard trains can take closer to 5 hours, but advance booking usually lets you secure the faster options.

Prices vary depending on how early you book. Advance tickets can start at around £40–£50 (~USD 54-67), while last-minute fares often rise to £100 (~USD 135) or more. If you’ll be traveling across the UK, consider a BritRail Pass for unlimited train journeys during your travel period.

Flights sometimes look cheaper up front, especially with budget airlines, but once you factor in baggage fees, airport transfers, and the time spent getting through security, trains often come out as better value. Trains also drop you right in the city center at Edinburgh Waverley Station, saving you additional transfer costs.

Technically, yes—you can take an early morning train from London and return in the evening. But keep in mind that’s nearly 9 hours of travel in one day. If you want to actually enjoy the city highlights like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, or a whisky tour, staying at least one night is far more rewarding.