These High-Speed Trains Will Take You From London To Edinburgh Through Britain’s Beautiful Landscapes (2023)

If the Caledonian Sleeper, the night train between London and Scotland, does not fit your budget or your schedule, know that there are other options to ride the rails between the two cities. There are two operators running direct, high-speed trains between London and Edinburgh, and they make the journey affordable, quick, and comfortable. So, once you’ve visited all the amazing museums London has on offer, all you need to do is hop on a train and you’ll get to see the Scottish capital and its famous castle in a matter of hours.

• Is there a high-speed train from London to Edinburgh?
• How long are the different train rides from London to Edinburgh?
• How much does it cost to take the train from London to Edinburgh?
• Is it better to fly or take the train from London to Edinburgh?
• Is the train from Edinburgh to London scenic?
• Where does the train stop between London and Edinburgh?
• What is the most luxurious train from London to Edinburgh?
• How long is the sleeper train from London to Edinburgh?
• The best hotels to be near the train stations in London and Edinburgh

Is there a high-speed train from London to Edinburgh?

There are two operators running direct, high-speed trains between London (King’s Cross) and Edinburgh (Waverley): LNER and Lumo. Both LNER and Lumo trains run multiple times per day between the two cities, but LNER trains are much more frequent (they run every 30 minutes).

How long are the different train rides from London to Edinburgh?

LNER and Lumo train rides between the two cities range between four hours and 20 minutes and four hours and 45 minutes. Both operators take just as long to reach their destinations.

The Caledonian Sleeper, i.e. the sleeper train between the two cities, takes between 7.5 and 8.5 hours to reach its destination.

How much does it cost to take the train from London to Edinburgh?

The cost of taking the train between the two cities depends on several factors, including the operator you select (LNER or Lumo), the demand on your dates of travel, the class of service you choose, and if you want a fixed or flexible ticket.

Note that both LNER and Lumo’s booking systems allow you to see the prices of the two operators for the same day so you can easily compare and make an informed purchase.

The cost of taking the train between London and Edinburgh with LNER

Riding the rails with LNER between the two cities starts at $49.50 (£40.20) in Standard class, off peak, and with a fixed ticket, and can reach up to $374.40 (£304) in first class with a flexible “anytime ticket”.

Reservations with LNER are available up to three months in advance and those who book early will get the best prices.

LNER has two classes of service: Standard class and First class

• Standard class: Free and fast WiFi; outlets at every seat; at-seat trolley service; and access to the Cafe Bar.
• First class: Larger, reclining seats; bigger tables; free and fast WiFi, outlets at every seat; complimentary meal or snack; possibility of ordering from the drinks menu; access to lounges in Edinburgh Waverley and London King’s Cross.

The cost of taking the train between London and Edinburgh with Lumo

Lumo is a low-cost train operator; therefore prices are usually lower than with LNER.

Riding the rails with Lumo between the two cities starts at $24.50 (£19.90) with a fixed ticket.

Reservations with Lumo are available much earlier than LNER so your chances of scoring a good deal for your dates of travel are higher.

Lumo has only one class of service: Standard class. Standard class includes power outlets at every seat; free WiFi; at-seat trolley service, and the possibility to pre-order foods that will be delivered to your seat.

Is it better to fly or take the train from London to Edinburgh?

Taking the train between London and Edinburgh is better than flying for several reasons. By traveling by train between the two cities you:

• Go from city center to city center, instead of from out-of-town airport to out-of-town airport, making the journey cheaper and more convenient.
• Don’t have to show up 90 minutes before departure or go through security, saving precious time and effort.
• You can bring your luggage at no extra charge. With LNER, you are allowed a maximum of one large suitcase, a carry on bag, and small handbag; with Lumo, you are allowed one small bag (backpack or carryall) and one suitcase.
• You keep your carbon footprint in check. Both train operators are focused on sustainability; LNER’s Azuma trains produce 97 percent less CO2 than planes, and all of Lumo’s train are 100 percent electric.

Is the train from Edinburgh to London scenic?

The train journey between Edinburgh and London is a scenic one, with views of the English countryside, beautiful cities like York and Durham, and even the Northumberland and Scottish coasts. Book yourself a window seat to take it all in.

Where does the train stop between London and Edinburgh?

The Lumo trains between London (King’s Cross) and Edinburgh (Waverley) have stops in:

• Stevenage
• Newcaslte
• Morpeth

Note that Lumo trains do not stop at every single one of these stations for every journey. To see where each of the Lumo train stops, check out their timetables.

The LNER trains between London (King’s Cross) and Edinburgh (Waverley) can have no stops or they can have multiple stops, but those stops differ from journey to journey. To see all the stops on that LNER covers, check out their route map.

What is the most luxurious train from London to Edinburgh?

Riding the Caledonian Sleeper between London and Edinburgh is the most luxurious train experience you can have between the two cities, especially if you book a Caledonian Double room. A Caledonian Double room includes a double bed and an en-suite bathroom (with toiletries). Passengers in Caledonian Doubles get complimentary breakfast.

While many think that the ultra luxurious Royal Scotsman travels between London to Edinburgh, it is not the case. The Royal Scotsman travel within Scotland only.

How long is the sleeper train from London to Edinburgh?

The Caledonian Sleeper, i.e. the sleeper train between London and Edinburgh, takes between 7.5 and 8.5 hours to reach its destination.

The best hotels to be near the train stations in London and Edinburgh

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The best hotel near London’s King’s Cross train station: The Standard London

The Standard London is a trendy and elegant hotel that is located just two minutes on foot from King’s Cross station. This property has 266 rooms, including terraced suites with outdoor bathtubs and views of the beautiful St Pancras station. All the rooms at The Standard have comfy beds, Italian sheets, fluffy down pillows, large TVs, Bang & Olufsen bluetooth speakers, custom Craig Green robes, custom bath amenities, access to the 24-hour gym, stocked minibars, and free WiFi. There are six bars and restaurants on site, including a rooftop bar with amazing views.

For more exceptional places to stay in London, check out Matador‘s selection of the most iconic hotels in London within walking distance to major attractions.

The best hotel near Edinburgh’s Waverley station: The Balmoral Hotel

Just one minute on foot from Waverley train station, The Balmoral Hotel is a five-star property. The decor in this historic hotel is classic and incredibly elegant with Scotland-specific touches throughout the 167 rooms and 20 suites. There are three on-site restaurants, including the Palm Court where the afternoon tea is a must-try. The spa offers a variety of treatments, and includes an indoor pool, a sauna, a steam room, and a fitness studio.

For more exceptional places to stay in Edinburgh, check out Matador‘s selection of top Airbnbs in Edinburgh in the Old City, New City, and Circus Lane and the 8 best hotels in Edinburgh close to the must-see sights.