⚡ TL;DR
- Fastest: LNER Azuma high-speed train, 4 hours 30 minutes direct
- Cheapest: Book Advance tickets 12 weeks ahead, Standard class £25-35
- With rail pass: No reservation fees, but seat reservations recommended
- Recommendation: Choose left side for Scottish Borders scenery, book seat reservations
Route Overview
| 🚉 Departure | London King's Cross |
| 🏁 Arrival | Edinburgh Waverley |
| ⏱ Duration | 4 hours 30 minutes |
| 🚆 Train | LNER Azuma / Avanti West Coast |
| 🕐 Frequency | 25-30 direct trains daily |
| ⚡ Top speed | 200 km/h (125 mph) |
| 📶 Wi-Fi | Free (good quality) |
| 🔌 Power | At every seat |
💰 Rail Pass vs Point-to-Point Prices
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Advance ticket | £25-55 | Cheapest 12 weeks ahead |
| Off-Peak ticket | £85-120 | Avoid peak hours |
| Anytime ticket | £150-200 | Most flexible but expensive |
| BritRail Pass (8 days) | £279* | *Breaks even after 2-3 trips |
| Caledonian Sleeper | £45-150 | Night train, saves accommodation |
Sources: lner.co.uk, britrailpass.com (Feb 2026)
💡 Advance tickets beat rail passes for single journeys! But if exploring multiple UK destinations (London, York, Lake District, Scotland), BritRail Pass may offer better value. Passes provide flexibility.
🎫 Reservation Requirements & Fees
- Seat reservations: Not mandatory but strongly recommended, especially during peak times
- Pass holder reservations: Completely free for BritRail Pass holders
- Where to book: lner.co.uk, station ticket offices, or through BritRail reservation system
- Advance booking: Reserve seats 1-2 weeks ahead for peak seasons (summer, Easter, Christmas)
- 💡 Can sit in any available seat without reservation, but may need to stand during peak times
🧳 Practical Tips
- 🚉 King\'s Cross Station: Major London terminus, 15 minutes to platform is sufficient
- 🎫 Ticket barriers: UK stations have ticket barriers requiring valid tickets or passes
- 🧳 Luggage: Overhead racks plus space at car ends or beside seats for large bags
- 💺 Classes: First Class most comfortable with complimentary meals; Standard great value
- 🏰 Scenic highlights: York Minster, Durham Cathedral, beautiful Scottish Borders countryside
- 🍽️ Food service: Restaurant car available, complimentary meals and drinks in First Class
- 📱 Amenities: Good free Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, quiet carriages
🔄 Alternative Options
Caledonian Sleeper (~7-8 hours)
Night sleeper train from London Euston. Saves one night accommodation with private or shared compartments. Unique experience.
Flight (1h30m flight + airport time)
British Airways, EasyJet and others offer frequent flights. But with airport transfers and security, total time may not beat the train.
National Express Coach (~8-10 hours)
£15-30, cheapest option but very slow. Night coaches save accommodation costs but comfort is limited.
📎 Official Sources & Booking
- LNER — Official LNER booking platform (primary operator)
- BritRail Pass — Official British rail pass website
- Trainline — Third-party booking platform (small booking fee)
📚 Related Pages
❓ FAQ
How long is the train from London to Edinburgh?
The LNER Azuma high-speed train takes about 4 hours 30 minutes from London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley. There are 25-30 direct trains daily.
Do I need a reservation with a rail pass?
BritRail Pass holders don't need mandatory reservations but seat reservations are strongly recommended. Peak times (summer, holidays) and popular trains fill up quickly. Reservations are free but must be arranged in advance.
How far in advance should I book for the cheapest fare?
Advance tickets open 12 weeks ahead from £25 (Standard class). Booking 4-6 weeks out typically gets £35-55. Same-day Anytime tickets can cost £150-200.
Which side of the train has the best views?
The left side (seats A/B) facing forward offers beautiful views past York, Durham, and the Scottish Borders, especially the coastline near Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Are there alternative transport options?
1) Flight ~1h30m but limited advantage with airport time; 2) Coach ~8-10 hours, £15-30 for budget travel; 3) Caledonian Sleeper night train, ~7-8 hours.