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Trains to Edinburgh

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Outbound journey departure station

Outbound journey arrival station

Cheap train tickets to Edinburgh from across the UK

Want to explore Scotland’s capital? Edinburgh is packed with history, culture and plenty of Scot’s spirit. Whether you’re visiting for the day, a weekend or a longer trip you can book cheap train tickets to Edinburgh with TransPennine Express.

Travel Links

Edinburgh is a compact walkable city but there are lots of transport options if you need them. For unlimited bus travel around the city, buy an Edinburgh Plusbus ticket with your train ticket for £3.80 (£2.50 with a Railcard), or catch one of Edinburgh’s open top bus tours or airport buses that all call at the train station. There are multiple train stations in Edinburgh. You can also travel around the city on Edinburgh Trams.

There’s 24-hour parking close by, and taxis are always waiting to greet new arrivals to the city. For the more active, bicycles can be hired in the city and are a great way to view all of Edinburgh's attractions.

Edinburgh Train Stations

There are two main train stations in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Waverley is right in the city centre and Haymarket station is in the West End.

All of our TransPennine Express trains to Edinburgh arrive into Edinburgh Waverley, but local services run between the two stations with a journey time of around five minutes. So, whether you’re getting the train to Edinburgh from Manchester, Preston or Carlisle, you’ll arrive into Edinburgh Waverley and have the best of the city within walking distance.

First and Last Trains to Edinburgh

If you’re travelling to Edinburgh from Manchester Piccadilly, the first train leaves Manchester at around 08.20 whereas our last train sets off 12 hours later at 20.22 – this will have you in Scotland’s capital at around 23.40. From Preston the earliest train into Edinburgh is at 07.04 and the last runs at 21:05, which will get you into the city with 20 minutes to spare before midnight.

If you’re travelling to Manchester from Edinburgh Waverley station the first train leaves at around 06:12 and will have you in Manchester close to 09:30. The final train from Edinburgh to Manchester leaves at 20:11 arriving into Manchester at 23:25.

Are there car parks at Edinburgh stations?

Yes there is a long stay car park at Edinburgh Waverley station, with over 600 spaces. It’s open from 04:00 to 00.45 on week days and 06:00 to 00:45 at the weekend. Up to 40 minutes parking is free, while up to three hours will set you back £8.50. You’ll also find a number of electric car charging spaces in the car park too.

Which is the main station in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh Waverley is the main train station in Edinburgh, with all of our TransPennine Express trains to Edinburgh terminating here. As the city’s major train station, over 20 million passengers pass through it every year and it is right at the heart of the city centre, close to Calton Hill, the Royal Mile and Princes Street.

How can I get cheap train tickets to Edinburgh?

You can secure cheap train tickets to Edinburgh if you book your tickets in advance. In fact, with our advance tickets you can save as much as 50% in some cases – also if you book your tickets to Edinburgh directly with us you won’t have to pay a booking fee. If you’re under 25 or a mature student you can save on train travel with a 16-25 Railcard, whilst Two Together Railcards and Family & Friends Railcards will also save you up to 1/3 on tickets to Edinburgh.

If you’re flexible with your chosen trains and can also avoid peak-time, your tickets will be cheaper too. And if you travel into Edinburgh regularly, a season ticket will cut down your expenses, whether you opt for a weekly, monthly or annual ticket.

How long does it take to get to Edinburgh by train?

You can get to Edinburgh by train from a variety of locations across the UK in just a few hours. Our Manchester to Edinburgh trains will have you in the Scottish capital in less than 3 and a half hours from Manchester Piccadilly. Trains from Preston take just 2 and a half hours to arrive in Edinburgh, whilst a journey from Carlisle will have you in the city in less than 90 minutes.

Are there any amenities available on trains to Edinburgh, such as food and beverage service or Wi-Fi?

When you travel to Edinburgh you can enjoy the full TransPennine Express experience. Whether you want to catch up on some work, chat to friends or stream your favourite TV shows, you can connect to our complimentary Wi-Fi. We also have our new onboard menu on selected trains, and there are always at least two toilets on all TransPennine Express trains.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh is an incredible historic city which is blessed with beautiful architecture, amazing food & drink and lots of fascinating festivals.

Travel with us and you’ll get there in no time at all. Trains to Edinburgh take just under 3 and a half hours from Manchester, arriving at Edinburgh Waverley station: your gateway to the unique city. We also offer trains to Edinburgh from a number of locations.

Scottish Storytelling Centre John Knox House on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh — Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Things to do in Edinburgh

Arrive in the summer and you’ll be greeted by the world-famous Edinburgh festival and a city alive with culture. Climb Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat for incredible views, or take one of the many city bus or walking tours to really learn more about Edinburgh. Edinburgh is packed with things to see including the giraffes and penguins at Edinburgh Zoo, the majestic Royal Yacht Britannia and the exotic Royal Botanic Garden.

The best restaurants in Edinburgh

For those who have worked up an appetite in the capital, The Witchery is an unrivalled dining experience. Beautifully designed spaces, impeccable food and a heady dose of history create something truly unique. Number One at The Balmoral Hotel is headed by a Michelin-starred chef, or try out Bonnie & Wild’s Scottish Marketplace, the flagship foodhall at St James Quarter.

Hotels - Where to stay in Edinburgh

Places to stay in Edinburgh cater to any style or budget. Leave the train and fall into the lap of luxury with the Balmoral Hotel, the ultimate in Edinburgh hospitality. Prefer to stay in the heart of history? Try The Glasshouse, a 160-year-old church converted into a timelessly chic boutique hotel. Do your bit for society at The Royal College of Surgeons-owned Ten Hill Place, where all profits help train the surgeons of tomorrow, or check-in at the Euro Hostel where rooms start from as little as £19.

Shopping in Edinburgh

Head over to New Town’s Princes Street and George Street where you can find all the big brands and designer shops plus explore St James Quarter, a new vibrant shopping destination. Don't forget to visit Edinburgh's farmers’ market every Saturday on Castle Terrace in the city centre, which boasts a fantastic mix of local produce, gifts and food to go.

For more ideas on what to do in Edinburgh, visit Forever Edinburgh.