Best option from Edinburgh to London: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 1h 10min – 1h 31min, from €30. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 5, 2026): EasyJet, FlixBus, British Airways; main departure point: Edinburgh Airport.
There are 3 ways to get from Edinburgh to London
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 5, 2026 for a departure on November 26, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lumo | Train | Edinburgh Waverley | €41 | 2 |
| London North Eastern Railway | Train | Edinburgh Waverley | €50 | 8 |
| Avanti West Coast | Train | Edinburgh Waverley | €91 | 2 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Edinburgh Bus Station | €30 | 12 |
| National Express | Bus | Edinburgh Bus Station | €44 | 2 |
| EasyJet | Flight | Edinburgh Airport | €30 | 27 |
| British Airways | Flight | Edinburgh Airport | €136 | 11 |
| Jet2 | Flight | Edinburgh Airport | €138 | 1 |
| Aer Lingus | Flight | Edinburgh Airport | €250 | 3 |
| KLM | Flight | Edinburgh Airport | €297 | 3 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Walk-up train fares on this route can be much higher than Advance tickets. Book as soon as the timetable opens, be flexible on the departure time, and pick a specific train rather than an open ticket.
Trains from Edinburgh normally arrive at King's Cross, while coaches usually use Victoria Coach Station. Check your e-ticket before leaving so you do not head to the wrong side of London.
London has several airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. Confirm which one your flight lands at and your terminal, then plan the onward train or coach into the city before you book.
An overnight coach saves a night of accommodation, but pack a neck pillow, earplugs and a charger. Keep valuables and your ticket in a small bag you can hold while you sleep.
Bank holidays, Friday evenings and summer weekends sell out fast by train and coach. Book early for those dates, and keep a spare departure in mind so a missed connection does not strand you.
The journey experience
Edinburgh to London is one of the busiest corridors in Britain, and the right choice depends on what you value most: time, budget or comfort. The comparison table on this page puts train, flight and coach side by side so you can see at a glance which one suits your plans.
The train is the classic option. It runs city centre to city centre, with big windows, plenty of luggage space and the chance to work or watch the coast roll by. Flying is the fastest in the air, but remember the journey out to the airport, security and the transfer into London at the other end. The coach is the budget pick and, on an overnight departure, it can double as a night's accommodation. Operators such as National Express and FlixBus are commonly used on long-distance UK routes.
The key to avoiding a nasty surprise is timing. Prices move with the day, the hour and how early you book, and train tickets come in several confusing types. Advance tickets are usually far cheaper than walk-up fares, so book as early as you can and avoid peak hours. Always check which London station, coach station or airport terminal your ticket uses before you leave. You can book online and receive your e-ticket instantly.
Frequently asked questions — Edinburgh → London
The train is the better choice if you value time and comfort, taking about 4 hours and going from city centre to city centre. The coach is the budget option, taking 8 to 9 hours, and an overnight departure can save you a night of accommodation. Choose by what matters most to you.
The coach starts from €30 and typically goes up to €35. The flight starts from €30 and is typically up to €61. The train starts from €41 and is typically up to €57. Booking early is the best way to get the lower end of these ranges.
The flight is the quickest in the air at about 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 35, though airport time and the transfer into London add to this. The train takes around 4 hours 10 to 4 hours 20, and the coach takes roughly 8 to 9 hours.
Trains from Edinburgh usually arrive at King's Cross, while coaches generally arrive at Victoria Coach Station. Flights land at one of London's airports, and you then continue by train or coach. Always check the arrival point on your e-ticket before you travel.
Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton are all linked to central London by train and by coach. Check which airport your flight uses, then choose the rail or coach link that suits your budget and the station you need in the city.
Why visit London?
- ✓ Explore the British Museum and its Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and Parthenon sculptures, all with free entry
- ✓ Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, then stroll through St James's Park
- ✓ Ride the London Eye or climb The Shard for panoramic views over the Thames and Tower Bridge
- ✓ Wander through Borough Market, Camden Market and Portobello Road for street food and vintage finds
- ✓ Catch a West End show in Covent Garden or Shaftesbury Avenue, then enjoy a pint in a historic pub
When to visit London?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
May to September — mild temperatures, long daylight hours and the best chance of dry weather for sightseeing
What to do in London?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit London?
Allow 4 to 5 days to cover London properly. In 2 days, focus on the essentials: Westminster, the Tower of London, the British Museum and a Thames walk. With 4 to 5 days, add Greenwich, Camden, Kew Gardens and a West End show. Buy an Oyster card or use contactless payment, and book major attractions online in advance to skip the queues.
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