Fastest way from London to Edinburgh: Flight, about 1h 15min (from €39). Cheapest: Coach, from €30 (about 7h 50min – 9h 35min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 5, 2026): EasyJet, FlixBus, British Airways; main departure point: London Gatwick Airport.
There are 3 ways to get from London to Edinburgh
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 | Kings Cross | €44 | 1 |
| London North Eastern Railway | Train | Kings Cross | €54 | 7 |
| Avanti West Coast | Train | London Euston | €116 | 2 |
| FlixBus | Bus | London Finchley Road Stop CL | €30 | 12 |
| National Express | Bus | Victoria Bus Station | €40 | 5 |
| EasyJet | Flight | London Gatwick Airport | €39 | 24 |
| British Airways | Flight | Heathrow Airport | €251 | 10 |
| National Transfer Services Edinburg | Van / transfer | €989 | 1 |
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Practical tips
Walk-up train fares are the most expensive way to travel. Advance tickets are tied to a specific train but are much cheaper, so book as soon as your plans are fixed and avoid buying at the station.
Trains to Edinburgh leave from King's Cross, not Euston or Paddington. Check the station name on your e-ticket before leaving, and allow time to find your platform, which is usually announced shortly before departure.
Long-distance coaches normally depart from Victoria Coach Station, which is separate from the nearby Victoria railway station. Confirm the exact departure point on your booking and arrive early with your e-ticket ready on your phone.
London has several airports, and each has multiple terminals or access points. Confirm the airport and terminal on your booking, and plan your transfer from the city and security time before choosing a flight over the train.
Bank holidays and summer weekends fill trains and coaches quickly, and prices climb. Book early, travel midweek or off-peak if you can, and keep an earlier departure in mind so you never risk missing the last service.
The journey experience
Getting from London to Edinburgh is one of the classic UK journeys, and the good news is that you have three solid options: train, plane or coach. Which one is best depends on whether you value speed, budget or a night's accommodation saved. The comparison table on this page puts duration, price range and frequency side by side so you can decide in seconds.
The train is the comfortable, city-centre-to-city-centre choice. It runs from King's Cross and arrives at Edinburgh Waverley, right in the heart of the city, with big windows, tables and luggage space. The plane is the fastest in the air, but you must factor in getting to and from the airports, security and check-in. The coach is the cheapest option and includes overnight departures, which let you sleep on the move and skip a hotel night. National Express and other coach operators serve the route from Victoria Coach Station.
British fares move a lot with timing, so book early: advance train tickets and early coach seats are far cheaper than walk-up fares. Always check your departure point twice, as London has several stations and airports. Book online for an instant e-ticket, keep it on your phone, and avoid bank holidays and summer weekends at the last minute, when seats sell out. You will be fine.
Frequently asked questions — London → Edinburgh
It depends on your priorities. The train takes about 4 hours and is comfortable and central, with fares from €44. The coach takes 8 to 10 hours but is cheaper, from €30, and overnight departures save a hotel night. Choose the train for time and comfort, the coach for budget.
Coach fares start from €30 and typically go up to €45. Flights start from €39 and typically reach €77. Train tickets start from €44 and typically reach €88. Booking early is the best way to get the lowest price, especially for trains and flights.
The flight is the fastest at about 1 hour 15 minutes in the air, though airport time adds to the total. The train takes roughly 4 hours, from about 4 h 05 to 4 h 25. The coach is the slowest, taking between 8 and 10 hours.
Trains to Edinburgh leave from London King's Cross and arrive at Edinburgh Waverley in the city centre. Do not confuse it with Euston or Paddington, which serve other destinations. Coaches leave from Victoria Coach Station, a separate site from Victoria railway station.
Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton are all connected to central London by coach, train or both. Pick the option that fits your arrival time and luggage, and check the final station so you can connect easily to King's Cross or Victoria Coach Station.
Why visit Edinburgh?
- ✓ Climb the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse Palace, passing historic closes and whisky shops
- ✓ Hike up Arthur's Seat at sunrise for panoramic views over the Old Town and the Firth of Forth
- ✓ Explore the National Museum of Scotland, free to enter, from Dolly the Sheep to the rooftop terrace
- ✓ Wander the cobbled Victoria Street and Grassmarket, then descend into the haunted vaults beneath the Old Town
- ✓ Taste single malts at the Scotch Whisky Experience, then catch a show at the Fringe in August
When to visit Edinburgh?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
May to September — longest days, mildest temperatures and the festival season, though rain is possible year-round
What to do in Edinburgh?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Edinburgh?
Allow 3 days to cover the essentials: Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace and a hike up Arthur's Seat. With 2 days you can see the Old Town and one major sight; with 4 or 5 days add a day trip to the Highlands, St Andrews or the Borders. Book Castle tickets in advance and pack waterproof layers, whatever the season.
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