London to Edinburgh: LNER, Budget Lumo or the Overnight Sleeper

London to Edinburgh takes about 4 hours 20 minutes on the fastest LNER trains, running London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley, city centre to city centre. Combined with budget operator Lumo, departures come roughly every half hour through the day. Lumo advance fares start from about GBP 30, LNER a little more for greater frequency, and the overnight Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston saves a hotel night. Flights exist but are similar door to door once airport transfers are added. Here is how the times and fares compare.

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Fastest	LNER, about 4h20
Frequency	Roughly half-hourly LNER and Lumo trains combined
Cheapest	Lumo advance fares from about GBP 30
Route	London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley, about 650 km

Mode	Departures/day	First-last departure	Fastest	Typical fare	Top operators
Bus	28	00:25-23:59	3h 00m	USD 39-95	FlixBus, National Express
Flight	15	05:55-22:35	1h 10m	USD 30-256	EasyJet, British Airways, Aer Lingus
Prices checked July 25, 2026 from 2479 scheduled departures.

Mode	Operator	Duration	Approx fare	Overnight
Train	LNER The main operator, King's Cross to Waverley, the most frequent direct trains with WiFi, power sockets and a cafe-bar. Book ahead for advance fares; walk-up prices are much higher.	about 4h20	from GBP 45 advance	No	Check on 12Go →
Train	Lumo (budget) All-electric low-cost operator, up to 5 direct trains a day King's Cross to Waverley, standard class only, often the cheapest advance fares.	about 4h30	from GBP 30 advance	No	Check on 12Go →
Train	Caledonian Sleeper (overnight) Departs London Euston late evening and arrives Edinburgh around 7:30am, saving a hotel night. Seats are cheapest; cabins cost more.	about 7h30 overnight	from GBP 50 seat	Yes	Check on 12Go →

Fares are approximate and shown for comparison. Confirm live prices and times on 12Go before booking.

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How long is the train from London to Edinburgh?

About 4 hours 20 minutes on the fastest LNER services, King's Cross to Waverley, city centre to city centre. Budget Lumo trains take a touch longer at about 4h30.

How much does the train from London to Edinburgh cost?

Lumo advance fares start from about GBP 30 and LNER a little more for greater frequency. Walk-up and peak fares are far higher, so book ahead. The overnight Caledonian Sleeper seat starts from about GBP 50.

Is there a direct train from London to Edinburgh?

Yes. LNER and Lumo both run direct with no change, London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley, and combined they depart roughly every half hour through the day.

What is the best way to get from London to Edinburgh?

The train is the best all-round option: centre to centre in about 4h20, frequent, and comparable to flying door to door once airport transfers are counted. Take Lumo for the cheapest advance fares or the Sleeper to save a hotel night.

Is there an overnight train from London to Edinburgh?

Yes. The Caledonian Sleeper departs London Euston late in the evening and arrives Edinburgh Waverley around 7:30am, letting you save a hotel night. Seats are the cheapest fare, with private cabins costing more.

Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.