These High-Speed Trains Will Take You From London to Edinburgh Through Britain's Beautiful Landscapes

08.01.2025 - 10:35 / matadornetwork.com / London

If the Caledonian Sleeper, the night train between London and Scotland, does not fit your budget or your schedule, know that there are other options to ride the rails between the two cities. There are two operators running direct, high-speed trains between London and Edinburgh, and they make the journey affordable, quick, and comfortable. So, once you’ve visited all the amazing museums London has on offer, all you need to do is hop on a train and you’ll get to see the Scottish capital and its famous castle in a matter of hours.

There are two operators running direct, high-speed trains between London (King’s Cross) and Edinburgh (Waverley): LNER and Lumo. Both LNER and Lumo trains run multiple times per day between the two cities, but LNER trains are much more frequent (they run every 30 minutes).

LNER and Lumo train rides between the two cities range between four hours and 20 minutes and four hours and 45 minutes. Both operators take just as long to reach their destinations.

The Caledonian Sleeper, i.e. the sleeper train between the two cities, takes between 7.5 and 8.5 hours to reach its destination.

The cost of taking the train between the two cities depends on several factors, including the operator you select (LNER or Lumo), the demand for your dates of travel, the class of service you choose, and if you want a fixed or flexible ticket.

Note that both LNER and Lumo’s booking systems allow you to see the prices of the two operators for the same day so you can easily compare and make an informed purchase.

Riding the rails with LNER between the two cities starts at $49.50 (£40.20) in Standard class, off peak, and with a fixed ticket, and can reach up to $374.40 (£304) in first class with a flexible “anytime ticket”.

Reservations with LNER are available up to three months in advance and those who book early will get the best prices.

LNER has two classes of service: Standard class and First class

Lumo is a low-cost train operator; therefore prices are usually lower than with LNER.

Riding the rails with Lumo between the two cities starts at $24.50 (£19.90) with a fixed ticket.

Reservations with Lumo are available much earlier than LNER so your chances of scoring a good deal for your dates of travel are higher.

Lumo has only one class of service: Standard class. Standard class includes power outlets at every seat; free WiFi; at-seat trolley service, and the possibility to pre-order foods that will be delivered to your seat.

Photo: August_0802/Shutterstock

Taking the train between London and Edinburgh is better than flying for several reasons. By traveling by train between the two cities you:

The train journey between Edinburgh and London is a scenic one, with views of the English countryside, beautiful cities like York