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Trip Summary
You can pick from 8 daily train trips between Leeds and Edinburgh. The average train journey from Leeds to Edinburgh takes 3 hours and 9 minutes, but some CrossCountry train trips are as short as 2 hours and 58 minutes.
| Distance | 162 mi (261 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 58m |
| Lowest price | $68.67 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | TransPennine Express + Connections |
| Train lines | 4 |
Which train should you take from Leeds to Edinburgh?
There are 4 train lines with service from Leeds to Edinburgh. TransPennine Express + Connections is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 5 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry | 1 | 2h 59m | $145.04 |
| London North Eastern Railway | 1 | 3h 11m | $78.29 |
| Northern Rail + Connections | 1 | 3h 33m | $68.67 |
| TransPennine Express + Connections | 5 | 3h 7m | $140.62 |
CrossCountry operates an extensive rail network in the U.K., centered in Birmingham. In standard class, passengers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Trains also contain a small café or a trolley that passes through the carriages. An upgrade to first-class gives passengers more legroom and complimentary food. The journey from Leeds to Edinburgh usually takes about 2 hours and 59 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 1 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is a privately-owned train company that operates passenger services on behalf of the UK government. LNER manages the prestigious East Coast mainline route, connecting London King's Cross Station to various cities, including Leeds, Bradford, and Hull. With a comprehensive network of 55 stations and a fleet of approximately 75 trains, LNER facilitates numerous daily journeys, offering standard and first-class ticket options.
Northern Rail + Connections train tickets from Leeds to Edinburgh start from $69, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Northern Rail + Connections schedules to Edinburgh. Northern Rail + Connections in Leeds leaves from New Station St . And in Edinburgh trains arrive at Edinburgh Waverley .
From Leeds to Edinburgh train travel on Northern Rail + Connections takes 3 hours and 33 minutes. If you are looking to get to Edinburgh faster, Northern Rail + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 58 minutes.
TransPennine Express + Connections train tickets from Leeds to Edinburgh start from $140, and on average cost . Daily there are 5 TransPennine Express + Connections schedules to Edinburgh. TransPennine Express + Connections in Leeds leaves from New Station St . And in Edinburgh trains arrive at Edinburgh Waverley .
From Leeds to Edinburgh train travel on TransPennine Express + Connections takes 3 hours and 7 minutes. If you are looking to get to Edinburgh faster, TransPennine Express + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 58 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Leeds to Edinburgh. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Saturday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Leeds at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 8 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Edinburgh. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Edinburgh to Leeds.
City Information
Leeds
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Leeds is where you should go if you're looking for action, entertainment, history, and culture in the Yorkshire area. Its vibrant community attracts visitors from all places, especially when sports, theatre, and dance events occur in the city.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the city's remarkable Victorian arcades as well as historic houses and estates. Start your tour at Shibden Hall in West Yorkshire, a landmark built in 1420. You should also drop by the Royal Armories Museum to see a spectacular display of arms and armors used in different parts of the world.
Leeds has long served as a destination for world-class performances and events. Leeds' entertainment calendar is one that never runs dry. Check out the Leeds Playhouse for some theatrical performances and The HiFi Club if you want to enjoy live music 'til the break of dawn.
Traveling to Leeds is scenic and straightforward on Northern Rail. The central train station in the city is located at New Station Street. Additional transportation is offered by the buses serving the area: National Express, Megabus, and FlixBus. Thanks to affordable bus tickets, see how you can travel to Leeds and 4 other iconic United Kingdom cities for under £60.
Edinburgh
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
As Scotland's capital, Edinburgh and its people are famed throughout history for their contribution to philosophy, literature, science, and industry, among many other areas. This incredibly diverse city promises to provide attractions and entertainment for people of all ages, budgets, and interests. Edinburgh is even ranked as the #6 city with the most historic sites per capita in Europe, and the #1 outside of Italy!
For those looking for outdoor adventure, take a walk up Arthur's Seat, one of four hill forts that date back to over 2,000 years ago. The walk to the top will allow you to embrace some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes and wildlife, and you'll be rewarded with a dramatic view of Edinburgh at the top.
On rainy days, visit the National Museum of Scotland, where each floor provides information on several fascinating eras of Scotland's history. A trip down the Royal Mile will satisfy all your tartan and souvenir needs, while the world-famous Underground Ghost Tour will give you an entirely different view of this seemingly peaceful, quaint city.
If your trip falls during the holiday season, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is guaranteed to give you the festive feeling, while world-renowned Hogmanay celebrations will ensure that you ring in the New Year with a bang.
Edinburgh is easily accessible via train, plane, and bus. Edinburgh Airport provides global access to the city, while rail services connect the city to many other major towns and cities across the UK. In addition, numerous bus companies travel to and from Edinburgh, meaning that no matter your preferred mode of transport, the city is always within reach.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Leeds?
Image credit: It's No Game
Link to image attributionMain departure station: New Station St
New Station Street is located in front of the large Leeds Railway Station. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority partnered with Leeds City Council and Network Rail to transform the area outside the station to better accommodate the influx of people catching a train, bus, taxi, or walking to/from the city center. As a result, you will find an expansive pedestrian forecourt area from the station to the Queen's Hotel and many seating areas. The station's interior offers many opportunities to shop or dine before catching a train. This is where you can find additional amenities, including restrooms and travel information. Several train lines make the stop in Leeds, most notably CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, and London North Eastern Railway.
All train stations in Leeds:
New Station St
Where is the train station in Edinburgh?
Image credit: Danny Navarro
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Daniel
Link to image attribution
Image credit: David Brossard
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Edinburgh Waverley
Just steps away from the Scott Monument, Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station is the city's main train terminal and the second-biggest in Scotland. It lies at the northern end of the East Coast Main Line, connecting it with London via York and Newcastle Upon Tyne. Situated within a grand structure between Edinburgh Old and New Towns, you can access it from either Princes Street or Market Street. Beneath an impressive Victorian-era glass roof, passengers will find a good range of facilities, including hot and cold food options, ATMs, and public restrooms. Edinburgh Trams and local bus services depart from outside the Princes Street entrance, with links to Edinburgh Airport.
All train stations in Edinburgh:
Edinburgh Waverley
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