London to Edinburgh: travel options
Approximate direct distance: 534 km • Travel distance depends on the route and transport you choose.
Compare the options
Recorded fares and journey times. Check each operator before booking.
| Transport Mode | Operator | Duration | Price guide | Stations / Airports | Key Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Direct | National Express | About 10h |
Check fare
Fare source checked: 6 Oct 2026 Fares vary by departure and ticket conditions. Tickets and times: National Express |
Dep: London Victoria Coach Station
Arr: Edinburgh Bus Station
|
National Express publishes a fastest Victoria-to-Edinburgh journey of 9 hours 40 minutes. Its first-service example takes 10 hours 25 minutes. Check the booked departure, arrival and luggage terms. |
| train Direct | Lumo | About 4h 23m |
Check fare
Fare source checked: 6 Oct 2026 Fares vary by departure and ticket conditions. Tickets and times: Lumo |
Dep: London King's Cross
Arr: Edinburgh Waverley
|
Lumo advertises about 4 hours 23 minutes on this route. Compare the actual departure with LNER separately. Check the luggage allowance and change terms before paying. |
Choosing your journey
The train is a good fit when you want to arrive in central Edinburgh. Compare Lumo and LNER on the same date, including luggage and ticket-change rules.
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Start at King’s Cross
Both Lumo and LNER use London King’s Cross for this journey. Many departures take roughly 4¼–4¾ hours to Edinburgh Waverley. St Pancras next door is a different station. Choose a departure you can reach comfortably from your accommodation.
Compare the whole ticket
Lumo and LNER sell different products; a price found for one is not a fare for the other. Read luggage allowances before buying, especially with a large case. An Advance ticket normally ties you to the booked train. If using split tickets, the train must meet the conditions for every part, including calling at the split station where required.
Consider the overnight coach carefully
National Express lists a fastest journey of 9 hours 40 minutes from Victoria Coach Station. Longer departures are common. Compare the arrival time and access to your room before counting an overnight coach as a hotel saving. Waverley and Edinburgh Bus Station have different approaches to the Old Town.
Plan the arrival
The London guide and Edinburgh guide explain the local journeys, places to stay and visits. Add the main travel ticket separately to your daily spending plan. The distance above is a straight-line comparison between the city centres; your train, road or flight route can be longer.
