Every LNER departure on this route runs a Hitachi-built Class 800 or 801 — branded "Azuma," an old Japanese word for "east," fitting for a fleet built by a Japanese manufacturer to run Britain's East Coast Main Line. Class 800 is bi-mode, switching between 25kV overhead electric and onboard diesel generators for the short unwired stretches; Class 801 runs on electric power throughout. Both come in 5-car and 9-car formations and have been in service since May 2019.
The London to Edinburgh train is a joint LNER and Lumo service on the East Coast Main Line, connecting London King's Cross with Edinburgh Waverley, 534 km (332 miles) apart. Most direct trains take between 4 hours 8 minutes and 4 hours 40 minutes, with 50+ combined departures a day. Some services also call at Peterborough, York, Newcastle or Berwick-upon-Tweed along the way.
It isn't a dedicated high-speed line, but at up to 125 mph it's a genuinely fast, comfortable way to make the trip — and usually the least stressful. Driving covers the same 405 miles in around 6h50m–7h before parking; flying is roughly 1h20m in the air but adds airport transfers and security on both ends; the coach takes around 9h30m and is the slowest option. City-center to city-center, the train is hard to beat.
A short walk from St Pancras, connected to six Underground lines, and home to the "Platform 9¾" trolley.
Sits in a valley directly below Edinburgh Castle, steps from Princes Street, the Old Town, and Arthur's Seat.
Accessible Hitachi Class 800/801 trainsets with at-seat power and free WiFi in every carriage.
Both run the same route on the same tracks. LNER runs far more often and gets you there fastest; Lumo is the standard-only alternative with fewer daily departures. Fares on both shift constantly with demand, so it's worth comparing them for your specific date.
Direct from King's Cross · First Class also available
Book your LNER train →Standard only, direct
Book your Lumo train →Pack an eye mask and earplugs, bring a light layer since carriages tend to run warm, and keep essentials in a small bag — overhead racks get crowded and aren't always easy to reach once you've settled in for the night.
LNER offers two classes on this route, Standard and First — Lumo runs Standard only. Both classes come with free WiFi and at-seat power in every carriage; check the search widget above for live fares and seat availability.
Airline-style or table seating arranged 2 by 2, with free WiFi, at-seat power sockets, and overhead or end-of-carriage luggage space for a large suitcase or carry-on bag — no restrictions either way. A buffet car (LNER) or at-seat trolley (Lumo) covers food and drink options throughout the journey.
Check Standard fares →
Wider seats with more legroom in a quieter carriage, plus complimentary at-seat food and drinks, priority boarding at both stations, and access to LNER lounges where available.
Check First Class fares →Fares on this route move with demand: Advance tickets are cheapest the earlier you book and get pricier as each train fills up. Both LNER and Lumo release Advance fares 8–12 weeks before travel — book within that window via the search widget above for the lowest price on your travel dates.
Both LNER and Lumo release Advance fares on this schedule, and prices climb as each train fills up.
Prices swing between LNER and Lumo depending on the day, and Lumo runs far fewer trains, so check both timetables if you need a specific departure time.
You'll get the best views of Durham Cathedral, the Angel of the North, and the Northumberland coastline.
There's no need to print anything for either operator — just have your phone ready at the barrier.
There's less buffer time needed than flying — arriving 10–15 minutes early is normally enough.
They offer full flexibility but cost several times more than Advance fares — only worth it if your plans might change.
A Railcard saves about a third off most fares if you qualify — check National Rail for live departures or disruption before you travel.
Every Advance fare includes a seat reservation. Step-free access, accessible toilets and wheelchair spaces are available at both stations and on board — book passenger assistance ahead if you need it.
Everything about times, fares, stations and scenery on the East Coast Main Line — the short version.
The fastest LNER services cover the 534 km East Coast Main Line in around 4 hours 8 minutes. Most direct trains take between 4 hours 8 minutes and 4 hours 40 minutes, depending on how many stops they make along the way.
It's 534 km (about 332 miles) from London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley by rail, following the East Coast Main Line north through Peterborough, York, Durham, Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Trains depart from London King's Cross and arrive at Edinburgh Waverley. Both are central, well-connected stations — Waverley sits directly below Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, and King's Cross connects straight onto the London Underground.
Fares change constantly with demand and date — LNER tickets on this route start from around €121 one way, and Lumo starts from around €179. It's worth comparing both operators via the search widget above before you book, since whichever has cheaper availability can flip from day to day.
Yes. LNER runs direct trains roughly every 30 minutes through the day, and Lumo runs up to five direct services daily each way, all on the East Coast Main Line with no changes required.
Yes, the Caledonian Sleeper runs an overnight service between London Euston and Edinburgh with seated and berth options, arriving early morning. It departs from a different London station (Euston, not King's Cross) and runs on a separate timetable from the daytime LNER and Lumo services.
On a 4-hour journey it can be, if you value the extra seat width, at-seat food and a quieter carriage. For most travelers, Standard Class on either LNER or Lumo is perfectly comfortable for the trip — check the search widget above for current First Class fares.
Sit on the left-hand side heading north for Durham Cathedral, the Angel of the North near Newcastle, and the Northumberland coastline past Alnmouth, Bamburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed. Heading south, sit on the right for the same views.
Advance tickets for both LNER and Lumo typically go on sale 8-12 weeks before travel and get more expensive as the train fills up, so booking early gets the lowest fares.
City-center to city-center, the train is often comparable or faster once you account for airport transfers, check-in and security. King's Cross and Waverley are both central, so there's no travel time to and from an airport at either end.
Compare LNER and Lumo times and fares in one search, then book directly with our booking partner.
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