Driving from Edinburgh to London

I have done this drive, London to Edinburgh, two of us took 2hr shifts with a brief stop at each change, it took 8 hours with very little traffic. Yes there should be nice views the whole way.

The route through Northumberland (either inland or coastal) will be scenic.

The rest will be tiring as you encounter busy roads near the major conurbations. Motorways are rarely scenic.

Best to go by train in my opinion. If you pre-book specific train(s) in advance, you will get lower prices. (Walk on fares can be expensive). You can find the train schedules here:> www.nationalrail.co.uk
(Click ‘details’ for company and then go to their website to make the advance booking using a debit card). You will need to split the tickets at York rather than purchase one through ticket to London (Kings Cross) = KGX.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVoWSTHcnmo

Although the train from Edinburgh to London goes through York, the main road is somewhat to the west and visiting York would add probably around 40 minutes to the journey without considering stopping time, parking etc.

Mike J must have been lucky with his drive, as you are unlikely to find little traffic for the whole route. I have driven this route numerous times, but usually with an overnight stay somewhere - it is more likely to be a 9+ hour drive. If there are any traffic accidents, add in at least another hour (this is a regular occurrence here).

Traffic and parking in York isn't easy. It is likely to be a 12 hour day. Petrol here is expensive too and the fuel cost for an average car is likely to be in excess of £50 for this drive. The M1 is not a scenic road - for that you need to make more detours such as the Northumberland coast which will add in another couple of hours. Will two people be insured to drive? If not, it is far too much for just one person to cover.

Take the train - far less hassle.

Thank you alll for replys and advises.
Our itinerary already pretty much set. We fly in and out of London.
5 nights in London
2 nights in Cotswolds
3 nights in Edinburgh (2 in city and 1 In castle 10 ml south)
1 last night in London before our flight home
We usually always traveling by car, especially in Europe (Italy, Spain, France, Germany etc.). Besides, we both driving. We like independence.
So distance between E and L didn't scare as. I'm trying to see if I can fit in few ours in York.. We originally planed to stay there overnight, but then caste it n Scotland came up and I changed our plans.
I'll check option to take train and stop in York for few hours. Or not. And drive directly to London
Thank you again

My question would be what day of the week will you be traveling. This can make a big difference. Also 1-2 hours in York isn't doing it justice, it could take you that time to get into the town centre and parked up. Or if you use the park and ride you would have factor in the time it takes you to get on and off the bus each way etc. What do you want yo see in York?

It will be on Saturday. I understand that it's not enough time, but at least to walk around, visit York minster, The Shambels

Google maps would say it's 4 hours but that's assuming you are doing the speed limit all the way without any issues on the roads, I would say it's more likely going to be at least 5 if your lucky and you can keep to 70 mph without any issues on the roads. Knowing these roads like I do. You would be very lucky indeed.

This does not including the time it takes you to get parked in either the town or by using the park & ride (Which I would recommend) Saturdays are very busy with shoppers in the day and with people enjoying the pubs/restaurants on a night so you would need to add another hour on to your time here as well. The last time I went to York just for a drink on the Saturday night it took us 30 minutes to get through the town on a bus.

It will take you the same time again to get from York to Heathrow (assuming you get a clear run)

So I'd say your looking at about 12 hours to drive it and stop in York.

I don't know if the train would make any difference in time.

Thank you very much for info. Now have something to think about. May be visiting York will be good motive to travel to UK next time.