Edinburgh as day trip from York by train

What time of year are you going? The train from York to Edinburgh takes 2.5-3 hrs both ways. Prices seem to be about $50.00 each way. There are Steam Trains on that route as special events. Why not do an overnight in Edinburgh to have enough time to visit the Castle, etc. However, I would consider visiting all the Treasures more close at hand to York. Look online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk for some other great locations.

York isn’t a day trip even if it was an hour away. You want to spend the night for an evening ghost walk.

Good points you all are making.
We are going in May.

I thought the train was 2 hours each way but maybe I got that wrong.

The train is 2.5 hours each way which makes for a very long day.

In a word NO

If you think it’s your only chance to see Edinburgh, I say go for it. I’ve done long day trips before and did not regret them. The key is to get an early start and enjoy the train ride. Not everyone has the luxury of being able to spend multiple days in every location. To me, a long day trip can be better than not seeing a place. Do what works for you.

Some closer options are Knaresborou (35 mins by train), Durham (45 mins by train), Harrogate (30 mins by train), Scarborough (50 mins by train).

You could also consider a day tour. Some options here:

https://www.mountain-goat.com/Lake-District/York

Note: My trip to York is this May, so I have no personal experience with any of the above places. They are just places I have researched for my own trip.

I have done plenty of day trips by train over 2 1/2 hours each way
An early start is much easier in the long days of summer. Not keen on getting up and going in the dark.

I don't know why people are so adamant in saying 'no way'. They may not be up for traveling 3 hrs each way for a day trip, but everyone doesn't feel that way. When I wanted to see or do something and it took that long to get there, I just planned to leave early and come back late, I went and enjoyed it, especially if I thought it might be my only opportunity. I say if you want to spend a day in Edinburgh, then do it. Take an early train, see a few sights, and enjoy. So what if you don't get back to York until late.

I agree that if you want to do it, and the travel time doesn't bother you, do it. Lots of folks here forget that not everyone is in a position to spend multiple days in each city, but that shouldn't mean you have to skip someplace you really want to go.

Do go to Edinburgh!
Get the earliest train you can, and spend a lovely day walking, and absorbing its history.
You will love it!
Just pick a dry day if you can, it’s a bit grey in the rain.

Picking up on your question about other day trips from York, have you thought about Durham? It's about 45 minutes from York, and it's a lovely city - a beautiful cathedral, Durham Castle (home of University College, Durham University, which has a Norman chapel), and a beautiful streetscape, as well as an open-air market on weekends. River walks are also nice.

You can also take a taxi to Beamish, which an amazing open-air recreation of British life at different time periods, although it's so big it's a half-day in itself.

Thanks so much for all the posts. We appreciate hearing different perspectives. We haven’t decided yet whether to do it as a day trip or to try to spend one or two nights in Edinburgh.

Also great to hear about Mountain Goat tours and Durham and other day trip possibilities!