What is the best train to take for a three night visit to Edinburgh? We are 4 adults and want comfort and convenience. We are breaking up a week in London with this visit and will return there to spend 2 more nights before returning home. Traveling in September, dates flexible.
Posted by
Green Bay
21225 posts
Look at www.nationalrail.uk for your options.
Posted by
Central Indiana, USA
357 posts
You can take Virgin Trains or an overnight Caledonian Sleeper.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
I like the 3pm departure out of London, 720pm into Edinburgh, perfect timing for dinner.
Great Northern operates this route as well as Virgin Trains.
http://www.thameslinkrailway.com
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
There is one departure per hour (sometimes more) from London to Edinburgh during the week, less at weekends. The trip takes 4 ½ hours.All the trains are the same, just pick one at a convenient time.
As with most long distance trains, book early for cheap tickets. If you leave it too long the cheap tickets will be sold out. Once you book a cheap ticket, you are committed to a specific train. Only the very expensive tickets are valid on any train.
This route is run by "Virgin Trains East Coast". Their website is here: https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/
If you prefer a timetable listing all the trains, that is here: https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/globalassets/downloads/pdf/timetables/vtec_booklet_2nd-edition_web.pdf (large file!)
Posted by
Atlanta
5237 posts
Consider flying instead and compare prices. It might be just as inexpensive (quite often that is the case) and definitely faster. Just a thought.
Posted by
Central Indiana, USA
357 posts
When you factor in time to travel to the airport, needing to be there 2 hours prior, then the time to travel from the arrival airport to your new hotel, you won't have saved that much time.
City center to city center by train in five hours or so would be my choice.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
"When you factor in time to travel to the airport, needing to be there 2 hours prior, then the time to travel from the arrival airport to your new hotel, you won't have saved that much time. "
I'd actually say flying would take more time end to end, due to the factors you mention. This is particularly true if you're using one of the far-flung airports like Stansted.
Posted by
Tempe, AZ, USA
1266 posts
MBK - If your dates are set, you can make your journey for as little as £71.00 per person. Your travel time is roughly 4 1/2 hours
Check out www.virgintrainseastcoast.com
Posted by
Chicago
3 posts
We did the same thing last year in September and took Virgin Trains. It was super easy and actually a really delightful train ride. If you have 4 people I'd recommend buying the tickets that include a table - you'll have more space and can bring lunch, games, work, etc.
Posted by
2599 posts
Many people would favour a stop over in York as it is on the East Coast Mainline. You would have to split the ticket at YRK if doing this either north or southbound.
www.visityork.org