Edinburgh -> London National Rail (best time to buy?)

First, it's not Euros it's British Pounds.

I would just wait a day or so. The system may not be have been updated with advanced fares. Since you are looking at the furthest date possible to purchase, it's doubtful that all advance fares are gone.

A little snarky even though it was just a simple mistake. I know they use pounds and not the Euro. I'll be visiting a few different countries on this trip and using a few different currencies as well.

The cheaper Advance tickets are yet to go on sale for 9 Oct. What you’re seeing for the 8 Oct are Advance tickets for Virgin trains – this is the slower, less frequent, west coast route via Carlisle.

https://www.virgintrains.co.uk/

I would wait for LNER to release their Advance tickets for the quicker, east coast route via Newcastle. Currently their weekday tickets are available up to 4 Oct.

https://www.lner.co.uk/travel-information/travelling-later/early-bird-ticket-alerts/

Just wait -the tickets are nearly on sale but not just yet. No one else can buy them, you're not missing out.

The high prices are Anytime or Off-peak tickets - these are the, always on-sale, walk-up fares.

Thanks for that great info. If you have ridden the train that goes along the east coast is it a prettier ride? I'd like to have the most scenic (if either one is) of the two.

On a southbound train, you want to choose a seat on the left side for views of the coast between Edinburgh and Alnmouth. Enjoy.

Will it show seat selection though for that side of the train? I know I can pick seat set ups but don't know if I've come across picking a side.

When I travel from London to Scotland on business, I fly, which you may want to consider. Same in reverse for my Scottish colleagues.

I appreciate the advice on flying but I'd just rather take a train. I'm travelling with my mom and it's good quality time together.

Once you chosen/been allocated a seat type you can then edit it and choose your particular seat via a seating plan on the LNER site. The map will show the direction of travel so choose seats on the left side.

Thanks a bunch!

Not snarky. There are plenty of first timers who come here and don't realize the British don't use Euros. (How are we supposed to know if you are a novice or experienced traveler?)

I've done this trip numerous times. I would suggest the LNER trains as they are quicker. By at least an hour. Scenery is about the same.

The Virgin trains arrive at London Euston. The LNER trains arrive at Kings Cross.

This is probably my last question. I know with a lot of trains the difference between 1st and 2nd class is pretty negligible so is that the case here as well? Or should I spend an extra 30 pounds each and upgrade to 1st?

Thanks for all the help.

If the difference is only £30, and you're on your hols, I'd go first class. It's a 4.5 hour journey so you'll get fed and watered (wine!).

Go on treat yourself!

You might be on one of the new Azuma trains.

https://www.lner.co.uk/the-east-coast-experience/azuma-trains/azuma-story/

I was thinking the extra 30 would be worth it. I watched some YouTube videos of Edinburgh to London on the trains in different cars and 1st class was empty. I think I will go that route. Thanks again!