We will be traveling from Edinburgh to Inverness by train, on the last Sunday in May, and there are trains going there from both these stations. The Haymarket is closer to our hotel, but wondering if there is a down side or upside to either station, that anyone has experienced? The trains are about 9:30 or 10:30 am , and I think there is a marathon going on in Edinburgh that day ??? Does one need to get to the station very much ahead of time, in order to figure out where you are going and will it be very busy on a Sunday? (It is a holiday the next day, I guess). Also, is it a big problem having to change trains on the journey? Only one train is "direct". Any advise is greatly appreciated, thank you!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Both morning departures stop at Haymarket station for two minutes loading time, so try to be on the platform early and to have an idea of where the 1st- and 2nd-class cars will line up so that you can board quickly. There may be announcements, signs, or staff you can ask. Navigating from the station entrance to the platform should not take terribly long, if you have tickets in hand and no other chores to do. See the station map at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/HYM.aspx.
15 minutes should be plenty of time to make a connection at Sterling, and it's not a big deal. But if you have luggage with you and are new to trains, then the direct departure is probably worth the trade-off of getting going an hour earlier.
Posted by
Edinburgh
2681 posts
as Laura says it is just a short stop in Haymarket, but as long as you are there several minutes before your train you will make it. Haymarket is a small train station so easy to get to the right platform.
If not on a direct train the change a Stirling is easy usually just across the platform, though it has been a few years since I had to change in Stirling from what I remember there were folk there to direct you to the right platform.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1895 posts
We just returned from Edinburgh. We took the train from Waverly to Inverness. Bought our tickets months ahead, and went for only 10 pounds each way. It was an direct train, there are NO transfers. it's a LONG trip. almost 4 hours.
Shouldn't make any difference if you get the train at Waverly or Haymarket...the Waverly train goes through Haymarket to get to Inverness.
FYI, there is a food cart that will come down the aisle several times, but depending on when you travel, you may way to bring snacks or lunch. Our train out of Waverly was at 8:30AM.
We pre-booked our tickets as I said, so we went to the station the day before to get them from the self serve machines, we also checked the board to figure out which track, or at least they lay-out of the station. The track will not be announced until just minutes before you get to board the train (at least in our case, that's what happened, then last minute, they changed the train, and we all had to get off and run to the train in front of the one we were seated in)
I HIGHLY recommend that if you are sure of your travel dates (and it seems you are) that you check the website of Scotrail and get your tickets in advance and save yourself a lot of money!
Posted by
Freedonia
16270 posts
I would choose Haymarket if it is closer. As stated, get there with enough time to find your platform so you can jump on the train.
I would try for the direct train over the change if possible.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all very much for the helpful information regarding the train stations in Edinburgh. It has helped us make our decisions and feel more comfortable about the arrangements. Good idea to check out the station before the actual day, so it is a bit familiar and we know where we are going! Once again, thank you to everyone for being so kind.
Posted by
Daphne, Alabama, United States
106 posts
I took the train from Haymarket headed south to Tweedbank.. I went the day before to purchase tickets but the ticket guy said just come back the day of travel and purchase for trains after 9:ish. Haymarket has a nice little store in the station (M&S??) and TWO coffee carts. I got to the platform early and chatted with a couple of Scots. It is a good thing because at the last minute there was an overhead announcement about a platform change. They told me to follow them and they took off running. Made the train with a few minutes to spare.
Posted by
36 posts
We used Haymarket on our last trip, taking a taxi from the Airport. We were on a direct train, getting off in Aviemore as my brother was picking us up there. We had plenty of time to get our tickets which I had purchased in advance.
Our only problem was getting to our seats, as the train only stops for a couple of minutes. My husband was disabled, and it was difficult dealing with him and leaving my son to deal with the bags.
I think for your trip, Haymarket would be best, and tickets are much cheaper booked in advance.