London to Edinburgh by train: a practical city-break guide

How long should you spend in Edinburgh?

I’d allow two or three nights for a first visit. That gives you room for the historic streets, a museum and an unhurried meal without trying to squeeze everything into one afternoon. Waverley sits between the Old Town and New Town, so you have a useful starting point for exploring without a car.

Which train takes you from London to Edinburgh?

Look for a direct service from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley. The East Coast route takes you north through England, with opportunities for sea views on the northern stretches. If the scenery is part of the attraction, I’d choose a daylight departure.

Check the actual trains for your dates. Stopping patterns and engineering work can change the journey, and the departure that suits your budget may not be the one you first had in mind.

What could you do over a long weekend?

Keep the arrival day simple: drop your bags, take a walk and get your bearings. I’d give the second day to the Old Town and whichever attraction interests you most, then leave the final morning for the New Town, a café or another short wander.

Check admission arrangements before committing to a visit. Edinburgh has hills and steps, so look at accessible routes if those would make the day difficult. There’s no prize for coming home exhausted.

Can you add York, and what should you check before booking?

You could make York part of the same holiday, but price it as a planned stop. Don’t assume your ticket lets you break the journey wherever you like.

• Compare train-specific fares with flexible options.
• Read the change conditions before paying.
• Reserve a seat where available and keep your bags manageable.
• Recheck the service shortly before travelling and leave time to find the platform.

I’d rather know what the ticket allows now than discover it halfway through the trip.