How to Get to Edinburgh: Airport, Train & Sleeper Guide 2026
Flying in, arriving by rail, or trading the plane for an overnight sleeper — here’s everything you need to plan the journey to Scotland’s capital, and where to go for the full detail on each option.
Edinburgh Airport
Scotland’s busiest airport sits about six miles west of the centre in Ingliston, with a single compact terminal and routes to over 150 destinations. Trams and the Airlink 100 express bus both run into town in under 35 minutes, with taxis and private transfers available for a door-to-door option.
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Tram: ~30–35 min, every 7–10 min
Airlink 100 bus: ~25–30 min, 24 hours
Taxi/private transfer: ~20–30 min
Our full guide covers every transfer option, costs, and which to pick for luggage, groups, or a late arrival.
Edinburgh Waverley Station
Right in the heart of the city between the Old Town and New Town, Waverley is Edinburgh’s main railway hub and one of the most dramatic arrivals in the country — step off the platform and Edinburgh Castle is already in view. It’s the terminus for services from London, Glasgow, and across the UK.
Edinburgh Waverley
London King’s Cross: ~4h 20m direct
Glasgow Queen Street: ~50 min
Steps from Princes Street & the Royal Mile
Our station guide covers entrances, facilities, onward transport, and the easiest way through if you’re changing trains.
Overnight from London: The Caledonian Sleeper
Trade the plane for a private cabin and wake up in Edinburgh. The Caledonian Sleeper runs overnight from London Euston straight into Waverley, with en-suite rooms, a club car serving Scottish food and drink, and none of the airport queues.
Caledonian Sleeper
London Euston → Edinburgh Waverley
Runs six nights a week
Caledonian Double & Club rooms, or seated coach
Our guide walks through room types, what’s on board, and how to book the best value cabin.
Finding Cheap Train Fares
Rail fares to Edinburgh can vary hugely depending on when you book and travel. A little planning — booking in advance, travelling off-peak, or splitting your ticket — can cut the cost of the same journey significantly.
Reduced Train Fares
Advance tickets: released ~12 weeks out
Off-peak & Railcard discounts
Split-ticketing for longer journeys
Our fares guide breaks down every trick for booking Edinburgh trains for less.
Arriving by Coach or Bus
Coach travel is the budget option for reaching Edinburgh, with direct services from London and regular connections across Scotland and the UK arriving right in the heart of the city.
Edinburgh Bus Station
National Express: up to 3 direct services daily from London Victoria, fastest ~9h 40m, day and overnight departures
Scottish Citylink: frequent links from Glasgow (~50 min), Perth, Stirling, Aberdeen, Inverness and beyond
FlixBus: budget cross-country connections into Edinburgh
On Elder Street, 2 minutes’ walk from Waverley Station and St Andrew Square
The overnight London service is a genuinely useful option if you’d rather save a hotel night — you board in the evening and step off on Elder Street in time for breakfast.
Ready to book your stay?
However you arrive, find your base for exploring Edinburgh — from Old Town townhouses to New Town classics.