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Tour to Edinburgh from London staying overnight

Two day tour by train including visit to edinburgh castle and open top bus tour.

Stay overnight in an Edinburgh 3-star hotel and spend time at your leisure in Edinburgh

If our Edinburgh day trip is just too short or the day too long, take things at a more relaxed pace by staying overnight in a centrally located Edinburgh hotel and spending two full days in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh's Waverley Station, where you get off the train from London is in the very heart of the city of Edinburgh. All the main sights including Edinburgh Castle are within easy walking distance of the train station. On day two of your tour you will have free time to visit Edinburgh at your leisure. Calton Hill, Holyrood Palace and Park and Salisbury Crags all await you...

This tour is independent; not a guided tour. On purchasing you simply print off your reserved train tickets at home and take them with you to King's Cross Station at the required time. You will also receive an entrance ticket to Edinburgh Castle and a 1-day hop-on, hop off Edinburgh sightseeing pass , details of your hotel, as well as a city map enabling you to plan your short break ahead on the train.

Tour highlights   Tour details   Departure from Kings Cross   Open top bus tour Edinburgh   Edinburgh Castle   Day 2 free time in Edinburgh   Prices & reservations  

EDINBURGH OVERNIGHT FROM LONDON

2-days in Edinburgh from London by high speed train with Edinburgh Castle

• Travel by high speed train • Accommodation at a centrally located 3* hotel • Entrance tickets to Edinburgh Castle • Hop on hop off open top bus tour Edinburgh • Time for shopping and sightseeing • City map • Optional upgrade transfers to Kings Cross • Option for first class upgrade

2-day trip to Edinburgh from London highlights

Return train tickets to Edinburgh with reserved seats

Entry to Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh open top sightseeing bus tour

Free time to explore Edinburgh at your leisure

Accommodation at a centrally located 3-star Edinburgh hotel

 Transfer from Central London to London King's Cross (if purchased)

First Class (optional extra) includes refreshments served at your sea

Edinburgh from London in two days - tour details

Tour runs Monday - Friday all year round.

6.45am  - check in at Kings Cross Railway Station for a 7am  - departure

11.22am - arrive at Waverley Station, Edinburgh

Returning the next day

5.15pm for a 5.30pm departure

10.09pm  - arrival back at London Kings Cross Railway Station

Departure from Kings Cross Station

You will need to be at King’s Cross Station at 6.45am with your  train e-tickets for your outbound and inbound rail journeys.  Your train will depart at 7am and arrive in to Edinburgh at 11.22am. 

You will need to print your Open Top Bus Tour and Edinburgh Castle tickets.

You’ll also get a handy Edinburgh map to make navigating the city a little easier.

Day 1: Open top bus tour in Edinburgh

A hop on hop off open top bus tour will take you round all the main sights in Scotland's capital.

From your vantage point you will see the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle, where you will be visiting later in your day.

You’ll cruise down Royal Mile, one of the busiest streets in Edinburgh’s historic old town, and past the famed Greyfriars Bobby monument.

Ticket is valid for 24hours so you will be able to use it on day 2.

Day 1: Edinburgh Castle and overnight in 3-star hotel

Following your open top bus tour you head to Edinburgh Castle, where your ticket has already been paid.

This much-loved fortress has been involved in many historical conflicts since the 12th century and stands guard over the city from atop the Castle Rock.

See the dazzling Scottish Crown Jewels and pose for photos with unbeatable panoramic views of the city skyline in the background.

Accommodation - overnight in Edinburgh

You will be provided accommodation in a centrally located 3-star hotel.

Day 2: Edinburgh at your leisure and return to London

Take the second day to explore Edinburgh as you wish. You might explore the Royal Mile, the popular tourist spot of many streets forming a thoroughfare linking the two most famous landmarks in Edinburgh - the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle.

Holyrood Palace is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, and also a popular place for tourists to visit.

There are many museums to visit in Edinburgh, such as the National Museum of Scotland, one of the top ten UK visitor attractions. Admission is free (donations welcome) and it is open daily, with the exception of some days over Christmas.

There are many other museums and galleries in Edinburgh to choose from; or, if you are in need of some exercise, a walk up either Calton Hill or through Holyrood Park and Salisbury Crags will give you some spectacular views of the City of Edinburgh.

Return journey

Check in time for your return journey is 5pm. Your train will then depart Edinburgh at 5.30pm, arriving back in London at 10.09pm.

Prices & tour reservations

Prices displayed on the banner link are the current prices for this tour.

Sometimes on special occasions there may be slight changes to the tour, dates or price so do check on the booking page linked below. Extra dates are often put on around long holiday weekends, notably Easter and New Year.

Major credit and debit cards are accepted. You will be emailed a confirmation with a booking reference after reservation.

To book you will need your booking reference and in addition the first and last names of  all  passengers when ordering. There are no paper tickets.

On the tour detail page from the link below, there is a date drop-down at the top right of the page, which depicts which dates still have availability. By selecting your required date you start the reservation process. Once we list a date for operation it is guaranteed to run, there are no minimum numbers.

MOST POPULAR TOURS FROM LONDON 2024

Visiting stonehenge and/or windsor and/or bath, visiting cotswolds and/or oxford and/or stratford and/or warwick, visiting canterbury, leeds castle & dover, special theme tours, day tours by train to liverpool, paris & scotland, 2 to 12 day tours covering great britain, ireland, paris & amsterdam.

Scotland Rail Tours from London

From the ancient, bustling streets of Edinburgh to the dramatic, natural scenery on the Isle of Skye or breathtaking Highlands, we offer the widest choice of independent rail tours Scotland has to offer.

With Scottish Rail Tours, seeing the charms of Scotland has never been so quick, easy and above all – unforgettable.

Rugged mountain landscapes, dark and mysterious lochs and historic castles are just a few of the delights waiting for you as you explore Scotland in comfort. Browse through our exciting Scotland rail trips to find your perfect itinerary.

Rail breaks to Edinburgh

Imagine watching stunning scenery sweep by your window as you’re whisked from central London to historic, charming central Edinburgh. With its preserved Old Town and impressive castle, Edinburgh offers the perfect escape and travelling by train is the ideal way to get here. It’s convenient, relaxing and fast.

Once you step foot in the Scottish capital, the team at Scottish Rail Tours will have everything in place to show you the wonders of Scotland at the pace that suits you best.

Edinburgh in a Day

Overnight tours from london, rail holidays scotland.

See more of Scotland on one of our longer tours. Expertly planned and based in the cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, explore the Scottish Highlands in all their glory.

Hop aboard a luxury mini-coach and let a local guide show you to the stunning Isle of Skye, mysterious Loch Ness, or join the famous North Coast 500 route to experience the Far North.

Travel to Fort William to board the Jacobite Steam Train and experience one of Scotland’s finest rail journeys along the scenic West Highland Line. Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, just like the Hogwarts Express.

Why Choose Scottish Rail Tours?

Take the hassle out of organising your adventure with our semi-independent tours. Perfectly curated to pack the most into your visit, our tours allow you to enjoy authentic, local experiences independently and give you access to structured tours for reaching remote villages and nature in the Scottish Highlands. 

We’ve made all the arrangements for you from start to finish, so you only have to arrive. You’ll also get inside tips and advice for making sure you have an unrivalled experience.

All that’s left for you and your travelling companions to do is experience the mystical land we call home.

destinations

Edinburgh Glasgow Inverness Scottish Highlands

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We Recommend

Edinburgh - The Royal City

Discover one of the most memorable and unique cities in Europe: Edinburgh.  Fondly known as Auld Reekie , which means 'Old Smokey' in Scots, the Scottish capital is one of Europe's most unique and memorable cities.

Explore the city in one day, where you'll feel a sense of history in every corner - from underground vaults and hidden passageways to relics of construction from a bygone era and more. Be ready to uncover incredible gems in and around Edinburgh's historic town centre, also called 'Old Town'.

King's Cross Station, London, UK

Edinburgh , Scotland's picturesque capital, has attractions for everyone to enjoy. At the heart of the city stands the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched majestically atop Castle Rock - a long extinct volcano -, which you'll visit as part of your rail tour from London. Admire breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and explore the long, bloody history of the castle, from its time as a military fortress, royal residence and prison of war.

Beyond the castle walls, discover the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's historic Old Town, where charming shops, cool cafes, hidden gems, and vibrant street performers await.

At the opposite end of the Royal Mile stands the imposing Palace of Holyroodhouse , the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. So be ready to explore the ancient corridors of Edinburgh Castle or stroll along the bustling Royal Mile; whatever you're into, Scotland's capital city will leave you in awe.

First Class

Upgrade your train travel to first class and travel in style with breakfast on your outbound journey and dinner upon your return.

Overnight – 1 or 2 nights

Edinburgh has a lot to offer. Why not stay an extra night or stay for 2 nights and take advantage of a trip up to the highlands?

Hop-on Hop-off bus tour

Board your Hop-on Hop-off Guided Bus Tour and journey around some of Edinburgh's finest and culture-rich destinations. The Tour takes you to 14 fantastic locations, including Grassmarket, a historic marketplace with incredible views of Edinburgh Castle, John Knox House, a magnificent medieval building dating back to the 15th century and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, The Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh. The ticket is valid all day, so you can hop on and hop off as many times as you like.

An amazing trip to Loch Ness and the chance to go Monster hunting! Heading north from Edinburgh, we pass the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle and skirt the Trossachs (Rob Roy country) before crossing the wilds of Rannoch Moor and onto dramatic Glencoe. Our tour takes us past Fort William and Britain’s highest mountain, the mighty Ben Nevis, before following the Great Glen and stopping in the village of Fort Augustus by the shores of the mysterious Loch Ness .

You can take a boat trip on Loch Ness , explore or simply relax in a gorgeous wee Highland village. Enjoy our free locally-produced picnic lunch. Our return journey passes through the ‘Monarch of the Glen’ country, south to Perthshire and the historic town of Dunkeld. We then view the spectacular Forth Bridges before returning to the Capital around 8:00 pm.

London King’s Cross Station

Kings Cross Station is centrally located and easily accessible by underground, serviced by the Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Victoria and Northern Lines and is in Zone 1.

Operates: April - March, Monday to Saturday

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Outbound: Train departs London Kings Cross: 07:00 / Train arrives in Edinburgh: 11:20
• Return: Train departs Edinburgh: 17:30 / Train arrives at London Kings Cross: 22:10
• Your electronic tickets and vouchers will be sent to you one week prior to your scheduled departure date via email (or, if booked within one week, then within 24 hours of booking). We would recommend arriving at Kings Cross Station 30 minutes before your scheduled train departure time
• This Tour is unescorted
• We will make every effort to fulfil any requests you have for seating on the train; however, this cannot be guaranteed
• Please visit our Travel Health page for full details of our enhanced hygiene standards and protocols

PACKAGE OPTIONS

Edinburgh - The Royal City (Standard class) :

• Edinburgh Castle entry
• Hop-on, Hop-off sightseeing tour of Edinburgh
• Roundtrip train journey in standard class with reserved seats 

Free Wi-Fi On Board the train

• Information Pack and map

Edinburgh - The Royal City (First Class):

• Roundtrip First Class train tickets with reserved seats  
• Round-trip train tickets to Edinburgh with reserved seats 
• Hop-on hop-off Sightseeing Tour of Edinburgh 
• Entry ticket to Edinburgh Castle 
• A free city map and information booklet 
• Optional Extras:
• First class return train travel
• Stay overnight in a centrally located 3-star hotel, bed and breakfast
• Stay two nights in a centrally located 3-star hotel, bed and breakfast and a day Tour to Loch Ness & the Highlands

What's Included

Round-trip train journey with reserved seats, entrance to edinburgh castle, hop-on hop off bus tour of edinburgh, what's excluded, hotel pick-up & drop-off.

• No Cancellation Fees
• No Change Fees
• No Booking Fees
• Your Money is Protected - Free cancellation up to 7 days before the day of departure. Cancellations inside 7 days will be charged at 100%.
• Our team, including our guides and drivers, have been trained in our enhanced hygiene procedures; please refer to our Travel Health page for more information

For full terms, see Our Flexible Promise to You

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• 2-5 Day Tours from London >

2 or 3 Day Edinburgh Tour from London

Our 2 day Edinburgh tour from London is the perfect way to explore the Scottish capital on a short city break. You can also choose to add on an extra day and turn this into a 3 day tour break. You’ll travel directly by rail from London to Edinburgh with reserved seats on East Coast trains. Your first day in Edinburgh includes a hop on hop off bus tour, as well as entrance tickets to Edinburgh Castle, with an overnight stay in a 3* hotel. On day two, you’ll have free time to explore the city at your leisure. There are lots of exciting attractions you could visit, such as Holyrood Palace, the Underground Vaults and the Royal Yacht Britannia. You will then return to London by train. Alternatively, choose to add on an extra day in Edinburgh.

2 or 3 Day Edinburgh Tour

This is a self-guided tour which includes overnight accommodation in an Edinburgh hotel.  You can also add on an extra night.

• Depart from King’s Cross Station London at 7am, arriving in central Edinburgh at 11:22am.
• Enjoy a hop on hop off bus tour of Edinburgh. Get to grips with the city on an open top bus, passing by many of its most famous sites and attractions. You can hop on and off as much as you like on the first day
• Your first day also includes entrance tickets to Edinburgh Castle. Getting to the Castle is easy with the hop on hop off bus ticket. The castle itself dates back to the 12th Century, and your ticket includes admission to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, enter the Great Hall, see the Stone of Destiny and take in breathtaking views of the city bellow.
• Spend your evening in the Scottish capital. There are lots of bustling bars and restaurants in the city centre, as well as an array of nightlife activities such as concerts and shows.

Overnight Stay

Your Edinburgh tour from London includes an overnight stay in one of the following 3* hotels (subject to availability)

• Central Edinburgh Hotel
• Murrayfield Hotel

This is a free day where you can explore Edinburgh at your leisure. There are many more Edinburgh attractions that you can visit on your second day or alternatively choose to take a tour of the city. Some suggestions include:

Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023. Photographer Peter Smith

• For thrill-seekers, explore the Edinburgh underground vaults and hear tales of the city’s ghostly past
• The Scotch Whisky Experience is a must for whisky fans who can sample a wee dram of Scotland’s national drink!
• At the end of your second day in Edinburgh return to London. Your train departs Edinburgh at 5.31pm, arriving back in London at 10.18pm. At the end of your third day, return to London by train.

Add an Extra Night 

You can also choose to extend your stay by adding on an extra night to your booking. With 3 days in Scotland, you could choose to spend your second day on a day tour to Loch Ness & The Highlands, with the third day spent exploring the best of Edinburgh.

Your tour includes:

• Reserved seats on East Coast Trains, standard class
• Open Top Bus Tour
• Entrance tickets to Edinburgh Castle
• Overnight accommodation in a 3* hotel

Your tour excludes:

• Any other entrance tickets or tours
• Food, drink

Optional Extras:

Choose to include the following upgrades

• Add an extra night accommodation in Edinburgh
• Hotel transfer – a transfer from your Central London hotel to King’s Cross Station. Please wait by the concierge desk in your hotel at 5.45am. (Applicable to clients staying in central London hotels only and must be pre-booked)
• Optional upgrade to 1st class.  This includes extra-wide seats with additional legroom,  free wifi and USB chargers. Enjoy complimentary food & drink brought to your seat (subject to availability). It also includes the use of the 1st class lounge at Waverley Station.
• Cancel bookings up to 14 days prior to departure to receive a full refund
• Reserved seats on the train
• Please arrive at the train station 30 minutes before train departure
• This tour is self-guided

Tour Booking

Terms and conditions, you might also be interested.

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The BEST Train from London to Edinburgh in 2024 (Review)

Posted by Francesca Brooking | No-Fly Holidays , Scotland | 14

Wondering what’s the best train from London to Edinburgh? Read my review comparing all the main train operators which serve the London to Edinburgh route.

I break down the costs, duration and what it’s like onboard based on my own experience travelling by LNER, Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper and Lumo.

So, which train should you take from London to Edinburgh? Here’s what I found out.

Why I chose to travel by train 

I visited Edinburgh on a brief weekend city break a few days before Christmas. Time was of the essence so I took a flight thinking it would be cheaper and quicker… Or so I thought. 

I was wrong, of course, and both my flights ended up being delayed and it looked like there was a real danger that I would spend Christmas Day in Edinburgh Airport. I didn’t, luckily!

So, when the opportunity arose to take a second trip to Edinburgh, I was determined to do things differently.

Edinburgh is my favourite city in the UK (after London of course…) but it’s far – not travelling internationally, but still a trek in its own right.

Even so, flying was not an option for me. I couldn’t justify it. Not with the possibility of reliving unapologetic delays and the needless negative impact on the environment. 

Up until very recently, flying has reigned supreme in being the most cost-effective and convenient way to travel from London to Edinburgh.

Historically, trains were expensive and time-consuming, and when you’ve only got a small amount of time to spare on your mini-break, the last thing you want to do is spend most of it travelling to and from the destination. 

Launched in the summer of 2019, the new LNER Azuma trains promised travellers a cheaper, faster and more convenient way to travel to the Scottish capital.

Since I was already planning to go, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to test it and see if it really was the best train from London to Edinburgh and how it stacked up against other operators.

READ MORE: No-Fly Holidays: 10 of the Most Epic Train Journeys in the World

How much the train tickets cost 

I bought my ticket directly from the LNER website to keep things simple.

If booked well in advance (a month, say), LNER promises that you can get as much as 52% off and a standard single ticket from London to Edinburgh could cost you about £32.20. 

I didn’t manage to get quite such a bargain, instead, paying £96.85 for a standard return with a railcard included. It was still a reasonably good deal and as a bonus, there were no added booking fees. 

For luxury travellers, an advance upgrade can cost you as little as £68 for a first-class single, and for that, you can get super comfy seats, hot food, drinks, booze and snacks galore. 

Find out more about the LNER Azuma and book your tickets

What it’s like to take the train from London to Edinburgh

The journey from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley was a scenic one. The train raced through the country in record time (about 4h 20m) as it headed northeast.

The best views were saved until last as we sped past the historic city of Durham and spotted the cathedral and castle rising above the rooftops.

Next, we snaked through Newcastle and caught a glimpse of the city’s famous Tyne Bridge before getting a close-up of Newcastle Castle on the way out.

Skirting the east coast of England, we made it to the picturesque town of Berwick-Upon-Tweed, the final frontier before our journey up into the Scottish Borders and onwards to Edinburgh.

With less than 5 hours spent travelling, the journey could not have gone better. I sat back and relaxed with a book in hand and a cup of tea in the other as the world sped by my window. 

You could argue that a flight is quicker in the air (about 1 hour) but once you’ve factored in the commute to and from the airports, the time waiting before your flight and the stress of luggage allowances, a fraction of time more if indeed at all just doesn’t seem worth it. 

Virgin Trains have been replaced by Avanti West Coast (more details on that below).

READ MORE: No-Fly Holidays: London to Barcelona by Bus (REVIEW)

Alternative trains and routes from London to Edinburgh

The LNER Azuma was a game-changer for me but it’s not the only choice on the tracks. So, is it the best train from London to Edinburgh? Here are 3 other popular services listed below to compare: 

The Caledonian Sleeper 

The Caledonian Sleeper hearkens back to the romantic age of slow travel. It’s more of an iconic luxury experience than your average train journey.

The journey from London to Edinburgh is a fair bit longer (about 8 hours) but if you’re taking the Caledonian Sleeper simply to get from A to B then you’re doing it wrong. 

Passing through the night, it’s designed to be a chance for passengers to really relax and indulge. You have a choice of sleeping arrangements from cabins with a double bed and ensuite to reclining seats with a personal locker each. 

The Caledonian Sleeper is slow travel at its core so don’t try to rush. WiFi and charging sockets are available throughout the train and passengers have a choice of menus offering a selection of seasonal Scottish dishes to tuck into.  

Read More: Caledonian Sleeper Review: Is This Train Worth The Hype?

Accommodation and Ticket Prices 

Prices are based on booking a single ticket 1 month in advance and are subject to change: 

Find out more and book tickets for the Caledonian Sleeper. 

Avanti West Coast

Virgin Trains was replaced by Avanti West Coast . The operator promised to introduce a range of passenger improvements. I’ve yet to see it. Between you and me, I would avoid them if you can!

An advance single ticket from London to Edinburgh starts from £35 if you book it in advance. 

Avanti West Coast is the other popular train service that can take you from London to Edinburgh.

A slower train than the LNER Azuma, it takes about 4h 42m with departures from Euston every 2 hours at normal operating times. Note: the last train is 23:45 on weekdays and 20:56 on weekends.

Comfort is very much how you make it onboard an Avanti train. Passengers can either go fancy in First Class or pick Standard Class with the option of the Quiet Coach if necessary. 

Food and drink services are available throughout the train as well as free WiFi.  

However, I find that Avanti West Coast trains are often delayed, cancelled or overcrowded in my experience. I’m yet to be convinced – sorry, Avanti!

Find out more about travelling with Avanti West Coast and book your tickets.

Brand new fully electric train service on the scene, Lumo, follows the East Coast mainline but at a fraction of the cost of Avanti West Coast and other rivals.

Launched in October 2021, Lumo started with two services a day and now pushes it up to five. Trains depart London King’s Cross at 5.45, 10.45, 12.18, 14.48 and 20.27 during the week.

Lumo promises to be the low-cost, eco-friendly answer to plane travel.

Trains are 100% electric, the food menu is 50% plant-based and staff uniforms are recyclable. But I think its most important sustainability message is reflected in the price.

Train travel in the UK is, on the whole, more expensive than flying but Lumo wants to change this and make it an affordable choice for everyone.

So where do these swish new trains go? It’s only a handful of stations so far. These are London King’s Cross, Stevenage, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Morpeth and Edinburgh Waverley.

Lumo is definitely one to watch and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.

I’m yet to travel on a Lumo train as they seem to be quite elusive – or sold out. One day!

Accommodation and Ticket Prices

Prices are based on booking a single ticket 1 month in advance and are subject to change. The best way to get the cheapest price is to book a month or two in advance.

If you’re flexible, the best-priced trains are the earliest and latest ones!

Find out more about Lumo and book your tickets.

Train from London to Edinburgh comparison 

So, now that you’ve seen what each train offers, here’s a quick comparison below to help you decide which the best train from London to Edinburgh is based on speed, comfort and price: 

As you can see, LNER Azuma stands out as the fastest and one of the most reasonably-priced train services which makes it the best train from London to Edinburgh if comfort isn’t your main priority.

The Caledonian Sleeper is in a league of its own. As one of the top luxury train experiences in the UK, it can’t really compare. Ride the Caledonian Sleeper FOR the journey itself. Plus you have the added benefit of travelling through the night. 

Lumo doesn’t have a First Class as it’s cheap and cheerful. It wins on price and sustainability. It’s competitive on speed too.

READ MORE: Visiting Scotland Without a Car in 2024: the Ultimate Guide

Best ticket providers and how to use them 

You can, of course, book your tickets directly via each website – I recommend it if you choose the Caledonian Sleeper. But, if you want to find competitive rates, there are three main ticket providers I use: 

Trainline: It’s one of the most popular train ticket services that gives you an overview of the best train routes and prices.

You can download your tickets directly onto your phone if you want to go paper-free or get a code to collect your tickets via the machine at the airport. 

Trainline is useful if you want to get train tickets for the UK and mainland Europe but it’s best if you book them well in advance if you want the benefit of saving a few pennies.

Booking fees are also an unavoidable fact of Trainline, charging you £0.75 to £1.50 when you book depending on the price of your train ticket.  

You can download the Trainline app for both iPhone and Android. 

National Rail Enquiries: Much like Trainline, National Rail Enquiries gives you a breakdown of train times and prices, offering the cheapest routes.

Once you’ve chosen your tickets it redirects you to the train service website so you can carry out your purchase there. 

You can go online at National Rail Enquiries or download the app for smartphones. 

TrainPal: It’s a similar service to the first 2 but it’s by far my favourite one to use. You can always find a cheap ticket and there are no extra added booking fees to deal with.

Owned by Ctrip, the parent company of the fan-favourite flight booking platform Skyscanner, TrainPal also has another trick up its sleeve: the ability to calculate and provide split ticketing options.

This means that passengers will be able to save money by booking separate tickets for different sections of their journey, rather than just one ticket, even if they don’t need to change trains. 

You can download the TrainPal app for both iPhone and Android. 

Editor’s Tip: If your train is cancelled or delayed by 15 minutes or more, always claim compensation through the train operator, NOT ticket booking platforms like Trainline. All train operators have a Delay Repay system . Trainline will just charge you an admin fee.

London to Edinburgh by Train: Verdict 

If you’re travelling from London to Edinburgh it’s time to say adios to air travel. It’s no longer the fastest, cheapest or most convenient way to travel now that LNER’s high-speed Azuma trains have entered the ring. 

If I compare both my journeys to Edinburgh, it’s fair to say the train won but it would be wrong to say it was completely perfect.

There were slight delays on the return journey but it was more favourable in comparison to being stuck for 4 hours at Edinburgh Airport the night before Christmas Eve (now THAT’S a fun story for another time). 

The Caledonian Sleeper is a bucket list train journey. You get your travel and your hotel rolled into one and the pleasure of waking up in another part of the country.

I haven’t tried the Lumo train so I can’t comment on its service. Its prices are certainly competitive so you have to book well in advance if you want your chance before it sells out.

But if we’re talking about fast, cheap and convenient then the LNER Azuma is by far the best train from London to Edinburgh. It trumps Avanti West Coast every time.

Looking for more train travel experiences?

• Jacobite Steam Train Review: What It’s Really Like (+ Photography Tips!)
• No-Fly Holidays: London to Barcelona by Bus (Review)
• Caledonian Sleeper Review: Is This Train Worth The Hype?
• How to Get To Inverness: The Best Travel Routes in 2024

This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see my disclaimer here .

About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

14 Comments

An awesome way to see the country side! I just wish it wasn’t so expensive! Looks like an unreal time though.

Thank you! Yes, sadly the trains in the UK are ridiculously expensive. It’s definitely worth a treat.

I love how accessible the transportation is in Europe! The views from the train look incredible!

Thank you! Yes, they’re super accessible which is great 🙂

Wow deffo on my to do list!!!

I read your sunflower post so I found my way here. I’ve been giving serious thought to more train travel, it’s a nice way to travel. Plus you can have a drink as you go. The Caledonian Sleeper would be a wonderful way to go to Edinburgh. Love to give that a go.

Thank you! The Caledonian Sleeper works a treat for the start of your holiday. I actually need to include the new Lumo train which gets you from London to Edinburgh at a fraction of the cost!

Sounds really nice- thanks for sharing! But what do we do with ourselves in Edin urgh at 5am? Any suggestions?

Thank you! Ooo that’s a tricky one. You might be able to get a coffee near Waverley station. Depending on the time of year you’re going, you could watch the sunrise on Carlton Hill. Then you might be able to get some breakfast at around 8-9am.

Travelling from London to Edinburgh, do you recommend which side of the train has the better views? The left side or the right side? Thanks

Hi Vanessa, good question! If you’re travelling the LNER route, you get lovely views of the coast when you reach Berwick-Upon-Tweed in the north of England on the righthand side.

Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely trip!

Wonderful insight! I enjoyed reading your article. We are coming from the States to visit my mom’s family in Scotland. From my research, it seems that the best options for us is to fly to London, then take a train to Edinburgh. Do you have insight into train options from Glasgow back to London as well? Still trying to plan out the logistics. Thank you so much.

Hi Carrie, thank you! You can get an Avanti West Coast train straight from Glasgow Central to London Euston. Enjoy your trip!

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Last Updated on 11/05/2024

Scotland Tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London

• Scotland Tours

134 Scotland Tours found.

• 8 day and above
• TV and Movies 166
• Historic Sites 147
• Lochs, Mountains and Nature 161
• Castles 140
• England, Ireland and Wales 18
• Landmarks 118
• Experiences 144
• Bannockburn 7
• Bealach Na Ba Mountain Pass 6
• Ben Nevis 93
• Border Abbeys 9
• Braveheart 33
• Cairngorm National Park 99
• Cuillin Hills 52
• Culloden Moor 48
• Dunfermline Abbey 1
• Dunkeld Cathedral 9
• Dunrobin 17
• Edinburgh 46
• Eilean Donan 48
• Fife Fishing Villages 4
• Forth Bridges 91
• Glen Coe 95
• Glenfinnan Viaduct 37
• Harry Potter 88
• Hebridean 7
• Highland Clearances 47
• Highland Games 2
• Highlander 63
• Inveraray 12
• Jacobite History 83
• Jacobite Steam Train 15
• James Bond 84
• Lake District 14
• Linlithgow Palace 5
• Loch Lomond National Park 87
• Loch Ness 94
• Loch Ness Cruise 11
• North Coast 500 Route 31
• Open-top bus tour 19
• Outlander 57
• Pre-historic Scotland 58
• Rannoch Moor 85
• Rosslyn Chapel 3
• Royal Military Tattoo 29
• Scenic Loch Cruise 58
• Snowdonia National Park 5
• St Andrews 6
• Stirling 17
• Stonehenge 9
• Stratford-upon-Avon 10
• The Angels' Share 45
• The Kelpies 7
• Torridon and Applecross 5
• UNESCO Heritage Site 50
• Urquhart 53
• Whisky Distillery Tour 62
• Wildlife 51

Sorry there are currently no tours available for that departure date.

Your Question:

Loch Ness and the Highlands

The Loch Ness Monster - fact or fiction? Maybe you’ll find out on this splendid tour through the glorious Scottish Highlands.

Jacobite Steam Train Experience

Journey through the glorious scenery of the Highlands and travel on the Jacobite Steam Train, the real Hogwarts Express.

Skye, Glenfinnan and The Highlands

Exploring the magical Isle of Skye and the picturesque Scottish Highlands including a trip along the spectacular Road to the Isles makes for a very special touring experience.

Edinburgh City Tour

Take the Edinburgh Bus Tour to see the highlights of Edinburgh from a different viewpoint 

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and The Kelpies

Enjoy an captivating day exploring the natural beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Isle of Skye and the Jacobite Steam Train

This magical tour combines a magical visit to the Isle of Skye with a trip on the World famous Jacobite Steam Train – the real Hogwarts’s Express!

Road to the Isles

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye and the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands on this relaxing and in-depoth tour.

Skye and the Scottish Highlands

Experience the best of the Scottish Highlands on this 3-day Isle of Skye tour.

Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands

This popular “Scotland in one-day” tour will introduce you to some of the finest scenery the Highlands has to offer including, of course, Loch Ness

Loch Lomond, The Trossachs and Stirling Castle

This fascinating tour will introduce you to the history of Stirling, with its famous castle and the natural beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the Highlands

Explore historic monuments and experience the many natural wonders of the Highlands in this fascinating tour of the very best of Scotland.

Outlander Experience

Follow in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire on this wonderful Outlander themed tour.

The Jacobite Highlander

Discover the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and experience an unforgettable journey on the Jacobite Steam Train - the real Hogwarts Express!

Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands

Take your sightseeing to the Max on this amazing tour to the beautiful Scottish Highlands. This is Scotland’s most famous day tour!

Loch Ness and the Highlands of Scotland with local pick-up

The Ultimate Scottish day tour - a trip to Loch Ness through the picturesque scenery of the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

West Highland Lochs, Mountains and Castles

Enjoy a wonderful drive through the picturesque scenery of the Western Highlands and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Glen Coe Adventure

See the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and experience some of the finest scenery the Highlands has to offer.

Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

The Isle of Skye is famed the world over for its dramatic mountain scenery and picturesque seascapes. Come with us to explore the Magical Isle and stunning Eilean Donan Castle

Loch Ness Temptation - Afternoon Tour

Explore enigmatic Loch Ness and visit Urquhart Castle on this wonderful combination of luxury coach tour and enchanting cruise.

Glasgow City Tour

This official Glasgow bus tour is the ideal way to discover all that is best about Scotland’s largest and most colourful city.

Jacobite Steam Train Adventure

All aboard for a spellbinding day exploring dramatic Highland scenery - and a magical journey on a very special train, the real Hogwarts Express.

Isle of Skye and the Fairy Pools

Explore the highlights of the magical Isle of Skye including a visit to the enchanting Fairy Pools

Scenic Skye

Discover towering mountain ranges and an ancient castle en route to an unforgettable experience on this magical isle.

The Ultimate Skye Tour

Discover the highlights of the Isle of Skye including Portree, Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Cuillin Hills and the famous Fairy Pools.

Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Loch Ness Discovery

Experience amazing highland scenery all the way on this magical tour to see the real Hogwarts Express steam across the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Loch Ness Temptation - Morning Tour

Admire the stunning scenery on a tour along the banks of Loch Ness, then take to the water on a monster spotting cruise to visit romantic Urquhart Castle.

Edinburgh by Train

Want to visit Edinburgh for a day during your stay in London? This convenient tour package is just for you!

Inverness City Tour

Discover the treasures of Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, on this hop-on, hop-off tour by open-top double deck bus.

Glenfinnan, Fort William and Glen Coe Experience

Experience some of the best scenery the Scottish Highlands has to offer including Glen Coe, Cairngorms National Park and the famous Harry Potter Bridge

Highlights of Orkney and Shetland by Air

Explore the magical islands of Orkney and Shetland on this air-inclusive holiday.

Skye, Loch Ness and Inverness

Explore the beauty of the Highlands including the romantic Isle of Skye and take a trip on the famous Jacobite Steam Train, star of the Harry Potter movies! 

Glen Coe, Loch Ness and the Jacobite Steam Train

Enjoy an unforgettable two days of Highland history and romance in a land alive with fairytale castles, lush glens and shimmering lochs.

Heart of the Highlands

If you only have a couple of days to discover the true beauty of the Scottish Highlands, then this is the tour for you.

Isle of Skye Explorer

While the focus of this delightful tour is undoubtedly the beautiful Isle of Skye you’ll also experience Scotland’s west coast scenery at its very best.

Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides

Sample the captivating delights of Scotland’s Highlands and islands, exploring famous sights and discovering hidden gems in a land of rich history and charm.

Loch Ness Explorer

The ultimate Loch Ness Experience. This “Scotland in a day” tour combines many iconic must-see sights including Glen Coe, Loch Ness and the Cairngorms National Park.

Skye, Orkney and the North Coast 500

Discover the scenic beauty of the North Coast 500, sail over the sea to Skye and explore the ancient history of the Orkney Islands on this magnificent tour.

Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides

Discover the Land of the Gaels in-depth on this amazing Island hopping adventure through the length and breadth of the picturesque Western Isles.

Orkney Discovery

Explore the best of the Orkney Islands on this short tour. It is the perfect accompaniment to your stay in the Highland Capital.

Hebridean Discovery Small Group Tour

Travel to the Outer Hebrides to explore the distinctive heritage and scenic beauty of Harris and Lewis.

Orkney Odyssey

Discover the hidden treasures of the breathtaking Orkney Islands, where fascinating Stone Age history meets stunning scenery and nature at its finest.

Edinburgh, Scotland's Capital

This convenient tour package includes all the elements you need for a fantastic two-day visit to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Capital City.

Edinburgh, Loch Ness and the Highlands

Escape from London to get a taste of historic Edinburgh and experience the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Glasgow, Loch Ness and the Highlands

During your time in London come north to explore the lively city of Glasgow and discover the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands

Leave London behind to discover the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands

Edinburgh, Skye and Jacobite Steam Train Experience

This rail and coach tour from London combines graceful Edinburgh, the beautiful Scottish Highlands and an unforgettable journey on the real Hogwarts Express.

Edinburgh, Skye and the Highlands

Travel directly from London to visit Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic Capital City then travel through the Highlands to see Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle and the amazing Isle of Skye.

Edinburgh, Skye and the Far North

On this short break from London discover elegant Edinburgh then head to the Highlands to explore the Isle of Skye and the Northern Highlands.

Amazing Britain

Capture the heritage of Britain, explore celebrated cities and venture into the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Best of Britain

This comprehensive tour showcases the very best of Britain's three nations - England, Scotland and Wales.

Real Britain

Discover the scenery, cities, culture and history that makes Britain great on this highly affordable tour from London.

Dunrobin Castle and the Northern Highlands

Take a fascinating journey to the very tip of Scotland, exploring landmarks steeped in history every step of the way.

Loch Ness, Whisky and Outlander

Sample the finest ‘water of life’; follow in Bonnie Prince Charlie’s footsteps and walk among the ancient locations of TV’s Outlander in this fascinating trip back in time.

Taste of Britain

Explore the highlights of Britain on this relaxing one-way journey from London to Glasgow.

Arran, Scotland in Miniature

Leave the hustle and bustle of mainland life behind to discover why the beautiful Isle of Arran is known as Scotland in Miniature.

A Classic Steam Break

Experience travel from a bygone era by land and sea on this relaxing tour through some of Scotland’s most picturesque scenery.

A Scottish Journey

This ultimate Scottish adventure combines magical islands, historic castles and the seductive scenery of the Western Highlands.

Alnwick Castle and The Border Country

Travel through the rolling Scottish Border country to visit mighty Alnwick Castle, the home of the Duke of Northumberland and a star of the Harry Potter movies!

Alnwick Castle and the Scottish Borders

Tour through the beautiful Scottish Border country and visit mighty Alnwick Castle, the filming location for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter Movies!

Applecross Adventure

Explore dramatic Highland scenery, take an exhilarating journey over the Bealach na Ba pass and sample fresh seafood in one of Scotland’s most delightful villages.

Archaeological Treasures of Orkney and Shetland

Step back in time on an incredible odyssey as centuries of history and heritage are brought vividly to life on Scotland’s stunning northern islands.

Best of Scotland

This comprehensive tour of the beautiful Scottish Highlands features all the “must see” destinations.

Best of the Scottish Highlands

Lose yourself in the romance of the Highlands and soak up a land of history filled with imposing castles, dramatic mountains and mysterious lochs.

Bonnie Scotland

Discover Scotland's unrivalled beauty on this feature-packed tour that includes city stays in historic Edinburgh and lively Glasgow.

Braemar Highland Gathering

The Braemar Gathering is the most famous of Scotland’s Highland Games traditionally attended by the Monarch and members of the Royal Family

British Escape with Return to London

This magical journey from London to Edinburgh will introduce you to the iconic sights of Great Britain, including Stonehenge, Bath and the Lake District

British Highlights

This relaxing tour has been designed for the discerning traveller who wants to explore Britain in depth.

British Royale

Experience the very best of Britain on this deluxe one-way tour from London to Edinburgh.

Castles and Kilts

This family themed tour from London to Edinburgh focuses on the mystery and magic of England, Scotland and Wales.

Castles and Lochs of the Western Highlands with local pick-up

Explore the beautiful Western Highlands famed for it's soaring mountains, scenic lochs and ancient castles

Country Roads of Scotland

Scotland shows off its most attractive side on this luxury road-cruise tour to Skye, the Highlands and Orkney Islands.

Edinburgh Tattoo Experience

Prepare for your evening visit to the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo with a relaxing day touring through stunning Highland landscapes.

Elegance of Great Britain

This one way tour from Edinburgh to London will introduce you some of Britain’s finest stately homes, historic castles and finest gardens.

England and Scotland Heritage

Experience the highlights of Britain and enjoy great value on this fabulous tour

Fort George, Culloden Moor and the Cairngorms National Park

Discover some of the north’s most important historical sights, all with an Outlander vibe, then tour the natural beauty of the Cairngorms National Park.

Gems of Britain

Focused and feature packed, this lively tour captures the true essence of Britain in only five days!

Glasgow, The Cultural Capital

This convenient tour package includes all the elements you need for a fantastic 2 day visit to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest City.

Glenfinnan, Eilean Donan Castle and the North West Highlands

This short tour to Scotland’s picturesque North West Highlands includes the opportunity to visit iconic Eilean Donan Castle.

Hebridean Explorer Small Group Tour

Get away from it all on a magnificent short break to the Hebridean islands of Lewis and Harris.

Highland Games Experience

Join us as we drive through spectacular scenery to visit one of Scotland’s premier Highland Games for a fun-filled day of dancing, music and athletics.

Highlands and Islands

This amazing tour unfolds to show you the magnificent scenery of Scotland’s West Coast as well as the Hebridean islands of Skye, Harris and Lewis.

Highlights of Britain

This comprehensive journey from London to Edinburgh is tailored for those who want to fully experience British history and culture.

Highlights of Orkney and Shetland

Explore the haunting beauty and unique heritage of Scotland's Northern Isles to discover magnificent prehistoric and Norse treasures.  

Highlights of the Outer Hebrides

Discover the Land of the Gaels in-depth on this fantastic island-hopping adventure through eight Hebridean isles.

Holy Island, Alnwick Castle and the Northumberland Coast

Enjoy a scenic coastal drive to visit ancient Lindisfarne and mighty Alnwick Castle, star of the Harry Potter movies and Downton Abbey

In Quest of the Holy Grail

Discover the legends of our greatest National heroes on this wonderful tour; Mary, Queen of Scots, Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, the real Braveheart.

Islay and Jura

Enjoy an in-depth visit to two jewels of the Inner Hebrides, Jura and Islay. Untamed and mysterious, famed for their natural beauty, wildlife and whisky.

Islay Whisky Connoisseur Tour

Explore the island of Islay, home to eight whisky distilleries whose lovingly produced malts boast a unique peaty aroma.

Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools and Highland Castles

This comprehensive two-day tour will introduce you to Skye's many highlights, including the magical Fairy Pools.

Jacobite Steam Train, Glenfinnan and The Highlands

Enjoy a spectacular tour through the picturesque Scottish Highlands and take a spectacular trip on the famous Jacobite Steam Train, the real Hogwarts Express.

Loch Lomond, The Highlands and Stirling Castle with local pick-up

Enjoy the glorious scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and discover the history of impressive Stirling Castle.

Loch Ness Rambler

Travel the length and breadth of Scotland’s most famous loch and enjoy exhilarating experiences on and off the beaten track.

Magical Skye and the Jacobite Steam Train

The short tour combines the magical and mythical Isle of Skye with a memorable trip on the Jacobite Steam Train.

Majestic Edinburgh Tour

Discover Edinburgh's many Royal connections including the Royal Yacht Britannia and Palace of Holyroodhouse on this popular hop-on, hop-off tour.

Majestic Scotland

Experience the highlights of Scotland with stays in Edinburgh, Glasgow and the beautiful Scottish Highlands on this great value tour.

Moray Coast, Wildlife and Whisky

Discover magical coastal scenery, charming fishing villages and experience a visit to the whisky trail

Oban and the Western Highlands

Explore the lochs, glens and mountains of Scotland’s stunningly beautiful Western Highlands

Oban, Glen Coe, West Highland Lochs and Castles

This spectacular tour will take you on a journey through the natural beauty of the Western Highlands

Orkney Explorer

This concise tour combines wonderful Highland scenery with a fabulous two-night stay in the fabled Orkney Islands. It’s the perfect island adventure.

Outlander Adventure with local pick-up

Imerse yourself the World of Jamie and Claire on this amazing Outlander themed tour.  

Outlander Film Locations

Discover the real history behind some of the most famous locations used in TV’s popular Outlander series.

Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Borders and Whisky

This combination of a visit to intriguing Rosslyn Chapel and the beautiful scenery of the Scottish Borders makes this tour the perfect day out.

Scenic Scottish Railways

Explore Scotland’s great scenic rail journeys on this fabulous tour that features a memorable trip on the famous Jacobite Steam Train.

Scotland inspired by Outlander

This premium tour of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands is enhanced with an Outlander twist.

Scotland's Extreme North West

Discover dramatic natural wonders and enjoy the finest Highland hospitality in this unforgettable adventure on Scotland’s rugged north-west coast.

Scotland's Highlands and Islands

Discover magical islands, sophisticated cities and the rugged beauty of the Scottish highlands on this far-reaching tour.

Scotland's Northern Edge

Explore Scotland's northern highlands to experience ancient landscapes, grand castles and stunning coastal scenery. 

Scottish and Irish Dream

On this leisurely tour experience the very best that Scotland and Ireland have to offer.

Scottish Clans and Castles

Discover the history of Scotland and her people on this inspiring tour through the Highlands which includes a trip on the famous West Highland Railway.

Scottish Dream

On this comprehensive tour experience many aspects of Scotland from the great cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the scenic beauty of the Isle of Skye.

Scottish Escape

Experience Edinburgh, Glasgow and the natural beauty of the stunning Scottish Highlands in the quieter months to enjoy the very best value.

Scottish Highland Escape

This great-value tour of Scotland will introduce you to the beauty of the Highlands as well as the vibrant cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Scottish Highland Fling

Combine visits to historical and sophisticated cities with the stunning scenery of the Highlands, including a magical excursion to the Orkney Islands.

Scottish Highland Railways

Travel in style through Scotland's most breath-taking landscapes on three of the World's most acclaimed railway journeys.

Scottish Highlands, Islands and Cities

This epic tour will take you along some of the most famous routes in Scotland to visit Edinburgh, Glasgow and the islands of Skye, Orkney, Mull and Iona.

Scottish Isles and Glens

Be captivated by the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Islands on this luxury tour that includes visits to the Orkney Islands, Skye and Bute.

Scottish Outland Adventure

Discover Edinburgh, Glasgow and the very best that the Highlands have to offer on this extremely affordable seven-day tour.

Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

Explore the magical Isle of Skye famed for its royal fugitive and rival clans, enjoying stunning Eilean Donan Castle, brooding mountains and tranquil lochs along the way.

Skye, Orkney and the Highlands

Explore Skye, the Orkney Islands together with the Western and Northern Highlands in one spectacular tour.

Skye, The Highlands and Inverness

This great value 3-day tour to the Highlands and Isle of Skye gives you the flexibility to book your own accommodation.

St Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife

Although the focus of this tour is on St Andrews, famed throughout the World as being the home of Golf, there is much more to explore on this relaxing tour.

St Andrews, Falkland and the Fishing Villages of Fife

St Andrews is famed for its rich golfing heritage but there is so much more to discover on this fascinating tour.

St Andrews, Fife and Dunfermline Abbey with local pick-up

See the spectacular Forth Bridges, explore ancient Dunfermline Abbey and visit the home of golf - St Andrews.

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Whisky

A wonderful day that combines historic Stirling Castle, the scenic beauty of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and a visit to a historic malt whisky distillery.

Taste of Scotland

This short tour combines visits to Scotland’s two great cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow with a delightful tour through the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

The Argyll Explorer

Sample the very best of this stunning part of Scotland, with its captivating blend of natural wonders and fascinating history

The Edinburgh Tour

Let an experienced guide bring Edinburgh's history to life as you experience the very best views the city has to offer from an open-top double-deck bus.

The Essential Whisky Experience

Raise a glass to Scotland’s national drink with a tour of two traditional distilleries, sampling the finest drams and enjoying stunning scenery as you go.

The Highlands of Harry Potter Adventure

The Kelpies, Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond

Get a fabulous introduction to the treasures of Scotland including the beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and the history of Stirling Castle.

The Original Loch Ness Tour

This is the Original Loch Ness and the Highlands tour from Edinburgh. Created in 1985 and still offering the very best of Scotland!

The Outlander Trail Small Group Tour

This engaging small group tour will let you explore many of the locations used in the filming of the highly-popular Outlander TV series.

The Scots and the Irish

This extensive tour of two Celtic neighbours focuses on the highlights of Scotland together with the north and west of Ireland

Whisky and Waterfalls

Discover the beauty of Highland Perthshire, take a waterfall walk then enjoy a tour and tasting at Scotland’s oldest whisky distillery. What an amazing day out!

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The beating heart of Caledonian Sleeper is our Club Car, where you can experience the best of Scottish food and drink.

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Bustling cities, sandy beaches, hills, mountains and lochs. All waiting for you to explore in 2024.

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The Flagship of our collection of Caledonian Sleeper branded Guest Lounges, our brand-new Euston Lounge offers a taste of Scotland in the heart of London.

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Some of the UK’s best destinations are connected by the Caledonian Sleeper.

Whether it is for business or leisure, Caledonian Sleeper will take you to some of the UK’s most wonderful destinations.

Whether you are travelling to London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen or Fort William, travel in comfort and enjoy a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

The Silver City with the Golden Sands, also known as the Granite City, Aberdeen has established itself as a dining and entertainment destination.

Castles, dungeons, ghosts and tunnels give Scotland’s capital an air of mystique, but there’s more to Edinburgh than history and creepy tales.

Fort William

Home to many a lively ceilidh – where the celebrated local malt is the toast of the guests – Fort William is an idyllic escape from the rat race.

A creative scene like no other, Glasgow is famous for the arts, live music, and comedy.

As a gateway to the Highlands, Inverness has matured to become one of the UK’s most spectacular cities.

The capital of the UK and one of the world’s most spectacular cities, London needs little introduction and gives you access to business, entertainment and leisure on a grand scale.

Win A Family Theatre Break To London With Caledonian Sleeper

Caledonian Sleeper is delighted to be partnering with Ambassador Theatre Group and Moxy Hotels to offer one lucky family the chance to win a fantastic trip to London! The prize includes: Return journey on the Caledonian Sleeper from Scotland to London Euston for 2 Adults and 2 children in Classic twin rooms with breakfast included […]

Win the Ultimate Sleep with Caledonian Sleeper

Friday 15th March is World Sleep Day and this year Caledonian Sleeper will be celebrating the joy of a great night’s sleep by partnering up with Glencraft, The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, ARRAN Sense of Scotland and Six by Nico to give one lucky person the chance to win a fantastic prize. There’s nothing better […]

Win a trip to Inverness with Take A Break

We’ve teamed up with Take A Break magazine to offer one lucky winner a trip for two from London to Inverness to stay at the four star MacDonald Drumossie Hotel including £200 spending money! The winner will travel from London Euston to Inverness in a Club En-Suite Room with guest lounge access at London Euston […]

4 reasons why Glasgow is a must-visit for 2024

With its vibrant music scene, unique architecture and some of Scotland’s most intriguing history, it’s no surprise that Glasgow is on the bucket list for many a traveller. The Caledonian Sleeper takes you right into the heart of Glasgow City Centre, giving instant access to the adventure of this charming city. There’s never been a […]

Caledonian Sleeper raises £6090 for Give A Dog A Bone

Caledonian Sleeper has provided a significant contribution to the Scottish loneliness charity Give a Dog a Bone. Through generous donations, £6,090 has successfully been raised to support the charity’s ongoing work. The donations allowed Give a Dog a Bone to hold two separate raffle competitions, each contributing to the impressive total raised. One raffle featured […]

Millburn Academy students visit Parliament

A group of high school students from Millburn Academy in Inverness took the Caledonian Sleeper service to London during a Politics field trip to visit the Houses of Parliament. Drew Hendry MP, their local representative for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, met them off the train ahead of a guided tour of Parliament Millburn Academy […]

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The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in britain.

• Buy train tickets
• Buy ferry tickets
• Book a hotel
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•   Home

Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, 20+ operators, one network.

Click here for the best map of the UK train network

Here is a quick guide to train travel in Britain .  Since 1995, Britain's rail network has been run by over 20 private train companies, but they work together as National Rail with co-ordinated fares & ticketing.  You can find train times & fares for all train operators all on one website, you can buy a train ticket between any two stations, tickets are normally valid on any operator's trains.

A typical inter-city train

Trains come in many different types & company colours, but they all work together as National Rail.  This is an LNER Azuma train, used on the East Coast Main Line linking London-York-Newcastle-Edinburgh.  You'll find seating plans for key British trains on the seat numbering plans page .

How to check train times & fares

To check train times & fares , use the National Rail website www.nationalrail.co.uk .  This is provided by RDG (Rail Delivery Group) on behalf of all train operators, and it shows train times & fares for all routes and all operators. RDG was formerly (perhaps more accurately) called the Association of Train Operating Companies.

Pro tip:   You can look up fares & restrictions at www.brfares.com although this is an online version of rail industry fares manuals so takes some getting to grips with.  However, I use it to see the range of fares available between two points without using a journey planner.

To check train times & fares by phone , call National Rail Enquiries on 0345 7 48 49 50, if you are located outside the UK call +44 20 7278 5240.  Lines open 24 hours a day, calls from UK phones are charged at local rates.

Is your train on time?   Go to www.nationalrail.co.uk/live-trains and enter the name of your station to see a live online departure board showing train arrivals & departures in the next hour or two, and whether they are on time or not.

Pro tip: If you want a really detailed version with planned train formations and rolling stock type, try www.realtimetrains.co.uk .

Maps of the rail network

Map of the national rail network :  Click here for the best national rail map .  This is the map which used to be included in the big printed Great Britain National Timetable, and in my opinion it's the still best map of the network, sufficiently schematic to see the lines, sufficiently geographic to see where they go.  The map is sadly no longer available on the National Rail website, where none of the replacement maps are as good.

Other maps :  There are other train network maps listed on www.nationalrail.co.uk/ passenger_services/maps , including maps of the London area rail network, the London & Southeast rail network, and rail networks in other major cities.

I also recommend rail fare expert Barry Doe's UK rail map which shows which train operator runs where, www.barrydoe.co.uk/railmap52.pdf .

Station plans:   You can find a plan of most stations showing layout, platforms & facilities at www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations .

How to buy tickets

Buy train tickets for any train journey in Britain at tfw.wales .

Transport for Wales is one of the 20+ British train operators and they sell tickets for all routes, all trains (except sleepers ), all operators, and charge the official price with no added booking fee.

You'll be offered a mobile ticket for many journeys, simply show the barcode on your phone, tablet or laptop.

Or you can collect tickets from the self-service machines at any main station.  You'll need the original credit or debit card with you as ID, if you have any problems you can also collect from the staffed ticket office.

Or they will post tickets to any UK address for a fee, with guaranteed next day delivery by 1pm.

Overseas users:   If you have any problems getting tfw.wales to accept your credit card, buy from www.thetrainline.com instead.

Tip:   There's no need to find the 'right' train operator website , or to compare prices on different sites as all train operator websites including tfw.wales sell tickets for all British trains at exactly the same prices from exactly the same National Rail fares database.

Tip:   There are 3 types of fare, Anytime, Off-Peak & Advance.  Anytime fares are good for any train.  Off-Peak fares are good for any train outside Monday-Friday peak periods.  Advance fares are only good for the specific train you book with limited or no changes or refunds allowed.  For a more detailed explanation, see my quick guide to the 3 types of train ticket .

Tip:   Avoid booking fees by using a train operator website such as tfw.wales as they don't charge a booking fee.  Most independent third-party ticket retailers add a small booking fee on top of the ticket price, including www.thetrainline.com , www.raileasy.com , www.mytrainticket.co.uk & www.redspottedhanky.com .  For example www.thetrainline.com charges around £1.50 booking fee.  There are a few exceptions, for example trainsplit.com doesn't charge any fee, but will share any saving if a split ticket saves you money, and new independent retailer railsmartr.co.uk also charges no fee.

Tip:   Train ticket booking normally open 8-12 weeks ahead , beware of trying to book too far ahead as explained here .  90% of all British train tickets are bought less than a month before travel.  But here's a good idea:  Sign up for a free email 'ticket alert' when ticket booking opens for the specific route you want, allowing you to snap up those cheap fares as soon as they are released (It's worth trying later in the day if you don't immediately see any cheap deals available).  To sign up for an alert, go to www.thetrainline.com , click Tools & Apps top right, then click Ticket alert.  Some other train companies also offer this service.

Tip:   Choose your exact seat from a plan.   A few operators allow you to choose a specific seat from a seat plan, but only if you use their own site to book their own trains.  Although I personally prefer the booking engine used by tfw.wales , independent split ticketing website trainsplit.com lets you choose an exact seat on most LNER, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country & East Midlands Trains services, all on one site - plus it charges no booking fee, and it checks to see if split tickets could save you money, too.

You'll find seating plans for some key British trains on the seat numbering plans page .

Tip:   Upgrade to first class using Seatfrog :  If you buy a standard class ticket for LNER (London-York-Edinburgh), GWR (London-Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Devon, Cornwall) or Cross-Country you can bid for a budget upgrade to first class.  See how it works and download the Seatfrog app .

The National Rail website www.nationalrail.co.uk doesn't sell tickets itself, but after answering your enquiry it will offer you a choice of ticket selling websites, with the operator most relevant to your journey at the top of the list.

To buy train tickets by phone , call any train operator telesales line.  They all sell the same tickets at the same prices, for example, Avanti West Coast on 0345 528 0253.

Tips for finding the cheapest tickets

Book longer-distance trips in advance.  Advance fares are the cheapest ticket for medium & long-distance journeys.  The price varies like budget air fares, the earlier you book, the cheaper they're likely to be.  Buy tickets for any route in Britain at tfw.wales or any other train operator website.  You can also buy at www.thetrainline.com , but they add a small booking fee.

Advance fares are only good for the specific train you book, no refunds, limited or no changes to travel plans.  If you want flexibility, you need to buy an Off-Peak fare or Anytime fare .

Even booking the night before can save money:   Bookings for Advance tickets theoretically close at 18:59 the day before travel.  But in practice they remove any remaining Advance fares at 23:59 on many routes, and one or two operators now even sell them on the day, so it's worth trying even if you've just missed the deadline!

Avoid busy days & times:   Advance fares vary in price from train to train & day to day just like budget airline fares, so hunt for the cheapest train.  Wednesday lunchtime is usually cheaper than Friday or Sunday afternoon.

Sign up for a ticket alert :   Advance fares normally go on sale 8-12 weeks ahead, the exact period varies.  If bookings aren't yet open for your date of travel, sign up for an automatic ticket alert at www.thetrainline.com/ticketalert (please let me know if that link stops working) and they'll email you the moment train ticket booking opens.  But don't fall into the 'trap' explained above by buying an expensive Anytime or Off-Peak ticket before cheap Advance fares go on sale.

Beware of booking too far ahead

Don't fall into the trap!   There are several weeks at the extremity of the booking horizon when expensive Anytime & Off-Peak fares go on sale but before cheap Advance fares go on sale.  This 'trap' catches out many overseas visitors to the UK, desperate to book train trips months ahead.  To see how far ahead booking for major operators is currently open, see www.thetrainline.com/ticketalert .

Anytime & Off-Peak fares go on sale 12 weeks out, even if reservations have not yet opened, because these fares can be sold without a seat reservation.  They have a fixed price & unlimited availability, they cannot sell out.  There's no advantage in buying these in advance.

Advance fares are much cheaper, but can only go on sale when reservations open, usually 8 to 10 weeks out (it varies) because availability at each price level is controlled by the reservation system.  To secure a cheap price, you need to buy these Advance fares in advance.

So if the cheapest price you see when booking your London-York trip 10 weeks out is £100+, don't think "Oh no, all the cheap tickets have sold out!", just wait a few weeks until Advance fares magically appear from £23 upwards.  Got that?  Great!

Cheaper fares on slower routes

London to Exeter, Plymouth, Bath, Bristol, Newport & Cardiff:   There are cheaper fares on the slower route from London Waterloo via Salisbury, compared to the main route from London Paddington.

London to Liverpool, Manchester, Crewe, Preston and so on:   There are cheaper fares using slower London & North Western trains rather than the fast Avanti West Coast expresses.

Split-ticketing

How to check if split-ticketing will save you money:

Go to trainsplit.com and use their journey planner.  You then click to buy all the tickets online as one transaction, as easily as buying one ticket.  There's no booking fee unless they make you a saving, then they take a small fee out of the saving.

Back to top

Railcards :  Save money if you're under 26, over 60, a family, or disabled

- if you're under 26, there's a 16-25 Railcard .

- if you're aged 26-30 (= under 31 years old) there's now a 26-30 Railcard .

- if you're over 60 there's a Senior Railcard .

- if you're a family or group of friends with at least one child, there's a Family & Friends Railcard .

- if you travel as a duo, there's now a Two Together Railcard for 2 named people of any age who travel together.

- if you have certain types of disability there's a Disabled Person's Railcard .

And no, you don't need to be British or live in the UK to buy a railcard, see the overseas visitors paragraph below !

Alternatively, you can buy a 3-year Railcard for £70 which saves money over 3 x 1-year cards.

A railcard can pay for itself in just one or two long-distance train journeys.  For example, an Off-Peak return London-Manchester costs around £98, so it's £64 return with a railcard, that's a £34 saving straight away.

Disabled Person's Railcard

You can buy a UK national railcard even if you live outside the UK, as long as you meet the criteria for age or for a family group or two people travelling together.  You don't need to be a British citizen or live in the UK to qualify.

The easiest option is to buy online & download a digital railcard onto the National Rail Railcard App on your iPhone or Android phone. Just click the link for the railcard you want and follow the instructions:

www.senior-railcard.co.uk , www.16-25railcard.co.uk , www.family-railcard.co.uk , www.twotogether-railcard.co.uk , www.network-railcard.co.uk .

Tip:   The railcard lasts 1 year from the date you buy it.  You can buy tickets online with the railcard discount applied before you buy the railcard, because you don't need the railcard number to buy a discounted ticket.  So it makes sense to only buy the railcard close to the date you plan to first use it.

Tip:   If system refuses to accept your non-UK postcode the first time you enter your address, no problem, just use this UK one: EC1A 4HD, it makes no difference.  At the payment stage you can select your correct nationality then enter the correct postcode for your billing address.

Tip:   If it says invalid passport number there's advice on how to fix this in the railcard website FAQ, it involves entering everything exactly as it's written in your passport.  Persevere, it should accept almost any current machine-readable passport.

Tip:   If it won't accept a U.S. passport number, start typing the numbers and letters at the bottom of your U.S. passport's photo page. When you get to 30 characters, the system should accept it, even without the remaining numbers and letters.

After buying your railcard (or even before you buy it) you can buy railcard-discounted tickets online at any National Rail authorised sales site such as tfw.wales .

General train travel information:  www.nationalrail.co.uk

As well as online train times and fares, www.nationalrail.co.uk has:

Are the trains running on time?  Are there engineering works?

Go to www.nationalrail.co.uk/live-trains , enter the name of your station to see a 'live departure board' showing train arrivals & departures in the next hour or two, and whether they are on time or not.

Advanced users may find the website www.realtimetrains.co.uk useful.  If you look up a train and click for the detailed version, it shows rail mileages.  It holds actual on-time performance data for the past 7 days.  You can check the progress of a train that's currently running, and it even shows the booked rolling stock type and train formation.

Train company websites

Go to www.nationalrail.co.uk , scroll right to the bottom and click 'Train Operating Companies' for each train company's website address, postal address & phone numbers.

First or Standard class?

Most leisure travellers go standard class, with first class used by businessmen.  But if you pre-book you can find some great first class deals.  First class fares on inter-city trains run by Avanti West Coast, LNER and East Midlands Trains include light meals & drinks, at least on Mondays-Fridays.  GWR & Cross-Country first class includes complimentary tea & coffee on their inter-city routes.  However, your default assumption on other routes should be that first class simple means nicer seats and more room.

This is 1st class (above left) and standard class (above right) on a Pendolino from London to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, the Lake District, Carlisle and Glasgow, run by Avanti West Coast.  As you can see, in standard class there are 2+2 seats across the car width, in first class it's 1+2, so there's more elbow room, more legroom, and there are tables for two and solo seats (below left).  Avanti West Coast is unique in offering a middle class between standard and first called Standard Premium, which uses exactly the same seating as 1st class but without any food or drink included.

Food included in 1st class on LNER, Avanti West Coast & East Midlands Trains:   Below right, a light meal and wine served on an LNER Azuma train from London to Edinburgh, included in the fare.  Avanti West Coast & East Midlands Trains offer a similar 1st class food & drink service.  Another good reason for taking train not plane between London and Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester or Newcastle!

London Underground & Bus information

tfl.gov.uk   for London Underground, bus, Docklands Light Railway, Croydon Tramlink and other London transport information.

tfl.gov.uk/modes/tube   for London Underground information.

Need a bus at the other end?

www.traveline.info allows you to check local bus times across the UK, or you can call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.  Traveline is a national initiative to make local travel information available on a single number nationwide.  All call centres open 08:00-20:00, some open longer.

There is a system called PLUSBUS, where for £2-£3 more than the normal train fare you can add unlimited bus travel within your origin and/or destination city.  So for example, instead of buying a normal return from London to Manchester for (say) £98, you can buy a return to Manchester Plusbus for just £3 or so more and get exactly the same train ticket but with unlimited free bus travel within central Manchester for the day added on.  See www.plusbus.info for details of the 200 towns and cities in which PLUSBUS operates, or just ask when you buy your train ticket.

Need a ferry at the other end?

For ferries to France , Spain , Belgium , Denmark , Norway & Sweden , see the relevant country page.

To Orkney & the Shetland Isles

Northlink Ferries ( www.northlinkferries.co.uk ) sail from Scrabster near Thurso to Stromness at Scapa Flow on the Orkneys, and from Aberdeen to Lerwick on the Shetland Islands.  Aberdeen-Shetland has a daily overnight service, the ships are little gems, with cosy cabins, lounges, bar, restaurant, and an excellent premium lounge called the Magnus Lounge which is well worth the small extra charge.  All cabins have en suite toilet & shower, premium cabins include access to the Magnus Lounge.  Northlink's terminal in Aberdeen is in central Aberdeen, an easy 5-10 minute walk from Aberdeen station.

Taking your bike ?

Most trains carry bicycles, sometimes for free, sometimes for a small fee with advance reservation required.  

See www.atob.org.uk/rail-ferry-zone for a summary of the bike arrangements on every train operator, although it may not be 100% up to date.

Details can also be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk/on-the-train/train-travel-with-bicycles   and on individual train company websites. 

For information on taking your bike on Eurostar & other European trains, see the Taking your bike to Europe by train page .

Only a few operators will carry tandems, for advice on train travel with tandems see tandem-club.org.uk .

Rail Rovers :  Unlimited train travel for anyone

Rail Rovers give unlimited travel over all or selected parts of the British rail network and can be bought by anyone, including UK residents, see www.nationalrail.co.uk/.../rangers_and_rovers .  There are rail rovers covering the whole network or just certain areas.  The All-Line Rail Rover gives unlimited travel over the whole British national rail network.

2024 All Line Rail Rover prices:

7-day standard class All-Line Rail Rover £598 (child under 16 half price, 34% off for 16-25/senior/two together/forces/disabled railcard holders)

14-day standard class All-Line Rail Rover £908 (child under 16 half price, 34% off for 16-25/senior/two together/forces/disabled railcard holders)

7-day 1st class All-Line Rail Rover £908 (child under 16 half price, 34% off for senior/two together/forces/disabled railcard holders)

14-day 1st class All-Line Rail Rover £1,387 (child under 16 half price, 34% off for senior/disabled/two together railcard holders)

How to buy a rail rover

You can check current prices & buy online at tickets.gwr.com/..../roversandrangers .  Alternatively, you can buy Rail Rovers from any railway station or train operator telesales line.  You can only buy one from stations within 3 days of the date you want them to start.  If you have any trouble buying a rail rover, ask them to look in section G of their fares manual.

Travel restrictions

The All-Line rover used to be valid on all national rail trains without time restrictions but some restrictions were introduced in 2011  to stop business travellers using it on certain key business routes.  No restrictions apply on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, but on Mondays to Fridays the All-Line Rail Rover is not valid for boarding or alighting train services operated by Avanti West Coast, LNER, East Midlands Trains or Arriva CrossCountry at the following stations before 10:00:

London Euston

London Kings Cross

London St Pancras International

Birmingham New Street

Luton Airport Parkway

Milton Keynes Central

Watford Junction

There are no restrictions on these companies' trains at other stations or on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, or on other companies' trains at any station on any day.  So it's no problem using a Great Western train getting in to London before 10:00, or a ScotRail sleeper arriving at London Euston before 10:00.

All-Line Rail Rovers are also valid on the Ffestiniog Railway, and on Caledonian sleepers (seated cars free, sleepers if you pay the berth supplement).  They are not valid on Eurostar, Heathrow Express, Heathrow Connect, London Underground or Docklands, heritage railways (except Ffestiniog Railways) or shipping services.  For information on rail rovers covering other areas call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.

If you buy a rover using a 2-Together railcard, you also can't use the pass before 09:30 Monday-Fridays.

BritRail passes: Unlimited train travel for overseas visitors

If you live overseas and plan to visit the UK, you can buy a 'BritRail' pass which gives unlimited train travel on all 20+ British train operators for various periods.  It's now available as a mobile pass that you can buy & download to your phone.

BritRail prices, information & buy online

BritRail pass or point-to-point tickets?

A pass is only worth it if you're going to make a number of long-distance train trips around Britain, so don't bother with a BritRail pass if all you're going to do is make one long-distance trip, or a number of relatively short trips.  For longer distances, a BritRail pass typically works out about the same as a normal Off-Peak flexible ticket bought on the day of travel, it's more expensive than the cheaper Advance tickets, but is far cheaper than the Anytime tickets needed to travel in the Monday-Friday business peaks, see the 30-second guide to UK rail fares .  So if you want to make early starts on Monday-Fridays and have complete all-day flexibility, a BritRail pass is a great idea, but if you're prepared to avoid the Monday-Friday morning & afternoon business peaks, and especially if you book cheap tickets in advance at tfw.wales (no booking fee!) on a no-refunds, no-changes-to-travel-plans basis, ordinary point-to-point tickets will be the same or cheaper than a pass.  Before investing in a BritRail pass, check that normal tickets wouldn't be cheaper for what you plan to do, using tfw.wales or www.nationalrail.co.uk .

How to make BritRail seat reservations online

Seat reservation are optional on all British trains (except overnight sleeper trains).  So you don't have to have one, and indeed can't make one anyway on many local/rural/urban/suburban routes.  But they are a good idea on long-distance routes, especially at busy times.

Do not pay £££ (or $$$) to make seat reservations through an agency.  There's a well-hidden way to make stand-alone seat reservations for free to go with a pass.

Go to www.gwr.com and register for an account.  Sign in & click My account .  Then click Bookings .  Then click the Make a seat/bike reservation box. 

Run an enquiry and select a train.  It will look as if you need to select a fare, select any fare in the right class, it doesn't matter which, continue and make the reservation.  It says you won't be charged and indeed you'll get the free stand-alone seat reservation without needing to enter any payment details.

Even though it's GWR, this works for any train/route/operator where seat reservations are available including LNER, Avanti, Cross-Country, TransPennine & GWR.  Please let me know if this process changes, or ceases to work.

Tip for seat reservations on LNER trains:   If you want a seat reservation on an LNER train (for example, between London & York, Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh) you can also use www.lner.co.uk/travel-information/make-a-reservation , up to 5 minutes before the train leaves its starting station.  The advantage over using gwr.com is that you can choose an exact seat from a seating plan on LNER trains if you make a reservation this way.  You'll need to register for an LNER account during the process, but no payment is necessary, it's free just like gwr.com.  However, gwr.com can reserve seats on any operator, this LNER system can only make reservations on LNER trains.

Or make reservations in person

Simply ask at any staffed station any time up to about 2h before departure, or ideally the day before.  There are always places available, even on the day.

A simple guide to train fares

Anytime, Off-Peak & Advance...  They say train fares are complicated.  But for all practical purposes, there are now just 3 types of fare making it as simple as 1, 2 3.  All the train companies now use the same 3 names for the same 3 types of ticket.  Always confirm the exact restrictions and conditions when you buy your ticket. 

Which train operators & routes can you use ?

People get hung up on there being 20+ different train operators, but it's actually pretty simple.  The government requires train operators to work together as a network, so:

Why are there several 'Anytime' & 'Off-Peak' tickets for my journey, all with different prices?  Unfortunately, online ticket systems don't usually show the ticket routing.  So you might see two 'Anytime' fares from (say) London to Hull, one apparently valid on all the trains, the other only valid on a handful of trains and cheaper than the first one.  The reason is simple, in this case the first one is the 'route any permitted' anytime fare, the other is a cheaper 'route Hull Trains only' anytime fare only valid on Hull Trains' own services.  Similarly, you may find two Anytime or Off-Peak tickets between London & (say) Birmingham, one valid on all trains, the other only on some of the trains.  In this case it's because there are two sets of fares to Birmingham, one set being the 'route any permitted' fares valid on all routes & operators, the second being cheaper 'route High Wycombe' fares valid on all operators but only on the slower route via High Wycombe.  This would be obvious, rather than confusing, if the online systems stated the ticket routing for each fare they showed, but they don't.  The choice between (on the one hand) slower but cheaper and (on the other hand) faster, more frequent but more expensive, is up to you.

Breaking your journey ('stopovers'):  With an Off-Peak ticket you can take an interesting or scenic route and change trains as much as you like without leaving the station, as long as you stay within the time restrictions which apply to your ticket and stick to one of the permitted routes (see below).  However, you can only break your journey (i.e. stop off and leave the station) on the return leg of an Off-Peak return, not on the outward leg of an Off-Peak return, and not at all on an Off-Peak one-way ticket.  With an Anytime one-way or return ticket, there are no time restrictions and you can break your journey anywhere you like along any of the permitted routes.

How are fares set?  Here comes the science bit...  Behind the scenes, fare setting works like this:  Every origin-destination pair (known as a 'flow') is allocated to a particular train operator who has the right and the obligation to set the fares.  This operator is known as the 'Lead Operator' for that flow.  Once the Lead Operator has set the fares, every other operator serving any part of that flow (known as the 'Secondary Operators') are legally obliged to accept those fares for travel on their trains.  As I've said, Advance fares are by definition only valid on one train operator's trains, and both Lead Operators and Secondary Operators are allowed to set Advance fares for their own trains.  In addition Secondary Operators are allowed to set other (more flexible) fare types for their own trains, although only a few choose to do so.  For example, you'll see 'anytime' & 'off-peak' fares from London to Hull routed 'Hull Trains only' set by Secondary Operator Hull Trains, in addition to the main London to Hull 'route any permitted' anytime & off-peak fares set by Lead Operator LNER.  However, Lead Operators are not permitted to set fares which are only valid on their own trains, other than Advance fares, temporary fares & first class fares.  Revenue from the fares set by Lead Operators is shared between all operators serving that route, based on a computer system called ORCATS which models the proportion of passenger miles travelled on each operator.

What are the permitted routes?

The 'permitted routes' for a given origin & destination are set out in a document called the National Routeing Guide.  Don't worry about getting hold of a copy, even ticket clerks can't understand it half the time, just accept that it exists, and its contents have been incorporated into the various journey planning systems such as those used on nationalrail.co.uk, thetrainline.com & raileasy.com.  To give you a flavour of how flexible the permitted routes are:

London Terminals, London R1256, London zone U1...?

Revealed: Lumo plans to launch new rail service between London and Manchester, with stops including Eccles, Warrington and Rochdale

• FirstGroup wants to run trains from Euston to Rochdale via Manchester Victoria
• The last time Rochdale had a direct London link was in 2000 
• READ MORE: Save £800 on a Center Parcs break by switching to Europe

New train services between London and Greater Manchester could be launched to encourage more people to switch from road travel to rail.

Transport company FirstGroup announced a plan to run six return Lumo trains a day between London Euston and Rochdale via Manchester Victoria.

The last time Rochdale had a direct London link via the Manchester city centre station was in 2000.

Services would also call at Eccles, Newton-le-Willows and Warrington Bank Quay. The station at Eccles provides connectivity for Salford's MediaCity area.

FirstGroup said it would use new UK-built trains powered by electricity and batteries.

It estimates the services, which could begin from 2027, would provide 1.6million people in the North West with a 'convenient and competitively priced direct rail service to London from stations that are more local to them', helping to stimulate a shift in transport mode from coach and car travel to rail.

The Lumo brand currently runs between London King's Cross and Edinburgh .

Lumo, which was launched in October 2021, runs on an open-access basis, meaning it receives no taxpayer-funded subsidies and takes on all revenue risk.

Most train operators in England are paid a management fee, with the UK Government holding responsibility for costs and revenue.

FirstGroup also runs open-access operator Hull Trains.

The company has submitted an application to the Office of Rail and Road seeking permission to launch the London-Rochdale route.

FirstGroup chief executive Graham Sutherland said: 'We have extensive experience of running open-access rail operations and we want to bring our successful Lumo service to this new route that connects Rochdale and London.

'We have seen the level of growth and opportunity that is possible with open access, as well as the positive effect it has on the wider market, including economic and environmental benefits.

'In addition, the new service will help to drive modal shift from road to rail between the North West and London.

'We will be working closely with stakeholders as we build our application and our case for this new service.'

This brings the number of proposed new open-access rail routes in Britain to eight.

The Government is planning measures to encourage further schemes, such as providing more certainty over the duration of the application assessments, reconsidering the required balance of costs between taxpayers and operators, and ensuring all unused track access slots are made available.

Rail minister Huw Merriman told the PA news agency last month that open access services 'give more choice to customers, and that crucially increases the number of passengers that we get'.