Train from London to Edinburgh-Waverley. Any tips?!

[Shinyandnew1]

We are looking to go up and stay in Edinburgh for a few days next June, but I don’t think that the trains aren’t out yet-can anyone advise when they might be released and the best way to book? It’s for two adults-wondering what sort of prices we might be looking at? Will there be much choice in days/times as we’ll be quite restricted in days due to work!

Any advice or tips gratefully received!

You are way too early in your planning! Tickets usually go on sale between 8 and 12 weeks in advance. Sign up to the Trainline for ticket alerts for the dates you want - there will be several trains every day (but avoid Sundays, as often engineering works).
You can put in a sample trip on the Trainline for (say) December to see current timings/prices. It's all very easy, and you can book a hotel in advance and then just wait for the train tickets to come out.

Quite often it works out cheaper flying than going by train so don't discount that as an option.

I would get the LNER app. You get a notification when they release tickets. You get a certain % off.

I recently went from Peterborough to Edinburgh. Same line as you'll take but one less stop.

They trains run every hour to Edinburgh from here. It may run slightly more frequently as you're coming from London.

I got a rail card through Tesco points so it's was cheaper. Used about £10 of Tesco vouchers but it has changed slightly since then. We used the family one but you can get a two together Railcard too

It's a lovely journey. I would recommend booking on the right side of the train ( facing forward) going there and the left side going back as you get better views.

Edinburgh was great. Planning to go back! The train was so easy. Think we paid £15 each way per person but kids might distort the price.

This is, regrettably, true. I really want to be a "green" person, but it is so difficult with the costs and unrealiability of trains. DD recently went to Edinburgh to see her friend. Train from London to Edinburgh booked well in advance. Then a few days before departure they announced strike action on that day. We bought an air ticket, but as it was so last minute it was more expensive than it would have been. Next time we will just fly.

Not for the planet!

Taking the train is SO much nicer

Unfortunately not everybody can can afford to save the planet.

We travelled on a strike day. The London to Edinburgh train was still running. Not much else was so got lucky

Fly from London City!

I know that.

By the time I factor in transport to and from the airport it doesn't help me much, plus it's also much nicer way journey - can get loads more done (or sleep)

Trains are best booked 12 weeks in advance for best prices, I’m in Edinburgh & use a lot and have never ever seen prices as low as £15! That must be a one off. They can be more than a flight but having a railcard helps, it often pays for itself.

Stunning views from the train on the stretch between Newcastle and Edinburgh. Try to book on the right-hand side of the train so you get the views.
Buy food from the station or beforehand as snacks on the train aren't cheap.
Work out where your accommodation is in Edinburgh as it may be walkable from the station, which is very central.
Agree with others re: cost and unpredictability but views and Central location of both stations definitely an advantage for train over plane.

The direct Lumo trains are usually cheapest though you don't get much flexibility.

Check about 12 weeks in advance and then see if the "Two Together" railcard will save you more than it costs. You don't have to actually buy the railcard when you book, you just need to have it when you travel.

My last return trip to London cost me £100 return without a railcard. I reckon £50 each way for that distance is pretty fair tbh, and I was city centre to city centre so didn't have to pay to get to and from an airport miles away.

Oh, and yes the trains are very regular so lots of choice. Obviously some trains will be more expensive, but if you book in that 8-12 week sweet spot you can usually find plenty of reasonably priced options for day/time.

Sit on the right facing forward not too near a toilet

Don’t use the train line, they’re a third party booking agent. Book direct with LNER and sign up for an alert when your travel dates go on sale (it won’t be for a while yet). Advance tickets are the cheapest but can only be used on the train you book. Go first class if you can afford the difference (sometimes it’s actually cheaper than standard!). A two together railcard might save you money but you’d need to weigh up the savings against the cost of purchasing it.
there are trains at least every hour, if not more frequently, between King’s Cross and Edinburgh. There’s also Lumo operate that route and they might be cheaper but I’ve never tried to comment on how they compare to LNER.

Oh, and book seats on the right side of the train (as you face forwards) going north and the left side going south for the best views along the Northumberland coast, Tyne bridges and Durham.

I too was going to say get a Two together rail card. We did this exact trip pre covid, and the cost of the rail card was made back from that trip alone. You can use it for a year also. Its for anyone, travelling together. You don't need to be a couple/married/on benefits etc.

Two Together Railcard (twotogether-railcard.co.uk)

Also, keep an eye out because they have offers every now and then which brings the cost of the railcard down to £20.

Or it's the equivalent of £15 if you buy it with Tesco vouchers.

We've paid up to £200 each (travelling from opposite side of country) to Waverley, although if you shop around you can find a cheaper train.

Get a Two Together railcard. I used to go from Edinburgh to London for the day quite a lot for work and mostly took the train. Once you factor in getting to the airport and hanging around there’s not much in it time and cost wise. In laws live in south cost and we usually take train. The DCs are quite happy with that.

If you can get an advanced First Class ticket at an affordable price, it's worth it for the extra space and getting plied with complimentary food and drink!

You could always get the Caledonian Sleeper, to save a night or two of hotels.

Much more expensive than it used to be I'm afraid. £265 for two people in a two bunk berth. And the timing is seriously uncivilised these days. You used to arrive at maybe 7.30 am, now it appears to be before 5! I don't know why they've done that. It also leaves much earlier, so why not make it go later?

Sorry for the ramble...