What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From London to Edinburgh?

By Michael Ferguson

Travelling from London to Edinburgh can be an exciting journey, but it can also be expensive. If you’re on a budget, finding the cheapest way to get there is essential.

Fortunately, there are several options available for cost-conscious travelers. Here are some of the most affordable ways to travel from London to Edinburgh:

Train

The train is one of the most popular and convenient ways to travel from London to Edinburgh. It offers a comfortable ride with plenty of legroom and amenities such as Wi-Fi and food service. While it’s not always the cheapest option, booking in advance can save you a lot of money.

  • Advance tickets: Book your train ticket as early as possible – ideally 12 weeks in advance – for the best prices. You may be able to save up to 80% compared to buying your ticket on the day of travel.
  • Off-peak hours: Consider travelling during off-peak hours (usually weekdays outside rush hour).

    These tickets are often cheaper than peak-time fares.

  • Split ticketing: Instead of buying a single ticket, you can save money by buying multiple tickets for different parts of your journey. For example, instead of buying a direct ticket from London to Edinburgh, buy one from London to York and then another from York to Edinburgh.

Buses

Another affordable way to travel from London to Edinburgh is by bus. While it’s not as fast or comfortable as the train, it can be significantly cheaper.

  • Megabus: Megabus offers some of the cheapest fares between London and Edinburgh, with tickets starting at just £1 (plus booking fee). However, these fares are limited in number and tend to sell out quickly.
  • National Express: National Express also offers affordable fares between London and Edinburgh, with tickets starting at around £10. Booking in advance can save you money.

Carpooling

Carpooling is a great way to save money on your journey from London to Edinburgh. Websites such as BlaBlaCar allow drivers with empty seats in their cars to offer rides to passengers travelling in the same direction.

  • BlaBlaCar: BlaBlaCar offers rides from London to Edinburgh for around £20-£30, depending on the time of day and availability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several affordable ways to travel from London to Edinburgh. Whether you choose to take the train, bus or carpool, there are ways to save money on your journey. By booking in advance, travelling during off-peak hours and considering alternative routes, you can make your trip more affordable without sacrificing comfort or convenience.