Cheap Train Tickets to Edinburgh

Affordable Train Ticket Booking to Edinburgh: Discover Scotland's Capital with Split Tickets

train tickets to Edinburgh
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As Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh offers a plethora of historical sites, festivals, and excellent dining experiences. If you're looking for a cost-effective way to travel to Edinburgh, look no further. With Trainsplit's unique journey planner, we can find affordable train routes and ways to reduce the cost of your travel.

Situated on the East Coast Mainline, Edinburgh provides easy access to London, Manchester, and Glasgow, making it ideal for a short break. With Trainsplit by your side, you can make great savings on your train tickets.

The Trainsplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.

The app is available on both iOS and Android devices. Just search for "Trainsplit" in your app store and download the app today.

Did you know that the LNER Azuma Flying Scotsman service can complete the journey between London and Edinburgh in just four hours?

Edinburgh is famous for its Summer festivals, Hogmanay, and the Fringe festival. Additionally, its Old and New Town, which is a UNESCO heritage site, forms part of the Scotland UNESCO Trail.

cheap train tickets to Edinburgh
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Tips for visiting Edinburgh

Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring a camera, as there are many photo opportunities.
Be prepared for crowds, especially during the summer months.
Allow plenty of time to explore, as there is a lot to see and do.

Some great things to do in Edinburgh

Take a walk through the Old Town, Edinburgh's historic city center

Edinburgh's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland. It is home to many historical buildings, including Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. The Old Town is also home to a number of narrow streets, alleyways, and closes, which are a great place to wander and explore.

Edinburgh Gin Distillery

Located on Princes Street, close to Edinburgh train station, the distillery produces a range of gins and gin liqueurs. You can book a tour and learn how the distilling process works and taste a sample before you leave, or if Gin is not your tipple, you can enjoy the Scotch Whisky experience on the Royal Mile, a historic street lined with shops, restaurants, and historical buildings.

Bank of Scotland Museum

You may have heard of the Bank of England, but did you know that Scotland has its very own bank? The Museum on the Mound is located in the Bank of Scotland head office, and is one of the largest museums in the UK. This fascinating museum allows you to take a look at Scotland’s money through the ages, and you can even have a go at cracking open a safe.

Edinburgh Castle

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Sitting above the skyline overlooking the city, Edinburgh Castle houses some of Scotland's most historic artefacts, such as the Honours of Scotland, which are Scotland's oldest crown jewels, and The Stone of Destiny, which is an ancient symbol of Scotland's monarchy.

Edinburgh's Festival Theatre

See a show at Edinburgh's Festival Theatre. Located in central Edinburgh, this theatre is one of the UK’s largest stages, showing a variety of opera, ballet, and musical performances throughout the year. The theatre stands on the site of the old Empire Theatre, which opened in 1914.

The Edinburgh Chocolatarium

Just off the Royal Mile, you will discover The Edinburgh Chocolatarium, which is dedicated to all things chocolate. Enjoy a guided tour before making your very own chocolate bar with lots of toppings to choose from. Not forgetting to head off to the tasting room, where you can taste a variety of Scottish and world-wide chocolates

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Travelling around Edinburgh

cheap tickets to Edinburgh
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Explore most attractions on the Royal Mile by foot.

Being the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is surprisingly a small city, and you can explore most of the attractions on the Royal Mile easily by foot. If you would like to travel further out, there are a variety of different transport options for you to choose from.

Use the efficient and eco-friendly bus service.

With a vast network, the bus service is one of the most popular ways to travel around Edinburgh, and with the majority of the buses being electric, it is also eco-ffriendly.

Take the Tram, which connects the airport to the New Town.

The tram runs from Edinburgh Airport to York Place in the New Town; the services are regular, and while it may not be ideal for exploring the city centre, the tram network is currently being expanded, and new lines are expected to open in the coming years. This will make it easier to travel around Edinburgh by tram, and it will also provide more connections to the city's suburbs.

Cycle around the city using the bike rental scheme.

Cycling is a great way to see Edinburgh, and beyond the Royal Mile, the city is bike-friendly with dedicated cycle lanes. There is a bike hire scheme in Edinburgh, and you will find bikes located in various locations around the city.

Travel by taxi, especially when in a group.

If travelling as a group, why not travel by taxi? Black Cabs can be found across Edinburgh, and you can either call them in the street or make your way to a taxi rank outside a train station or hotel. They are typically wheelchair-friendly and can accommodate up to five people.

For longer distances, take the train and search for discounted fares on Trainsplit.

Travelling a little bit further or visiting the Forth Bridge for the views. Why not take the train and search for discounted train fares on Trainsplit.com? Edinburgh has two railway stations, so affordable train routes have never been easier.

Here are some places to eat in Edinburgh for all budgets

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££££ (Expensive)

The Witchery - 352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF Scotland
££££ Grill, Scottish, Vegetarian Friendly
This Michelin-starred restaurant serves modern Scottish cuisine in a stunning medieval setting. The interior of the restaurant is decorated with period furniture and tapestries, and the menu features dishes such as venison with celeriac and black truffle, and langoustine with cauliflower and caviar.
The Kitchin - 78 Commercial Quay, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6LX
££££ French, European, British
The Kitchin is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves modern Scottish cuisine. The restaurant is located in a Georgian townhouse, and the interior is stylish and modern. The menu features dishes such as Orkney scallops with smoked haddock and caviar, and roasted pigeon with foie gras and black pudding.
The Grain Store - 30 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JW
££££ European, British, Contemporary
This restaurant serves modern European cuisine in a stylish setting. The interior of the restaurant is minimalist, and the menu features dishes such as seared scallops, lamb shank, and roasted cod.

££- £££ (Mid-Range):

Scran and Scallie - 1 Comely Bank Rd, Edinburgh EH4 1DR
££ - £££ Bar, British, Pub
This restaurant serves traditional Scottish food in a casual setting. The menu features dishes such as haggis, neeps and tatties, and stovies.
The Cannonball - 356 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF
££ - £££ European, Scottish
This rooftop restaurant offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline. The menu features modern European cuisine, and there is a wide selection of wines and cocktails available.
Honeycomb Tearoom - 129 Morrison St, Edinburgh EH3 8AJ
££ - £££ Cafe British, Scottish cuisine
Honeycomb Tearoom is a cozy, bright and modern eatery in Edinburgh that serves coffee, cakes, lunch, brunch, and breakfast. The tearoom was named as one of Scotland's best sandwich shops, and it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

£ (Inexpensive):

The Piemaker - 38 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1LL
£ Bakeries, British, Vegetarian Friendly
This restaurant serves delicious pies in a variety of flavors. The pies are made with fresh ingredients, and they are baked to perfection.
The Dog House - 18-22 Clerk Street, EH8 9HT, Edinburgh, Scotland
£ Bar, Pub
The Dog House is a funky restaurant in Edinburgh that serves unique pub grub and creative cocktails. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and it is known for its lively atmosphere and frequent live music.

Restaurants in Edinburgh by price, cuisine and atmosphere

Edinburgh's Sporting Scene

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Edinburgh offers an impressive array of sports activities and events for enthusiasts to enjoy. From traditional sports to exciting modern endeavors, the city caters to a diverse range of interests.

Rugby: Edinburgh is known for its thriving rugby scene, with the city being home to the Edinburgh Rugby team, which competes in the Pro14 league. The sport has a dedicated following in the city, and matches are often held at the Murrayfield Stadium, providing an electrifying atmosphere for fans.
Football: Although Edinburgh is not home to a Premier League team, it boasts two prominent football clubs, Heart of Midlothian F.C. and Hibernian F.C. Both teams have a rich history and a dedicated fan base, contributing to the city's vibrant sports culture.
Golf: Scotland's reputation as the "Home of Golf" is reflected in Edinburgh's offerings, with several prestigious golf courses situated in and around the city. Golf enthusiasts can indulge in challenging courses that provide stunning views of the Scottish landscape, combining sport with breathtaking natural beauty.
Running and Athletics: Edinburgh hosts various running events and marathons, attracting participants from around the world. The annual Edinburgh Marathon Festival is a highlight, with its scenic routes and vibrant atmosphere, showcasing the city's commitment to fostering an active and healthy lifestyle.
Water Sports: Although situated inland, Edinburgh's proximity to the coast allows for easy access to a variety of water sports. From kayaking and canoeing along the Water of Leith to sailing and windsurfing at the nearby coast, water sports enthusiasts can find ample opportunities to enjoy their favourite activities.
Other Activities: Additionally, Edinburgh provides facilities for tennis, squash, and swimming, catering to those with diverse sporting interests. The city's recreational centres and sports clubs offer a range of options for individuals and families seeking to participate in various physical activities.

With its robust sports infrastructure and a strong sense of community, Edinburgh fosters a dynamic environment for sports enthusiasts, encouraging active participation and a healthy lifestyle for residents and visitors alike.

Looking to extend your stay? Click here to explore the variety of accommodations for an overnight break.

Ways to cut down on train ticket travel costs to Edinburgh

1. Book your train tickets in advance.

A great way to save money on train tickets is to book your train tickets in advance. With advance tickets becoming available up to 12 weeks in advance, this is a great way to obtain cheap train tickets.

2. Use a Railcard for up to a third off the cost.

Teaming up with a railcard, you can get up to a third off the cost, saving you more money on your train tickets.

3. Split your tickets.

With Trainsplit’s unique journey planner, we search for the best priced train tickets for your journey. You can easily discover the best split ticketing combinations that maximise the savings on your train tickets, and best of all, Trainsplit will do all of the work for you and doesn’t charge a booking fee.

4. Avoid Peak times.

If you don’t need to travel so early in the morning, why not travel off-peak to save money on more expensive train tickets? These usually start from around 09:30 onward.

5. Explore Group Save train tickets for discounted fares for groups.

Take a look at Group Save train tickets; these are a great way to get discounted train fares for groups of people travelling.

6. Consider an alternative route.

If you are not travelling from London, why not consider travelling via London? Cross-country trains operate routes to Edinburgh but avoid London, and this can be a great way to cut down on train travel costs. Using Trainsplit’s journey planner will search for the cheaper routes to Edinburgh and possibly save you money on your train tickets.

7. Claim Delay Repay compensation for any delays on your journey.

If you are delayed on your journey, you may be entitled to delay compensation on your train tickets.

By using these tips along with Trainsplit's unique journey planner to search for the best train ticket deals, now is the time to explore new destinations.

Happy travels!

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