Two main railway stations serve Edinburgh, and unless you arrive by air, the chances are you will pass through one or both. Edinburgh Waverley station sits in a dramatic valley between the Old Town and the New Town — the second-busiest station in Scotland and one of the most beautiful in the UK. Edinburgh Haymarket is its smaller, calmer sister, two miles to the west, serving the West End, Fountainbridge and onward routes to Glasgow, Stirling and the Highlands. This guide covers everything visitors need to know about both — entrances, platforms, ticket halls, facilities, onward transport, accessibility and the secondary stations in the city’s commuter belt.
Edinburgh Waverley: The Grand Central
Edinburgh Waverley is the second-busiest railway station in Scotland (after Glasgow Central), handling around 23 million passengers a year on 20 platforms. The station sits in the dip carved by the long-gone Nor’ Loch, with the Old Town rising on one side and Princes Street on the other. It is the eastern terminus of the East Coast Main Line from London, the principal Scottish hub for ScotRail, the start point for the Caledonian Sleeper to London Euston, and the calling point for CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express services.
History and Architecture
Waverley was originally three competing stations — North British, Caledonian and Edinburgh, Leith and Newhaven — amalgamated in 1854 into a single complex. The current grand glass roof and the elegant Booking Hall date from 1900, and the entire station was extensively refurbished between 2007 and 2018. The Grade A-listed Booking Hall is one of the architectural highlights of any visit — vault-roofed, daylit, with floor mosaics depicting the stations of the old North British network.
Entrances and Layout
Waverley has multiple entrances. The most-used is Waverley Steps from Princes Street — a long stair (and escalator) down to the station concourse. Waverley Bridge runs across the western end of the station and offers ramped access from the city centre; this is also where the Airlink 100, several bus tours, and most central taxi ranks are based. Market Street, at the south side, is the gentlest approach for those with luggage or accessibility needs. From the Royal Mile, a series of stepped closes (Fleshmarket Close most directly) lead down to Market Street.
Inside, the concourse runs east–west along the centre of the station with platforms branching off both sides. The Booking Hall is in the north, with ticket machines, the Travel Centre and most retail concentrated around it. Platforms 1–11 are on the north (Princes Street) side; platforms 12–21 on the south (Market Street) side. Bay platforms at both ends serve terminating services.
Facilities at Edinburgh Waverley
- Ticket Office and Travel Centre — staffed daily 05:00–24:00, with multilingual assistance.
- Ticket machines — across the concourse and at every entrance.
- LNER First Class Lounge — beyond the LNER barriers for ticket-holders.
- Caledonian Sleeper Lounge — for sleeper passengers, on the concourse.
- Left luggage — Excess Baggage Co office on the concourse, £8 per item per day.
- Food and retail — M&S Food, Pret a Manger, Costa Coffee, Caffè Nero, Boots, Whistlestop, Burger King, Smyths Toy Store, and seasonal pop-ups.
- Cashpoints — multiple, on the concourse.
- Public toilets — paid (£0.50) near the Booking Hall.
- Cyclepoint — secure CCTV bike storage on the south side.
- Waverley Mall — shopping centre directly above, accessible via internal escalators.
Onward Transport From Waverley
To the Royal Mile
Walk up Cockburn Street (the stepped close runs from the corner of Market Street and a small stair to High Street). Five minutes, mostly uphill.
To Edinburgh Castle
Walk via Waverley Steps to Princes Street, then up the Mound to the Lawnmarket — about 12 minutes. Or take a taxi from the Waverley Bridge rank.
To Edinburgh Airport
The Airlink 100 bus leaves Waverley Bridge every 10 minutes, 24/7, journey time 25–30 minutes off-peak. Tickets £5.50 single. Alternatively, walk to St Andrew Square (5 minutes north) for the tram, which takes 35 minutes to the airport at £8.50 single.
To Leith and Newhaven
Walk 5 minutes to St Andrew Square for the tram all the way to Newhaven, or take Lothian Buses route 22 from Princes Street.
To Glasgow
ScotRail’s Edinburgh-Glasgow Express runs every 15 minutes from Platforms 11 or 12 and takes 47 minutes. Anytime single £15.30; off-peak return £18.
To London
LNER’s flagship East Coast service runs hourly from Waverley to King’s Cross in 4 hours 20 minutes (the fastest, Azuma-class services). Advance fares from £40, walk-up Anytime from £180. Caledonian Sleeper overnight service to London Euston departs around 23:40 with arrival at 07:30.
Edinburgh Haymarket: The Calm Alternative
Two miles west of Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket is the city’s other principal station. It handles about 3 million passengers a year on six platforms (four through, two bay). Many services to Glasgow, Stirling, Falkirk, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness call here, and it is closer to West End hotels, the EICC, Murrayfield Stadium, the Conference Hotel district, and the Edinburgh Quartermile (BioQuarter area).
History and Architecture
Haymarket opened in 1842 as the original terminus of the Edinburgh–Glasgow railway, before Waverley was built. The original Georgian station building is the oldest surviving station building in the world. The 2013 redevelopment added a contemporary northern concourse with a sweeping glass roof, integrating the new station seamlessly with the tram stop outside.
Layout and Facilities
Haymarket’s modern concourse is open and uncluttered. Ticket office and machines are at the north entrance. There is a small First Class Lounge, a Costa Coffee, Pumpkin Café, two convenience shops, a Boots and a Bagel Factory. Toilets are free. Self-service bike storage is available outside. Left luggage is not currently offered on-site (use Waverley’s Excess Baggage Co office).
Why Use Haymarket Instead of Waverley?
For visitors heading to the West End — Sheraton, EICC, Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, the Caledonian, the Charlotte Square hotels — Haymarket is closer (5–10 minute walk versus 15–20 minutes from Waverley). The tram stop is directly outside, making airport connections seamless. The station is less crowded than Waverley and many ScotRail services stop here, which means you can avoid the Waverley queue at peak times.
Trains That Call at Haymarket
- All Edinburgh-Glasgow Express services (47 minutes to Queen Street).
- All Edinburgh-Falkirk and Edinburgh-Stirling services.
- Most LNER trains to London (a few call only at Waverley).
- All TransPennine Express services to Manchester, Liverpool and York.
- CrossCountry services to Aberdeen, Birmingham and Plymouth.
- ScotRail Highland services to Inverness, Perth and the Far North.
Note: not all London services call at Haymarket. Always check before boarding — some Avanti and Caledonian Sleeper services run direct to Waverley only.
Onward Transport From Haymarket
The Haymarket tram stop is directly outside the north entrance. Trams run east to Princes Street, St Andrew Square and Newhaven, or west to Murrayfield, Gyle and Edinburgh Airport. Lothian Buses serving Haymarket include the 25, 33, 38 and the Airlink 100. Black cabs are available at the rank outside. From Haymarket on foot it is 15 minutes to Princes Street, 5 minutes to the West End, 15 minutes to Murrayfield Stadium, and 25 minutes to the Castle via Lothian Road.
Accessibility at Edinburgh Stations
Both Waverley and Haymarket are fully step-free with lift access to all platforms. Waverley has staffed assistance available 24 hours; booking in advance via Passenger Assist (online or 0345 711 4141) ensures support at boarding and onward connections. Haymarket has staffed assistance during operating hours. Both stations have accessible toilets, level boarding ramps deployed by station staff, and audio-visual passenger information. The walk from Waverley to the Old Town is challenging for wheelchair users due to the steep streets; the tram or a black cab is easier.
Caledonian Sleeper: The Overnight Train to London
Edinburgh Waverley is the principal Scottish boarding point for the Caledonian Sleeper, the overnight London-Scotland service operated by Serco. Three nightly trains run from Edinburgh to Euston: the Lowlander (Edinburgh/Glasgow), the Highlander (which combines several Scottish portions into one train south of Edinburgh), and seasonal special services. Departure is around 23:40; arrival in London is around 07:30. Berths range from couchette-style “Classic” rooms to en-suite “Caledonian Double” rooms with premium pricing. The Club Car serves food and drink late into the night. Excellent for visitors heading south who want to avoid hotel and travel days.
Buying Train Tickets in Edinburgh
Train tickets can be bought from the ticket office, ticket machines, the ScotRail app, the LNER app, or trainline.com. For best value, advance fares for long-distance journeys (Edinburgh-London, Edinburgh-Birmingham) should be booked 6+ weeks ahead. ScotRail’s Anytime Day Single for Edinburgh-Glasgow at £15.30 is a walk-up fare valid all day; Off-Peak Day Return at £18 is the deal for daytrippers willing to travel after 09:15. GroupSave gives 34% off for three to nine adults travelling together off-peak. The Spirit of Scotland Travelpass at £149 covers 4 days of unlimited ScotRail travel within 8 calendar days — excellent for visitors planning a Scotland-wide tour from Edinburgh.
Edinburgh’s Secondary Stations
Beyond Waverley and Haymarket, Edinburgh has several smaller stations that may be useful depending on where you are staying or going.
Edinburgh Gateway
Located at the airport-adjacent retail park, this is the principal interchange between the tram (airport line) and ScotRail services to Fife, Stirling and the North. For visitors arriving in Edinburgh from Inverness or Aberdeen by train and wanting to head directly to the airport, Edinburgh Gateway saves you a trip into the city centre.
South Gyle
On the Edinburgh-Bathgate-Glasgow line via Falkirk High. Useful for visitors staying at Gyle hotels and conference centres.
Edinburgh Park
Near the financial district; commuter use mostly.
Brunstane and Newcraighall
Eastern suburban stations on the Borders Railway. Newcraighall is the city terminus for the Borders Railway and useful for visitors heading to Galashiels and Tweedbank.
Curriehill, Wester Hailes and Kingsknowe
Western suburban stations on the Shotts line, used mainly by commuters.
Dalmeny (for South Queensferry)
The nearest station to South Queensferry and the Forth Bridges. Walk 15 minutes from Dalmeny station to South Queensferry High Street.
North Berwick, Drem and Longniddry
Coastal East Lothian stations on the ScotRail line. North Berwick is one of the most popular Edinburgh-region day trips — beaches, Tantallon Castle, Scottish Seabird Centre — and the train runs every 30 minutes from Waverley taking 35 minutes.
Linlithgow
For Linlithgow Palace (birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots), 20 minutes from Waverley by train.
Falkirk High and the Kelpies
For visitors heading to the Helix Park and the Kelpies sculptures, Falkirk High station is the closest stop, 25 minutes from Waverley.
Long-Distance Trains From Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of the best-connected railway cities in the UK. From Waverley you can reach:
- London (LNER, 4h 20m, hourly).
- Glasgow (ScotRail, 47m, every 15 minutes).
- Aberdeen (ScotRail, 2h 20m, hourly).
- Inverness (ScotRail, 3h 30m, every 2 hours).
- Newcastle (LNER, 1h 30m).
- York (LNER, 2h 30m).
- Manchester (TPE, 3h 15m).
- Birmingham (CrossCountry, 4h 30m).
- Plymouth and Penzance (CrossCountry, all-day journeys).
- Cardiff (CrossCountry, 6h).
- Stranraer and ferry to Belfast (ScotRail).
- Mallaig (Highlands) — change at Glasgow Queen Street for the West Highland Line.
Train Etiquette and Practical Tips
Reserved seats are clearly marked above headrests on long-distance services; respect the reservations unless they explicitly say “available”. Quiet Coaches are designated on LNER and CrossCountry services for phone-free travel. ScotRail’s intercity services have a small First Class section; LNER has more substantial First Class with at-seat catering on most services. Tickets are checked on board by guards; have ticket and ID (Railcard if used) ready.
Bikes are carried on most ScotRail and LNER services — book a bike space in advance for guaranteed carriage. Pets travel free (up to two per passenger). Buggies fold and store in the luggage racks; large suitcases store in the same racks. Theft is rare but valuables should stay with you, not in the overhead racks.
Hot Tips for Waverley
- The Waverley Steps from Princes Street have an elevator and an escalator alongside the steps — useful if you have heavy luggage.
- The Booking Hall has the shortest queues for ticket office service; the platform-end machines are faster for advance-purchased tickets.
- Boots and M&S Food close at 22:00; the 24-hour kiosk near the Booking Hall covers later needs.
- If you have time before a train, walk up Cockburn Street for the best Old Town tapas, or up Waverley Bridge for the tram tour ticket booth (Edinburgh Bus Tours).
- The Waverley Bridge taxi rank is the fastest place to grab a black cab in the city centre.
- Phone signal can be poor inside the station — use the free station Wi-Fi.
Hot Tips for Haymarket
- For Glasgow trains, Haymarket is actually a faster departure point than Waverley by about 2 minutes.
- The tram stop outside is the easiest connection to the airport from the West End.
- The taxi rank is small but cabs turn over quickly; Uber pickup is at the layby on Haymarket Yards.
- Free toilets — unusual for a UK station.
- Bike storage outside the north entrance is covered and CCTV-monitored.
Train Travel With Children
Children under 5 travel free with an accompanying adult. Children 5–15 pay child fares (typically 50% of adult). Two children under 11 can travel free with a Family & Friends Railcard-holding adult — the Railcard pays for itself almost immediately. ScotRail’s Kids Go Free promotion permits up to four children under 16 to travel with each fare-paying adult on weekends and during school holidays.
Cycle Storage and Bringing Your Bike
Waverley has a dedicated Cyclepoint with secure storage on the Market Street side, 24-hour access, CCTV-monitored, free to use with registration. Haymarket has bike racks outside both entrances and limited covered storage. ScotRail services carry up to 2 bikes per train (free, reservation recommended); LNER carries up to 5 with reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Edinburgh Waverley station?
Between the Old Town and the New Town, accessible from Princes Street (via Waverley Steps), Waverley Bridge or Market Street. Just below Princes Street Gardens.
How far is Waverley from the Royal Mile?
About 5 minutes’ walk up Cockburn Street or Market Street.
How long is the train from Edinburgh to London?
The fastest LNER Azuma service runs 4 hours 20 minutes from Waverley to King’s Cross.
How long is the train from Edinburgh to Glasgow?
47 minutes on the ScotRail Edinburgh-Glasgow Express, every 15 minutes.
Where does the Caledonian Sleeper depart from?
Edinburgh Waverley, around 23:40, arriving London Euston around 07:30.
Does Haymarket station have left luggage?
No — use Waverley’s Excess Baggage Co office on the concourse.
Is Edinburgh Waverley accessible?
Yes — fully step-free with lifts to every platform. 24-hour staffed assistance available.
Can I get to Edinburgh Airport from Waverley?
Yes — Airlink 100 bus from Waverley Bridge (25–30 min, £5.50) or tram from St Andrew Square (35 min, £8.50). No direct train.
Is there a station near South Queensferry?
Yes — Dalmeny station is 15 minutes’ walk from South Queensferry High Street.
Where do trains from Edinburgh go?
Direct services run to London, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, Newcastle, York, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and many UK and Scottish destinations.
Final Word: Two Stations, One City
Edinburgh Waverley is one of Britain’s great stations — handsome, central, dense with onward connections — and most visitors will use it as their main railway gateway. Haymarket is the quieter, calmer alternative that suits West End-based visitors and Glasgow daytrippers. Knowing which station to use for which onward journey can save you 10–15 minutes either side of every train. For wider transport planning, see our guides to Edinburgh Airport to city centre, Lothian Buses & trams, and our day trips from Edinburgh hub.
