Edinburgh Castle viewed from Calton Hill
© VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Reasons to visit Edinburgh with LNER

In just 4 hours 20 minutes*, your LNER train will bring you from London, straight into the heart of magical Edinburgh.

Relax onboard in style before stepping off the train by Edinburgh Castle. Savour a whisky on a rooftop terrace, uncover hidden gems, and discover some of the secrets of Scotland's capital. Edinburgh is the place to be in 2025!

Book your journey to Edinburgh now

*Most common journey time between Edinburgh Waverley and London King's Cross, Monday to Friday.

Midweek Magic in Edinburgh

LNER Azuma, Dalguise Viaduct
© Craig Stephen | craig-stephen.co.uk

Booking in advance with LNER means you can save on average 48% on train tickets, so that you have more to spend on Edinburgh experiences. Uncover more top tips on how you can get the best prices of LNER train journeys.

Selecting quieter times also means you can hit the snooze button before you arrive into the very heart of Edinburgh. Use the LNER Quieter Times to Travel tool to find out which trains are likely to be less busy.

8 Reasons to Visit Edinburgh

1. Unique Experiences

Enjoy a whisky cocktail at the rooftop bar of the Johnnie Walker Experience, head down to see the beautiful oasis that is Dean village, or have a lesson in chocolate-making with the Chocolatarium tour and shop.

Find out more

Edinburgh Castle seen from The Vennel
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

2. Iconic Attractions

Don’t forget to plan a trip to some of Edinburgh’s iconic and much-loved attractions. Climb to the top of Camera Obscura & World of Illusions for incredible views, explore the city’s Royal Mile with museums, shops and Edinburgh Castle, or step onboard the unique Royal Yacht Britannia.

Find more iconic attractions

Writer's Museum
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

3. World’s first UNESCO City of Literature

Storytelling and the written word have been the life force of Edinburgh’s art and culture for centuries. Its contributions to the world of literature are so rich and well-recognised that in 2004, Edinburgh became the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature. Boasting the world’s largest literature festival, home to a myriad of bookshops, not to mention the highest concentration of public libraries in Scotland – Edinburgh is a city which celebrates the power of the written word quite unlike any other.

Find out more

Mercat Tours - Edinburgh Underground Vaults Tour
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

4. City tours & Walks

Edinburgh offers a diverse array of tours for those seeking unique experiences. Delve into the city's rich history and intricate architecture, embark on a boat excursion along the Firth of Forth, or immerse yourself in tales of its haunted past. With its dormant volcano, seven hills, charming cobbled streets, and breathtaking vistas, the capital beckons explorers for an unforgettable wandering adventure.

Plan your trip to Edinburgh

The Outsider Restaurant
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

5. Food & Drink

From Michelin-starred meals to the best pizzas, Edinburgh offers an array of outstanding dining options making eating out in Edinburgh a culinary delight.

6. Accommodation

When it comes to Edinburgh accommodation you’ll find a huge variety of options. From chic hotels and welcoming B&Bs to quirky self catering apartments and budget-friendly hostels, there is a fantastic choice of places to stay and rooms in Edinburgh.

7. Events

You're guaranteed to find a great event or world-class festival to enjoy in Edinburgh and beyond.

Performers at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Edinburgh Festivals

You may wonder why Edinburgh earned its reputation as the world’s leading festival city. From April to December each year, Scotland’s capital city welcomes visitors from across the globe to enjoy one (or more) of its 11 major festivals. Each of the festivals offers a unique and extraordinary experience. From the world of science, children’s theatre, jazz and blues, to dance, opera, classical & contemporary music and then comedy, art, literature, film, storytelling and a military tattoo. And last but not least, festival fever culminates with the ultimate Hogmanay and New Year’s Day celebrations. Edinburgh is the place for festivities in all its fantastic forms.

Find out more about Edinburgh Festivals

Hidden Door Festival 2025

Hidden Door gives long forgotten urban spaces across the city a new lease of life through the celebration of emerging and new artists, musicians, theatre and film makers.

Find out more Hidden Door

Find out more

Find more events in Edinburgh

8. Edinburgh: Your Gateway to Scotland

Your adventure doesn't stop in Edinburgh! With LNER, you can explore more of Scotland's stunning destinations with direct trains to Dundee, Aberdeen, Leuchars and more.

The Forth Bridges
© VisitScotland / Stuart Brunton

Leuchars

Nestled on Scotland’s east coast, Leuchars is the perfect stop for a coastal break before heading to St Andrews, the legendary Home of Golf. With its stunning 12th-century church, rich military heritage, and ties to the famous Leuchars Air Show, this historic town has plenty to explore

Find more ideas for Leuchars

Forth Bridges

The three bridges are an impressive sight as they across the Firth of Forth. Visit the historic communities at either side of the bridges. Step back in time to discover their heritage, take in the stunning panoramic views, and explore the many castles, houses, gardens, museums and attractions.

Find more ideas for the Forth Bridges Area

Dundee

Now regularly voted a must-visit, this east coast city is home to some incredible attractions and feats of innovation, after all the city was crowned a UNESCO City of Design, so you can bet there is plenty to get up to here.

Plan a trip to Dundee

Aberdeenshire

Take a trip up to majestic Aberdeenshire. This region is packed with royal and historic attractions (including hundreds of castles), whisky distilleries, and amazing countryside and coastal scenery.

Explore Aberdeenshire

Easy travel around Scotland

Scotland is easily accessible on public transport.

Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams will take you around Edinburgh.
Scottish Citylink run coaches to over 200 destinations.

Check out our travel in Scotland section for more easy information.

Freedom all the way to Edinburgh, with LNER

Onboard an Azuma, you can sit back, relax and take in the East Coast route in all its glory as you journey through Yorkshire, Northumberland and the coast of Scotland.

An LNER Azuma train crosses the Royal Border Bridge at Berwick-upon-Tweed
© LNER/Crest Photography

As well as FREE onboard WIFI, you can also get plenty of value out of your journey, by booking in advance to save 48%* and joining our loyalty scheme, LNER Perks. You'll receive £5 free credit for joining, 2% credit back on all journeys and 10% off the onboard catering offer. Plus, if you Refer a Friend to Perks, you will both receive £10 credit each. (T&Cs apply).

You can also save a further 1/3 off your train tickets with a Rail Card. There are so many rail card options available, including 26-30, Family and Two Together Rail Cards, find out more here.  

*Saving average based on all Standard Advance tickets bought on the LNER website and App at least four weeks before you travel vs buying any Standard ticket on the day you travel.

Reasons to visit Edinburgh with LNER

Midweek Magic in Edinburgh