Dundee to Edinburgh Trains From £11.60*

With only 36 miles separating Dundee and Edinburgh, it takes just over an hour to travel from Dundee to Edinburgh, giving you plenty of time to explore the Scottish capital.

This journey will take you along the western coast of Scotland, a place renowned for its dramatic beauty. It’s characterised by its rugged landscapes, intricate coastline, and various historical curiosities.

There are three different train operators that serve the Dundee to Edinburgh route. These are ScotRail, CrossCountry, and LNER. ScotRail operates the majority of rail services within Scotland, connecting major cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Inverness to smaller towns and cities throughout the country. It also operates cross-border services to destinations in the North of England, like Carlisle and Newcastle.

Departing from Dundee

Dundee train station is located on South Union Street, right in the heart of the city. It’s situated on the non-electrified East Coast Mainline, meaning it’s well-connected to Edinburgh and Aberdeen for local connections and linked all the way to London in the south.

Main stops

Traveling from Dundee to Edinburgh Waverley with ScotRail is easy, with only three stops: Leuchars, Cupar, and Haymarket before arriving at Edinburgh Waverley. If you take CrossCountry, it will take ten more minutes to reach your destination.

There are slightly more stops on the journey from Dundee to Edinburgh Gateway with ScotRail. Before arriving, you will pass through Leuchars, Cupar, Ladybank, Markinch, Kirkcaldy, and Inverkeithing.

You should consider that stops can change due to weather, faults, or engineering works. It’s best to check which stations you’ll be stopping at before you leave.

Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley

Edinburgh is frequently cited as one of the UK’s greatest cities, and arriving at Edinburgh Waverley train station puts you right at the heart of it. The station is ideally situated right in between the ‘old’ and ‘new’ towns, making it a perfect location to begin your adventure.

The ‘old’ town has a medieval street plan and holds the city’s oldest buildings. It’s home to famous locations such as Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the National Museum of Scotland. The Royal Mile also runs from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is an excellent location for tourists to wander along, visit some pubs, and soak up the city’s unique history.

Edinburgh’s ‘new’ town was built between 1767 and 1850 and contrasts wonderfully with the Medieval hodgepodge of the ‘old’ town due to its pristine and structured neoclassical and Georgian architecture. The ‘new’ town is ideal for shopping, café hopping, and some of the finest restaurants in Scotland.

Arriving at Edinburgh Gateway

Edinburgh Gateway Station contrasts with the old-world charm of Edinburgh Waverley. Gateway is a modern station located in the west of the city. The station is a significant nexus point for connections to Edinburgh’s tram network and is especially relevant for anyone travelling to Edinburgh Airport.

ScotRail train classes

• Standard Class: Passengers benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi and convenient plug sockets for all devices.
• First Class: Every seat has a table, a dedicated charging station, and Wi-Fi. However, free catering services are unavailable on the Dundee to Edinburgh route.

ScotRail travel advice

• Kids for a Quid: Offer allows children aged 5 to 15 to travel for £1 each when accompanied by an adult. Children under five can travel for free.
• Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Reservations are highly recommended, as each train has only two cycle spaces. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to book early.
• Passenger Assist: Boarding and alighting assistance, luggage carrying, and support for station issues ensure a smooth and successful trip.

Traveling between Dundee and Edinburgh(Waverley) with CrossCountry is always the cheapest option for exploring Scotland's vibrant cities. The journey covers approximately 36 miles and typically takes around 1h 20m, allowing you ample time to enjoy Edinburgh's rich cultural heritage and attractions.

CrossCountry is renowned for its extensive network across the UK, connecting major cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Cardiff, and Reading. This makes it a preferred choice for travelers seeking both local and long-distance journeys.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: Onboard Wi-Fi, charging points, and tables. Snacks and drinks are available from the onboard shop.
• First Class: Dundee to Edinburgh First Class tickets provide for a more spacious and comfortable journey with larger seats and complimentary refreshments.

CrossCountry travel advice

• Luggage: A maximum of three items: one small item, one medium-sized bag, and one large suitcase.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small pets are free of charge. They must be well-behaved and do not disturb other passengers. Two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Bicycle reservations are required before traveling.
• Children: Children receive cheaper tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
• Passenger Assist: Provide assistance at stations and on trains, or during transfers, help with luggage, offer discounts for disabled passengers, and other services.

Experience the convenience and comfort of traveling from Dundee to Edinburgh with LNER on the East Coast Mainline. This rail service efficiently covers the 36-mile stretch in just over an hour, connecting cities on the East Coast of Scotland and the North of England with London.

LNER is a key player on the Dundee to Edinburgh route, alongside ScotRail and CrossCountry. Known for its reliable and high-speed services, LNER links Scotland with major English cities such as London, York, and Newcastle.

LNER train classes

• Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
• First Class: Complimentary food and drinks, larger seats and tables. First Class lounge access at certain stations on the East Coast Mainline.

LNER train travel advice

• Luggage: Passengers can bring up to three pieces of luggage.
• Pets: Pets travel free on LNER. Dogs must be on leads, and other animals in carriers. Maximum of two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Reservations are required. Folding bikes can be taken onboard as luggage.
• Children: Children receive cheaper tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together.
• Passenger Assist: Get travel advice for the station you wish to use, seat reservations, ticket assistance, and help with arrivals and transfers, plus discounts for disabled passengers.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.