London to Edinburgh by train with LNER

A journey from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley by LNER Azuma train, showing the stations, the train, first class, standard class, the food, scenery and sights along the way. For practical information on London Edinburgh train times, fares & tickets see www.seat61.com/london-to-edin...
00:00 Kings Cross station, London
00:33 A special visitor to keep the pigeons away
00:39 Harry Potter's Platform 9 3/4
00:46 LNER first class lounge
01:02 The Parcel Yard pub: The best standard class lounge!
01:13 Through ticket gates to the platforms
01:45 First class seating on a London-Edinburgh Azuma train
02:15 Standard class seating on a London-Edinburgh Azuma train
02:29 The train leaves London Kings Cross
02:53 Emirates Stadium, the home of Arsenal football club
03:03 Alexandra Palace - Ally Pally
03:10 Welwyn Viaduct
03:35 Complimentary food & wine in first class
03:45 Cafe counter and Let's Eat at Your Seat in standard class
04:03 Peterborough cathedral, River Nene & station
04:43 Power outlets in both classes
04:59 'Mallard 126mph 2 July 1938' speed record marker
05:06 Grantham
05:16 Doncaster
05:36 York station
06:15 A glimpse of York Minster
06:32 'London-Edinburgh Half Way' sign
06:45 Darlington
07:26 Durham cathedral, castle & station
07:40 Angel of the North
07:47 Crossing the Tyne & Newcastle station
09:28 Morpeth
09:44 Alnmouth
10:05 Lindisfarne Castle
10:32 Royal Border Bridge, River Tweed & Berwick station
11:22 England-Scotland border marker
11:29 The Scottish coast
12:01 Torness nuclear power station
12:12 Redhouse Castle
12:30 The train arrives at Edinburgh Waverley
Border marker still photo courtesy of the Railway Heritage Trust. Filmed using an iPhone 13 Pro Max.

[@seat61]

practical information on train times, fares & how to buy tickets see www.seat61.com/london-to-edinburgh-by-train.htm

[@akoska]

Dear mr Smith! Is the Azuma train diesel or normal, electric please? And why do these english trains have japanese name?

[@thomascook578]

@@akoska Diesel Electric. They're name by Hitachi hence the Japanese name, it also means East

[@vasilicastoica4802]

Salutări din România🙋🙋

[@Jammy_dodger-1]

I’ve drove trains for 23 years. Glad you get a better experience. Retire (hopefully) in 2. Never want 2 c 1 of these again.

[@kristinabondar6983]

I’m following you for several years. I patiently wait for every new episode. Usually I’m watching your videos early in the morning on Sunday being at home in Kyiv, Ukraine. But now I’m in Edinburgh (because of the war in Ukraine). So I was more than happy to see Waverley from your perspective of view. Thanks for your videos!!!

[@thatsme9875]

at last, after many years of trying, I am first to provide a thumbs-up and a positive comment!!!! another high quality production, please keep up the great work Mark

[@edwinleslie1330]

Just wanted to say THANK YOU. I'm a Brit living in Austria and I'd got bored with flying back to 'the island'. Then I saw your video from Westbahn (vienna) to St Pancras (London) by train. BRILLIANT. Which has opened up a whole new ideas of travel by train and not just from Austria to Britain but in Britain and Europe. Could I throw in an idea for you? Steam Railways in the UK. Ie. Bluebell, Swanage, Lake District etc, etc. Anyway thanks again for my new adventures to come and for your excellent work. 😉

[@HanWang-co5iw]

I recommend you to take a train in Europe and the uk! Because there is discount for the train tickets!

[@code-TRIP777B]

Yes this video is well done... And I've discovered an extra trick to get cheap train tickets.

[@Thecrazyvaclav]

Love your videos, no annoying music, just a camera and the views

[@Lizalotte]

Yes, such a relief!

[@StevenBanks123]

SO looking forward to this very journey in just 3 weeks! Thank you for putting a name to some of the sights - and the sights I will miss as well because I blinked.

[@garyh.2487]

Beautiful old train stations with modern trains still looks great!

[@mattquirk8753]

Took this trip a year ago and loved it. Thanks for bringing back great memories!

[@rosemarywalker924]

It's all part of journey a nice comfy seat and a meal, it's beats all the hustle and bustle of the airport,I thought you would be in 61 but 26 is ok many thanks for all the info and what to look for another excellent video keep them coming and we will watch 👍🙂

[@trippingontravel]

26/27 in first class are perfect seats for a couple. We had those same seats on our return trips between Kings Cross and Edinburgh Waverly a couple months ago. Overall, really great service as well! Thanks for another great video!

[@mukeshvig174]

I've so many beautiful recent memories attached to this route, except the train that used to be, was East Coast. But the clarity and descriptions in your video are outstanding. I learnt of so many historic places that I missed before. Thank you absolutely. 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@INFEDnoX]

Great video and the LNER/ex-Virgin livery is probably my favourite ever on a train. The red-white-yellow absolutely pops and looks so sleek.

[@SamuelIles2015]

Great video! After watching this trip report, I have some ideas up my sleeve

[@GARYINLEEDS]

Thanks, for taking me such a great distance, in just 13 minutes!

[@RonRicho]

Another big thank you to The Man in Seat 61. Wonderful train video .

[@BJones-yw4dd]

Thanks so much for taking us along, since I may never get to take the trip myself!

[@carmelahearle957]

Very good video and thorough in description. I loved it

[@AnekaF.1863]

I enjoyed this so much. Thank you kindly! 💜

[@Lizalotte]

Fabulous thank You. Last took the train return London to Edinburgh in 2014. Doubt I'll get back again from Australia, love these videos.

[@imaizumi826]

I am remembering my first trip to Edinburgh and scenery views in 2019... , Thanks.

[@garrygreen3210]

Excellent 61, thanks.

[@amtrakharry]

Excellent as usual Sir...

[@davidaarthur]

It's a beautiful route. And the LNER livery is growing on me, even if it's got nothing on the GNER blue.

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

In truth the Azuma livery dates from when VTEC held the franchise.

[@ronniedelahoussayechauvin6717]

I don't know anything about Trains nor This Country but I would love to take a ride on this one❤Beautiful❤

[@sherishahmir]

Awesome journey cant wait to have it to reach edinburgh ❤

[@williamsanger3868]

Thanks for a good video, most enjoyable viewing.

[@stuartallen8310]

A smooth journey

[@peterwooldridge7285]

From city centre to city centre I'd imagine the train is significantly faster than flying...maybe. Great video, thank you so much!!

[@seat61]

That 'one hour flight' probably takes 4 hours or more vs 4h20 centre to centre by rail. Train fares start at around £27, just £7 more than the train fare from London to Luton, Stansted or Heathrow airports!

[@HFStuart]

Get to the airport, go through security, boarding process, flight, disembarkation, try to forget your CO2 footprint and then get to where you actually want to be.....flying out of London City might be quicker but even then they get a tad upset if you get up and start walking about asking where the buffet is. Now if we could just do the 140mph upgrade for the ECML that was promised in the 90s it'd be even more of a no brainer.

[@neilgwynne5158]

I do trip regularly with work. About the same door to door but I can work on train and with plane have the pain of getting into London and security. There is a 4 HR train that leaves Edinburgh 5:40...

[@WiggyWigmoreUK]

I'd never noticed the track side markers that you highlighted before! I'll have to keep an eye out for them now!

[@tahayaseen6033]

Thank you 👍🏼

[@sivayamsiva9343]

Thanks for sharing very informative videos congratulations 👌👌👌

[@jamessmith6402]

Excellent video 👍 thanks

[@comicbookguygamecat]

Great video.

[@theobrattinga500]

Great video !!

[@peterscandlyn]

Took in that route - but by road - in 2014. Saw all the sights you highlighted, maybe in greater detail, but thanks for the reprise.

[@doug3117]

Loved the video. The English do train travel very well, particularly in 1st class. Your website has been a tremendous help for my international rail travel for about 15 years and it'll get handy again for Japan in 7 weeks. Thanks.

[@mikegreig3338]

It’s a British train not English, Edinburgh is not in England it’s in Scotland……

[@sindhu_67]

Loved it :)

[@narensolanki8894]

Very informative, thanks…

[@robertp.wainman4094]

I used to really love train travel and looked forward to every journey - but sadly not for some years, due mainly to such uncomfortable modern seats - besides ironing board hard squabs, the backrests are so upright that it's impossible to sleep without my head dropping forward. The only decent seats I've found on UK trains are on the Transport for Wales services from Manchester Airport.....bliss after a long journey on planes with numbing seats to finally find comfort on a train seat with a correctly sloping backrest!

[@williammillardsarkis]

I'll be riding this 1st class in June. Tanks for the video

[@HanWang-co5iw]

Wow, that’s great! I can share with you how to get it cheaper!

[@andyjones6643]

My wife just sent me this. Fantastic vid. I’ve done the trip Pboro to Waverley. TBH on a good train it is just not long enough. Thanks

[@JY-tq4ir]

love it

[@rezaalan3991]

Great trip. Something usual when departing or arriving from/to London king Cross by rail is passing Emirates Stadium

[@Backwardlooking]

Very nicely edited.

[@AndrewG1989]

I quite like the LNER Azumas. Been on them to Edinburgh last year and it was a good train ride. I also want to go on Lumo.

[@dawoodfaiz-mahdavi7297]

Is lovely and less noise, when trains is start going,

[@Nyjawonder]

Did this a few times but never reached Edinburgh. My destination was Motherwell. Still recall seeing the coastline so near to the tracks after we passed Newcastle

[@AndrewG1989]

You should do Lumo because I have been on Lumo to Edinburgh Waverley earlier this year and it’s such a nice train journey.

[@davidwilliams8405]

I took this train from London to Edinburg, with the only stops in York and Newcastle. It was clean, yet nearly full capacity, and it took four hours forty minutes, with hardly any catering. Still, interesting ride.

[@robertp.wainman4094]

......and very uncomfortable too!

[@Joker-yw9hl]

Nice!

[@pritamkoli]

Five star coverage

[@1960dave1960]

We did this at Easter travelling up on a Thursday 17:30 service, by the end of the journey I felt quite ill because of the limited leg room……the coffee they serve is very acceptable…..😋

[@StevenBanks123]

Acceptable coffee gives me the will to go on.

[@Lizalotte]

Wow I'm six foot, had plenty of leg room in just standard class.

[@vasilicastoica4802]

Călătorie plăcută,Prietene👋👋🚄🙂

[@feliciachia7568]

Thank you for the video! Really helps a lot for me in planning activities for my young child during the train journey! However, may I know if the wifi is working fine throughout the journey? TIA

[@smjrn63]

I had really good fish and chips at The Parcel Yard a few years ago

[@grantelliot9803]

Really enjoyed the video. Have you thought about doing Edinburgh up to Aberdeen for a video or even do Aberdeen to Penzance?

[@edmundcarew7235]

An excellent review showcasing a very good service (when no strikes!) and historic stations with wonderful architecture. UK railways receive flak but have much to be proud of. While fixed tables provide dining stability (and if using a laptop or notebook), I'd prefer reversible (and if pitch permitted, reclinable) seats. On Avanti WC last year, travelling backwards in 1st class from Glasgow to London was sub optimal. Pleasing though to enjoy free food and beverages on a Eurailpass. Interesting to know why UK and European rail operators do not like reversible seating. On chief rival the private car, typically one doesn't travel backwards. British Airways with legacy Club World is one of few airlines (along with Etihad and Qatar) that has backwards-facing seats in J (business class). Whether related or not, its configuration (being replaced) receives criticism. It's not feasible to have trains reverse on a triangle at termini, so reversible seating is the solution.

[@seat61]

My favourite seat configuration is face to face table for 2 and if with my family, a face-to-face table for 4. No need for a seatback six inches from your face, it's the way seating is arranged in bars and lounges and restaurants. Seats all facing forwards is too like a bus!

[@edmundcarew7235]

@@seat61 Great for your family or other groups of four, but doesn't reflect the majority of travellers on many rail routes who are either solo, or two travelling together. Tend to be more lone travellers on trains (and long distance road coaches!) than diners in restaurants, so a false equivalence. How many strangers in a restaurant come up to a lone diner and ask 'may I sit at your table?' if it's a table for two. In the West, I've never had that occur unless it's refectory-style long tables. In Asia, could be different. If given choice, majority of rail passengers worldwide opt for a forward-facing seat. Seat pitch on many long distance trains is way superior to a road coach. Provided seats are aligned with windows, it gives a good experience if all forward-facing. Agree to disagree.😀

[@seat61]

@@edmundcarew7235 After 20 years I know Americans are obsessed with facing forwards, but Europeans much less so. I believe it's cultural, not physiological. My train to work in London every day had half the seats facing forwards, half backwards, no-one cares. Even solo, I prefer having SPACE in front of my face, not a seat back, and to look out of a WHOLE window in front of me, not half a window by the side of me. Trains should be like lounges, not buses.

[@edmundcarew7235]

@@seat61 I'm Australian, not American: agreed, probably 'cultural' as we don't want to stare into a stranger's face: considered intrusive. If they're working, and one peers, perhaps even more 'intrusive' would be the perception of the other person. I've no objection to sitting backwards for short journeys, a term that's subjective, but I'll define as '75 minutes or less on one vehicle'. So on your journey to work in London, no problems: I agree the 'care factor' is absent or far less on suburban/metro trains worldwide, when many may have to stand so the question of which way a seat faces becomes somewhat academic. I was referring to longer distance journeys (exemplified by my Glasgow to London comment) but didn't make that clear. Apologies.

[@tonycarroll6632]

Having traveled on the continent extensively by train I was looking forward to the new Azuma trains. Haven’t travelled in First Class but I found second class very rocky and the seats uncomfortable especially compared to German, Swedish and French trains.

[@craigharbauer389]

did this trip in the opposite direction (Waveryl to KK) about a week before!

[@jatinkumardesai583]

Any complimentary tea or coffe for Standard ticket holder at lounge at King's cross railway station in London?

[@thomascook578]

My pet hate is the socket positions on the Hitachi sets, why between the seat below you, and why no usb socket, the amount of times I get asked for sockets on a 385. On a plus Lner is far better than Avanti IMHO

[@stephenbow1558]

Hello, I know this video is about UK trains, but could you recommend an app for searching and buying train tickets in Portugal? We are flying to Lisbon and commuting first to Cascais and then to Faro. Thanks Stephen

[@richardtierney4617]

if you fly, the km/miles and time to the destination are shown, not from the starting point

[@jimmysgameclips]

I've been wanting to take this journey for a little while now and maybe I'll get lucky and I can change to Kings Cross from one train journey from Reading when the Elizabeth line connects fully. I'll have to look it up

[@DavidWood2]

The Elizabeth Line doesn't serve King's Cross/St Pancras. Moreover, the Elizabeth Line is a slow way to get from Reading to Paddington because of all the intermediate stops. I'd take a fast train from Reading to Paddington, then the Circle Line or Hammersmith and City Line (in either case, go to the Hammersmith and City Line platform at Paddington to avoid a further change at Edgware Road) to Kings Cross St Pancras. If you insist on using the Elizabeth Line, you'll need to change at Farringdon for either Thameslink to St Pancras or the Hammersmith and City/Circle/Metropolitan to Kings Cross St Pancras.

[@jimmysgameclips]

Thanks for the tip, I've saved this for later. Do you think it'll make any difference when the connection at paddington for the Reading incoming trains is complete? I think it's due to be complete in November which I hadn't realised when I commented

[@DavidWood2]

@@jimmysgameclips It's really not going to make any difference. Whilst you'll avoid the annoying change if you stay on the Elizabeth Line once through running starts, it would still be a very slow journey travelling all the way from Reading to Farringdon on the Elizabeth Line. If you want to experiment, try the journey planner on tfl.gov.uk - it should work from Reading railway station.

[@jimmysgameclips]

@@DavidWood2 Thabks, I'll check this out

[@BigAidsIII]

That Sheperherdess Chicken is properly tasty. Almost made up for the fact that we had no proper breakfast from Inverness on Tuesday...almost!

[@davidtillson729]

Train every time by choice

[@code-TRIP777B]

Many thanks to ...... I would like to say that I even got a better price when I purchased my railcard.🎉🎉

[@Eleina1951]

Just to clarify a comment I made elsewhere: I said that Flying Scotsman is the name of the service that runs this train and that the train itself is the Scots Flyer. I stand corrected on research I find that the train originally pulled by the world famous Flying Scotsman locomotive was actually named the Special Scotch Express. On reflection I think Scots Flyer is a good name for this train!!!!

[@ppoletto]

interesting video. For a tourist going to Edinburgh for the 1st time, would you suggest siting on the right side, as you did?

[@seat61]

Yes, every time, all the sights are that side apart from Ally Pally.

[@AnthonyTravels]

Great video, What Camera do you use?

[@seat61]

Thanks you. iPhone 13 Pro Max

[@houras8332]

🙏

[@HanWang-co5iw]

I’m a student in Edinburgh and often go to London for a trip! I can tell you guys how to get cheaper tickets !!

[@ardhendusamanta8358]

I am planning to visit London in September 2024. Appreciate your help

[@christopheralancawte7584]

On any long distance rail run I assume their is a driver change, how does that driver return to his original start point,

[@grangetowncardiff6935]

Doh!

[@kevinellis8869]

If the driver does an 8 hour shift then it will be 4 hours out, a PNB (Personal Needs Break) and 4 hours back. In the bad old days there used to be what's known as 'lodging turns' where you worked a train, stayed in lodgings (B&B being close) or a hostel (GWR had one at Old Oak Common) and worked back the next day.

[@colinriley123]

Enjoyed this, but gob smacked (sorry for the word) by the sight of an empty lounge at Kings Cross. i don't think I have ever yet found a seat there.; there are a few spaces, but it means invading-g the space of others.

[@thuyquynh1905]

How long should i go to KGX in advance?

[@seat61]

It doesn't matter, as long as you walk through the ticket gates and get on the train before the doors close 1 minute before departure.

[@Spacebug111]

1:17 *INTRUDER ALERT, A RED SPY IS IN THE BASE*

[@All_Good_Things]

Its really something when the trains in Uzbekistan run faster that our intercity services.We are so far behind its laughable

[@tambu1411]

Head to London Kings X Flea Market

[@lindat6707]

How long did this ride take ?

[@edmundcarew7235]

Four hours and 20 minutes, as Mr Smith displays at the end. Far better than flying!

[@91djdj]

@@edmundcarew7235 How is taking long distance trains in Britain in general? Are they reliable most of the time? How are prices on average? I heard trips can be quite expensive.

[@reviewsforyou9878]

how much time does this direct train take to reach Edinburgh from london

[@tarzanmike7836]

Just took it 2 weeks ago, about 4.5 hours. I really enjoyed it. Lovely countryside to view and convenient city center stations.

[@bingbong9844]

Half way is only 165 miles? I used to drive that for my daily commute to and from work when i lived in Missouri.

[@PlayWaves1]

That's a stupidly long commute even for the US.

[@jessica_7474]

did you spend any time at your job?

[@osakasenri7352]

Ich würde behaupten, dass der ICE aus deutscher Produktion der japanischen Klasse 800 überlegen ist. Außerdem ist er schneller.

[@91djdj]

Bringt alles nichts, wenn sich jeder zweite Zug verspätet :D

[@charlesvanderhoog7056]

WHY is this LNer so slow? On the continent bullet trains go much faster.

[@jermainetrainallen6416]

It travels on existing main lines with means they're limited to a top speed of 125mph. On the continent, many high speed trains run on dedicated high speed lines, meaning they can travel much faster

[@Lizalotte]

Why would you want to go faster in the most beautiful country in the world?

[@shamshadahmad3374]

Tiranga song...

[@stuartallen8310]

I've just done leeds to Barnsley and had a nightmare with a disgusting on board ticket inspector never had a problem after 60 years but never again

[@granttnarg3615]

What happened?

[@shamshadahmad3374]

Comment....

[@allandickman774]

Travelled back from London last night on the Edinburgh train the previous train too Edinburgh broke down so the just shovelled them all on to our train absolutely shocking they stood over and sat in the aisles noisy worst journey ever😮

[@HanWang-co5iw]

Sorry to hear that, if you want to travel to Edinburgh again or Europe, I can share with you a tip on saving money on the ticket!

[@allandickman774]

@@HanWang-co5iw 👍

[@paulhammond1705]

MISTER PAUL KENNETH HAMMOND MALE, HUMAN, PERSON'S LONDON NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY TRAVEL'S, JOURNEY'S AROUND BRITAIN, GREAT BRITAIN, UNITED KINGDOM. KING'S CROSS LONDON TO WAVALY EDINBURGH. CLASS EIGHT HUNDRED AZUMA RAILWAY TRAIN'S.

[@paulhammond1705]

MISTER PAUL KENNETH HAMMOND MALE, HUMAN, PERSON'S LONDON NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY TRAVEL'S, JOURNEY'S AROUND BRITAIN, GREAT BRITAIN, UNITED KINGDOM. KING'S CROSS LONDON TO WAVALY EDINBURGH. CLASS EIGHT HUNDRED AZUMA RAILWAY TRAIN'S.

[@CaptainsChannel58]

I can't believe how noisy the people are in the train, isn't there a quiet carriage ?

[@peterbalderston4151]

Do they take cash again for food and drink...every other railway in Europe does, but LNER still has "Covid" problems taking cash......

[@rightasrain7949]

Yeah, funny how covid suddenly is helping push the cashless agenda.

[@rodneyhull9764]

Card only for catering(its cleaner). cash accepted for on board tickets tho.

[@louisescott4333]

The worst long distance trains in the UK.

[@tracieholland8298]

GREAT VID

[@hartleyhare99]

Very nice

[@code-TRIP777B]

Yes this video is well done... And I've discovered an extra trick to get cheap train tickets.