From London: Day Trip to Edinburgh by Rail With Castle Entry

Exploring Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital, has never been easier. This day trip from London by rail promises an unforgettable adventure, with convenient transportation, guided sightseeing, and exclusive access to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this carefully curated experience ensures you make the most of your time in this enchanting city. With a range of included amenities and the flexibility to personalize your itinerary, the journey from London to Edinburgh is a must-do for anyone seeking a unique cultural getaway.

Key Points

• A day trip from London to Edinburgh by first-class rail, including entry to Edinburgh Castle and an open-top bus tour of the city’s landmarks.
• The round-trip journey covers 15 hours, with departure from King’s Cross at 7:00 am and return to London at 10:09 pm.
• The first-class rail option offers on-board food, enhanced legroom, and a comfortable travel experience for a reasonable price premium.
• Sightseeing in Edinburgh includes visiting the Royal Mile, Greyfriars Bobby, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, with free time for exploration and shopping.
• The activity is non-refundable, with tickets emailed for convenience and an overall customer rating of 4.2/5 based on 54 reviews.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The day trip from London to Edinburgh by rail with castle entry is priced from $292.58 per person and lasts for 15 hours.

This non-refundable activity includes a first-class rail option with on-board food and refreshments. The trip departs King’s Cross at 7am, arriving in Edinburgh at 11:22am.

In the evening, the train leaves Edinburgh at 5:30pm, reaching London at 10:09pm.

With this day tour, visitors can explore Edinburgh’s top sights like the Royal Mile, Greyfriars Bobby, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Edinburgh Castle, where they’ll see the Scottish Crown Jewels.

Departure and Return Details

Departing from King’s Cross Station at 6:30 am, the train leaves promptly at 7:00 am, arriving in Edinburgh at 11:22 am.

The return journey departs Edinburgh at 5:30 pm, arriving back in London at 10:09 pm.

For a more comfortable experience, the first-class option includes:

• Food and refreshments served at your seat

• Ample legroom and reclining seats

• Access to on-board washrooms

• Complimentary reading materials

This day trip by rail provides a convenient way to explore Edinburgh’s top sights, from the iconic castle to the charming Royal Mile.

First-Class Amenities

For a more comfortable journey, the first-class option includes several amenities.

Passengers will be served food and refreshments right at their seats. This elevates the rail experience, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy the scenic countryside passing by without leaving their plush chairs.

The first-class cabin offers more legroom and extra space compared to standard class. This added comfort is ideal for those seeking a more enjoyable and stress-free day trip from London to Edinburgh.

Booking the first-class upgrade provides an enhanced experience for a reasonable price premium.

Sightseeing and Activities

Once the rail journey is underway, the day trip focuses on sightseeing and activities in Edinburgh.

An open-top bus tour provides hop-on hop-off access to major landmarks, including:

Hop aboard an open-top bus for easy access to Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks, including the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.

• The historic Royal Mile

• Greyfriars Bobby, the famous Skye Terrier

• The grand Palace of Holyroodhouse

• The iconic Edinburgh Castle, where visitors can admire the Scottish Crown Jewels and take in panoramic city views.

After the castle visit, travelers have free time to explore the city’s shops and attractions at their own pace, armed with a complimentary city map.

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Arrival and Departure Instructions

Passengers must arrive at King’s Cross Station 15 minutes prior to the 7:00 am train departure.

The train to Edinburgh leaves promptly at 7:00 am and arrives at 11:22 am. Upon arrival in Edinburgh, follow signs or ask representatives to locate the designated Waterloo Place departure point for the hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

Remember to exchange the bus tour voucher at Andrew Square.

At the end of the day, the train departs Edinburgh at 5:30 pm, arriving back in London at 10:09 pm.

Travelers should have their mobile tickets ready to board the trains.

Ticket Information

Although the day trip to Edinburgh by rail is a non-refundable activity, the pricing and ticketing process are straightforward. Priced from $292.58 per person, the day trip includes first-class train travel with refreshments, a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and entry to Edinburgh Castle.

To prepare for the journey:

• Tickets will be emailed, so no need to meet a representative at the station.

• Arrive at King’s Cross Station 15 minutes early for the 7:00 am train departure.

• Exchange the bus tour voucher at Andrew Square upon arrival in Edinburgh.

• Print all tickets or use mobile passes for a seamless experience.

Customer Feedback

Based on the 54 reviews, customers have largely positive feedback about the day trip to Edinburgh by rail.

The overall rating of 4.2/5 indicates that most travelers enjoyed the experience. Highlights include the ease of booking and ticketing, as well as the enjoyable time spent in Edinburgh.

Common advice from reviewers suggests arriving early, using mobile tickets, and allowing free time after the castle visit.

While a few minor issues were noted, the majority of customers seem to have had a smooth and memorable day trip from London to the Scottish capital.

What to Expect

Travelers can expect a well-organized day trip from London to Edinburgh, with a seamless rail journey and engaging activities upon arrival. The first-class option offers comfortable seating and complimentary refreshments.

Once in Edinburgh, an open-top bus tour provides hop-on, hop-off access to the city’s major sights, including:

• The iconic Royal Mile

• Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal Skye Terrier

• The Palace of Holyroodhouse

• Edinburgh Castle, the highlight of the day, where visitors can explore the Scottish Crown Jewels and take in panoramic views of the city skyline.

After the castle visit, travelers will have free time for shopping and further exploration before the return journey to London.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Luggage Storage Facility Available in Edinburgh?

There is no luggage storage facility mentioned in the information provided. Travelers should plan to carry their luggage with them during the day trip. Some hotels may offer storage, but it’s not included in the tour details.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Train?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the train. However, first-class tickets include complimentary refreshments served at your seat. It’s best to check with the rail company about any restrictions on outside food and drinks.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is offered in English only. There are no multilingual options available. Customers should be prepared to participate in the activities and interactions in English during the day trip.

Can I Book a Private Tour of Edinburgh Castle?

While the day trip from London does not offer a private tour of Edinburgh Castle, visitors can book private castle tours separately. These private tours allow for more personalized experiences and flexibility during the castle visit.

Is There an Option to Extend My Stay in Edinburgh?

The tour doesn’t include an option to extend your stay in Edinburgh. However, you can easily book additional accommodation and activities separately to extend your time in the city. This would allow you to explore Edinburgh at your own pace.

The Sum Up

This day trip from London to Edinburgh by rail offers a convenient and affordable way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks. With castle entry, an open-top bus tour, and free time for shopping, travelers can make the most of their visit. The early departure and afternoon return ensure a full day of sightseeing, making it an ideal choice for those short on time.

You can check availability for your dates here: