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United Kingdom itineraries
A first trip through the United Kingdom pairs two very different capitals: London, wide and layered, and Edinburgh, small and steep. One is a city of long Tube rides between big sights, the other can mostly be walked, although the hills make it slower than the map suggests.
- 2 cities
- 5 and 7 days
Data checked on October 7, 2026
Choose the length of the trip
London comes first because it has the biggest airports and the most flights, and Edinburgh closes the trip with a single train north. Fly into London and out of Edinburgh and you never retrace your steps.
Trains between the cities
LNER runs the direct trains between King's Cross and Waverley, and Lumo also serves the route. Advance tickets are tied to one train, so buying early gives the widest choice of times, while flexible tickets let you take any train that day. On a busy day it is worth adding a seat reservation.
| From | To | Fastest direct train | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| LondonLondon King's Cross | EdinburghEdinburgh Waverley | 4 h 08 | LNER |
When to go
May, June and September give mild weather, long light and shorter queues in both cities. August is the busiest month, mainly because of the Edinburgh festivals.
Before you go
- Book timed tickets for the Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle before you leave home.
- Check the departure board at King's Cross early, because the platform is usually shown only shortly before the train leaves.
- Carry a rain layer in every season, because the weather changes quickly in both cities.
- Travel with the luggage you can carry up stairs: Edinburgh's closes and many Tube stations have no lift.
Common questions
Is it better to fly or take the train from London to Edinburgh?
The train runs from centre to centre, with no airport transfers or security queues. Flying only saves time if you start or end the trip near an airport anyway.
Do I need a separate ticket for each city?
Most sights are ticketed per site, so you buy what you want in each city. For the train, one ticket covers the whole journey from London to Edinburgh.
Does this route cover the whole United Kingdom?
It covers England and Scotland, which is enough for a first visit. Wales and Northern Ireland are separate trips with their own transport.