Day trip by train including visit to Edinburgh Castle and open top bus tour
Edinburgh is around 4 hours and 20 minutes by fast train from London. With a very early start and a late return you’ll have 6 hours to explore this beautiful city. This tour is independent; not a guided tour. On purchasing you show your e-tickets to the staff at King’s Cross Station at the required time.
Arriving at Waverley Station, right in the heart of the city, gives you the perfect chance to explore and shop to your heart’s content. You’ll find all the key attractions and shopping spots just a short stroll away, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
The trip includes tickets to Edinburgh Castle and a ride on the popular Edinburgh open top hop-on bus to appreciate the wonderful capital from a fantastic perspective.
Day trip to Edinburgh from London highlights
- Return train tickets with reserved seats
- Entry to Edinburgh Castle
- Open top bus tour
- First class (optional extra) includes refreshments served at your seat
- Hotel Transfer to London King’s Cross (if purchased)
Day trip to Edinburgh from London details
Tour runs daily April – September, then Monday – Friday in the winter months.
Outbound
6.45am – check in at Kings Cross Railway Station for a 7am – departure
11.22am – arrive at Waverley Station, Edinburgh
Returning
5.15pm for a 5.30pm departure
10.09pm – arrival back at London Kings Cross Railway Station
Departure from Kings Cross Station
Meet your friendly representative at King’s Cross Station at 6.30am. Bring your train e-tickets for your outbound and inbound rail journeys. Your train will depart at 7am and arrive in to Edinburgh at 11.22am.
You will need to print your Open Top Bus Tour and Edinburgh Castle tickets.
Open top bus tour in Edinburgh
A hop on hop off open top bus tour will take you round all the main sights in Scotland’s capital.
From your vantage point you will see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Edinburgh Castle, where you will be visiting later in your day.
You’ll cruise down Royal Mile, one of the busiest streets in Edinburgh’s historic old town, and past the famed Greyfriars Bobby monument.
Edinburgh Castle and return to London
Following your open top bus tour you head to Edinburgh Castle, where your ticket has already been paid. A thousand years of history await you.
From its Portcullis Gate through to the Argyle Battery, with six guns and spectacular views over the Fife, and the Great Hall where prisoners in the 18th and 19th century were held, Edinburgh Castle is a fascinating glimpse into the past.
From its commanding position on top of Castle Rock, there is much to see at Edinburgh Castle including the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the Royal Palace and Great Hall.
The views from the Western Battlements are spectacular, where on a clear day you can even view distant Highland peaks, which look particularly captivating when capped with snow.
Bid goodbye to Scotland. Check in time from Edinburgh Waverley Station is 5pm, your train departs at 5.30pm, arriving back in London at 10.09pm.
Prices & tour reservations
Occasionally, during special events, there might be minor adjustments to the tour, schedule, or pricing, so be sure to check the booking page linked below. Additional dates are frequently added during long holiday weekends, especially around Easter and New Year.
Major credit and debit cards are welcome. After you make your reservation, you’ll receive a confirmation email that includes your booking reference.
To book you will need your booking reference and in addition the first and last names of all passengers when ordering. There are no paper tickets.
On the tour detail page linked below, you’ll find a date drop-down menu located at the top right corner. This menu shows the available dates for booking. Simply choose your desired date to begin the reservation process.