Got a week to discover Scotland by train? In partnership with VisitScotland and ScotRail, we've put together a complete tour of the land of thistles from Lyon, from Edinburgh to Glasgow, via the grandiose shores of Loch Lomond, Dunfermline and Stirling! On the program: immersion in Scottish culture, visits to legendary castles, strolls through breathtaking landscapes... Follow the guide 👇
(And to discover the same tour from other French cities, check out our guide to Scotland!)
High speed train
(≈ 2h00)
High speed train
(≈ 2h21)
High speed train
(≈ 4h20)
Regional train
(≈ 00h17)
Regional train
(≈ 00h17)
Regional train
(≈ 00h31)
Regional train
(≈ 00h32)
Regional train
(≈ 1h00)
Regional train
(≈ 00h28)
Regional train
(≈ 00h32)
Regional train
(≈ 00h58)
Regional train
(≈ 00h54)
Night train
(≈ 7h35)
High speed train
(≈ 2h18)
High speed train
(≈ 1h56)
You probably already know this, but as of today, Eurostar is the only train company connecting France and Belgium to the United Kingdom via the Channel Tunnel.
As for fares, I recommend booking at least a month and a half in advance if you want to find a round-trip ticket for under €100.
Another important point: since the United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen area, passport and security checks can take quite a bit of time. It’s recommended to arrive at least an hour before departure.
A word of warning: London-Edinburgh trains don't depart from St. Pancras, but from Kings Cross, but don't worry, the station is just across the road.
Three companies offer direct services between London and Edinburgh: LNER, Lumo and Avanti West Coast.
The journey takes between 4 hours 20 minutes and just over 6 hours, depending on which you choose.
And if you prefer night trains, you can take a Caledonian Sleeper (mentioned in the second itinerary option).