Crawley
Crawley
Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Train Flight

Crawley to Edinburgh

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Crawley to Edinburgh involves heading north via London. The most popular method is taking the train from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria, transferring to London King's Cross, and boarding the LNER service up the East Coast Main Line. Alternatively, direct flights from Gatwick Airport provide a rapid connection to Edinburgh Airport. The journey covers roughly 650 km.

Total Distance: 650 km driving, 560 km air distance.
Fastest Way
Flight, with a total transit time of approximately 3 hours including security.
Cheapest Way
Flight via EasyJet, often cheaper than rail if booked well in advance.
Compare Crawley to Edinburgh Routes
Train
Connecting
Flight
Direct
Duration 5 hours 15 mins 1 hour 15 mins
Avg Price 90 - 220 GBP 50 - 140 GBP
Operator LNER EasyJet
Route Gatwick Airport to London Victoria, transfer to London King's Cross, then LNER to Edinburgh Waverley. Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Edinburgh Airport (EDI).
Tip Book seats on the right-hand side of the train for coastal views north of Newcastle. The tram from Edinburgh Airport to the city center takes 30 minutes.
Travel Tips
  • Tram Access
    Use the Edinburgh Trams for a seamless connection from the airport to Princes Street.
  • Walking
    Edinburgh is a very walkable city, but be prepared for steep hills and cobblestones.
  • Booking
    Use the LNER website directly to avoid booking fees found on third-party sites.
  • Weather
    Always carry a waterproof jacket, as Edinburgh weather is notoriously changeable.
  • Dining
    Book dinner reservations in advance if visiting during the August festival season.
Safety Tips
  • Night Safety
    Stick to well-lit main streets like Princes Street when walking at night.
  • Pickpockets
    Be vigilant in crowded tourist areas like the Royal Mile during peak season.
  • Emergency
    The city is generally safe, but keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone.
  • Transport
    Use official Lothian Buses for reliable and safe public transport within the city.
People Also Ask
  • How do I get from London Victoria to King's Cross?
    Take the Victoria Line on the London Underground; it takes about 15 minutes.
  • Is Edinburgh expensive?
    It can be, especially during the festival season, but there are many free museums and parks.
  • Can I take a bus from Crawley to Edinburgh?
    Yes, National Express operates coaches, but the journey can take over 12 hours.
  • What is the best train station for Edinburgh city center?
    Edinburgh Waverley is the primary station located right in the city center.
  • Do I need to book train seats in advance?
    It is highly recommended to reserve a seat on long-distance LNER trains to ensure comfort.
Quick Info
  • From Crawley, West Sussex, United Kingdom
  • To Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

August for the Fringe Festival, or May for pleasant spring weather.

Things to Do in Edinburgh
1
Edinburgh Castle
A historic fortress dominating the skyline from its position on Castle Rock. It houses the Honours of Scotland.
2
Royal Mile
The historic heart of the Old Town, stretching from the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
3
Arthur's Seat
An ancient volcano offering panoramic views of the city and the Firth of Forth.
4
National Museum of Scotland
A diverse collection covering everything from Scottish history to science and technology.
Tags
Crawley to Edinburgh train Gatwick to Edinburgh flight LNER train London to Edinburgh travel to Edinburgh from Sussex cheapest way to Edinburgh East Coast Main Line Edinburgh travel guide UK transport tips