Edinburgh Waverley is the capital’s main railway station and the principal gateway for visitors arriving by train. Set dramatically in the valley between the Old and New Towns, directly beneath Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street, it is one of the largest and most historic stations in the United Kingdom — and uniquely, the only major station in the world named after a novel.
A station named after a novel
Waverley takes its name from Sir Walter Scott’s hugely popular Waverley novels; the towering Scott Monument stands on Princes Street just above the station. Its sunken position in the old loch valley means you emerge from the platforms into the very heart of the city, with the castle rising on one side and the New Town on the other.
Where the trains go
Waverley is a major hub with frequent services across Scotland and beyond, including:
- Glasgow — fast trains roughly every 15 minutes.
- London and the English cities — around 4.5 hours to London, plus the overnight Caledonian Sleeper.
- The Highlands, Fife, the Borders and the north-east — including scenic routes to Inverness and Aberdeen.
Getting around from Waverley
The station could not be more central: the Royal Mile, Princes Street and the main sights of Edinburgh are all within a short walk. The Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses stop nearby (with the tram running to the airport), and there is a taxi rank on site. It is the natural starting point for exploring the city or heading off on one of our Scotland itineraries by rail.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Edinburgh Waverley station?
In the heart of Edinburgh, in the valley between the Old and New Towns, directly below Princes Street and the castle.
Why is it called Waverley?
It is named after Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley novels — the only major railway station in the world named after a work of fiction.
What trains run from Waverley?
Frequent services to Glasgow, London (including the Caledonian Sleeper), the Highlands, Fife, Aberdeen and the Borders, among others.
How do you get from Waverley to the city centre?
You are already there — the Royal Mile and Princes Street are a few minutes’ walk, with trams and buses right outside.
