Train, coach or plane: London to Edinburgh

London to Edinburgh is one of the UK’s busiest long-distance routes, and every option has a case for it.

City centre to city centre in around four and a half hours on the fastest services. Advance fares booked early are the cheapest way to take the train; walk-up fares cost far more.

The flight itself is about an hour and a quarter, but airport travel and security at both ends mean the total time is often close to the train. Fares can be low midweek; add bags and transfers before you compare.

The slowest option, at around nine to ten hours, but usually the cheapest. Overnight coaches save a night’s accommodation.

It depends on the day and how far ahead you book. Set an alert for each and book whichever reaches your price first.