London to Edinburgh: Plane vs. Train Race

London to Edinburgh: Which is Faster, Plane or Train?

Navigating the journey between England and Scotland, specifically between the bustling metropolises of London and Edinburgh, offers travellers a variety of convenient options. Whether you prefer the speed of air travel, the scenic route by train, or the budget-friendly bus, getting from one capital to the other has never been simpler. However, one determined traveller set out to discover which mode of transport truly reigns supreme in terms of speed, pitting the train and the plane against each other in a real-world test.

Scott Manson, a content creator known for his YouTube channel “Planes, Trains, Everything,” embarked on a mission to settle the debate. He documented his experience travelling between London and Edinburgh by both train and plane, sharing his findings in a compelling video.

The Challenge: From Edinburgh’s Heart to London’s Core

Scott’s experiment was meticulously designed to measure the total time taken from one specific point to another. He aimed to travel from Black Sheep Coffee on Princes Street in Edinburgh to its counterpart in High Holborn, just a stone’s throw from Oxford Street in London. This route effectively measured the journey from the retail heart of Edinburgh to the retail heart of London, accounting for all transfers and transit times.

His video caption highlighted the premise: “With the help of a stopwatch I travel between the two capitals – one way by LNER and the other by British Airways. On paper each will take five hours, but in reality?”

The Train Journey: Scenic and Surprisingly Swift

Scott commenced his adventure by opting for the LNER train from Edinburgh Waverley. He allocated a reasonable 10 minutes to walk from the coffee shop to the station, setting the stopwatch in motion.

The LNER service proved to be a relatively fast option, boasting a journey time of just four hours and 17 minutes. A key factor contributing to its efficiency was its limited stops, with only Newcastle and York on the itinerary.

Scott noted that this streamlined service provided the train with a distinct advantage, contrasting it with other services that might make up to a dozen stops on the same route.

Throughout the train ride, he captured breathtaking vistas of the ever-changing landscape, from the rugged Scottish terrain to the picturesque English countryside. Despite a minor delay at Peterborough, the journey continued smoothly.

Scott eventually pulled into London King’s Cross Station a total of four hours and 34 minutes after departing Edinburgh. From there, he navigated the London Underground, boarding the Piccadilly line westbound towards Holborn.

Upon reaching Holborn station and exiting, Scott located the Black Sheep Coffee shop. His stopwatch revealed the total time for the train journey: a remarkable four hours and 53 minutes. After a brief respite for a coffee, Scott prepared for the return leg, this time by air.

The Plane Journey: A Race Against the Clock

The return journey presented Scott with a different set of challenges, particularly concerning his navigation of London’s transport network. “This is actually the part I’m most worried about,” he confessed. “I have to catch the Underground to Bank, and then connect onto the DLR. Every time I use that system, I get lost… this is where it could all go pear-shaped.”

Despite his trepidation, Scott successfully navigated his way to London City Airport, catching his flight to Edinburgh.

Upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport, he opted for the tram service to whisk him back into the city centre, ultimately returning him to the starting point – the Black Sheep Coffee shop.

The Verdict: Speed, Cost, and Environmental Impact

The final tally revealed that the plane journey clocked in at four hours and 49 minutes. This means the plane was marginally faster than the train, by a mere four minutes.

However, the comparison extended beyond just speed. Scott also delved into the environmental and financial aspects of each mode of transport.

• Carbon Emissions:

  • Train: 12.5 kilograms of CO2.
  • Plane: 165 kilograms of CO2.
    This stark difference clearly positions the train as the significantly greener option.

• Cost:

  • Train: £60.
  • Plane: £95.
    The train proved to be the more economical choice.

• Stress Factor:
  Scott also highlighted that the train journey was considerably less stressful than the experience of navigating airports, including check-in procedures and security.

Conclusion: Is the Four-Minute Difference Worth It?

While the plane emerged as the slightly faster option by a slim margin of four minutes, the overall analysis suggests that the train may offer a more compelling travel experience. The substantial savings in carbon emissions, the lower cost, and the reduced stress associated with train travel make it a strong contender. For many travellers, the convenience and environmental benefits of the train could well outweigh the minor time saving offered by flying, making it the preferred choice for journeys between these two iconic British capitals.