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The Railway Touring Company · Steam train day trip

The Edinburgh Flyer

York to Edinburgh day trip on steam locomotive No. 34067 Tangmere

Illustration of The Edinburgh Flyer

The Railway Touring Company's Edinburgh Flyer is a one-day steam excursion from York to Scotland's capital, running from York through Durham, Newcastle, and the Tyne Valley line to Carlisle, where heritage steam locomotive No. 34067 Tangmere takes over for the scenic run northward via Lockerbie and Beattock Summit, arriving in Edinburgh around 13:00. The train runs diesel-hauled for the morning and evening legs, then switches to steam for the climax through southern Scotland, giving passengers a full-day rail experience without requiring an overnight stay. Three hours are available to walk and explore Edinburgh near Princes Street Gardens while the locomotive is prepared for the return. Three fare classes cater to different preferences: Standard Class provides a reserved seat at a table; First Class adds morning refreshments and afternoon tea with scones; Premier Dining includes a full breakfast and four-course dinner prepared on board. This trip suits repeat rail travellers keen to ride behind a heritage locomotive, couples seeking a day excursion, and those interested in railway history and Scottish landscape. A single May 2026 departure is currently listed.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure is listed in the pack, in May 2026; availability and future dates should be confirmed directly with The Railway Touring Company.
  • This is a same-day return excursion; there is no overnight stay in Edinburgh, so the three-hour stop is the only time to explore the city.
  • The journey comprises diesel traction from York to Carlisle and back; steam haulage covers only the Carlisle to Edinburgh leg.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    The Edinburgh Flyer

    Diesel hauled from York down the East Coast Main Line to Northallerton, then Durham and Newcastle to pick up passengers, then west along the Tyne Valley line via Hexham to Carlisle. Steam locomotive No. 34067 Tangmere joins at Carlisle for the run north via Lockerbie and the climb to Beattock Summit, arriving into Edinburgh behind steam at approximately 13:00. Around three hours free to explore the city's attractions near Princes Street Gardens, including the Palace of Holyrood, the Castle on the Royal Mile, galleries and museums, while the locomotive is serviced. Steam hauled return to Carlisle via the same scenic route; diesel hauled from Carlisle back via Newcastle and Durham into York.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Steam locomotive No. 34067 Tangmere takes over at Carlisle and hauls the train northward over Beattock Summit into Edinburgh.
  • Day 1Three hours of free time in Edinburgh near Princes Street Gardens while the locomotive is serviced.

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the fare?
Yes. Fares start at GBP 120 in Standard Class and cover the entire journey from York to Edinburgh and return.
Which locomotive hauls the train?
Steam locomotive No. 34067 Tangmere operates the scenic section from Carlisle northward through southern Scotland to Edinburgh. Diesel traction is used for the outbound and return legs from York to Carlisle.
What is included in each fare class?
Standard Class (GBP 120) includes a reserved seat at a table for four. First Class (GBP 229) adds morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and afternoon tea with scones. Premier Dining (GBP 335) includes a full English breakfast and four-course dinner, freshly prepared on board and silver served.
Can I board at a station other than York?
Yes. The Railway Touring Company picks up passengers at Durham, Newcastle, and Carlisle in addition to the York departure.
How long do I have to explore Edinburgh?
Around three hours. The train arrives in Edinburgh at approximately 13:00, and passengers may explore the city and attractions near Princes Street Gardens while the locomotive is serviced before the return journey.

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