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To get to the National Museum of Scotland by train, travellers need to get a service to Edinburgh Waverley which is a 10-minute walk away from the attraction.
Trains to Edinburgh Waverley are available from many Midlands stations including Birmingham New Street and Coventry. They’re also available from northern stations such as Crewe, Lancaster and Preston, and from London.
The service from London to Edinburgh Waverley takes approximately five hours and 35 minutes.
If you’re wondering how to get to Edinburgh by alternative public transport, coaches are available from major UK cities such as London, Sheffield, and Liverpool. From London, a coach will take around nine hours and terminate at the city’s bus station, a 15-minute walk from the National Museum of Scotland.
Flights are also available to Edinburgh Airport from Manchester, London, and Birmingham. Regular trams run from the airport to Princes Street, a 15-minute walk from the National Museum of Scotland.
What to do at the National Museum of Scotland
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the National Museum of Scotland is a must-visit for any history and culture fan. It’s also the best place to discover more about the country’s unique story.
With six levels of galleries to explore, visitors can easily spend a day discovering everything they need to know about Scottish history, from prehistoric times to modern life. There are galleries for art, natural world, science and technology, as well as world culture. This includes the stunning Grand Gallery, which means there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
There are also museum trails that will guide you through the various levels and highlight the collection’s hidden gems.
Regular exhibitions are held at the museum, so it’s worth checking the programme ahead of your visit. Naturally, it’s also worth booking tickets for any family-friendly, historical, and artistic events that take your fancy.
Take a highlights tour to get extra insight into Scotland’s history, enjoy special events as part of the city’s Science or Arts festivals, and have fun with the kids with specially-designed activities.
When it’s time for lunch or a quick refreshment, visitors have the choice of two locations within the museum. The Balcony Cafe overlooks the Grand Gallery and is a great pit stop for those who fancy a coffee and cake. Alternatively, the Museum Kitchen is on the ground floor and serves delicious meals made from sustainably-sourced Scottish produce.
Once you’ve had your fun-filled day, be sure to visit one of the three gift shops to pick up a Scottish-made souvenir or gift. You can then continue your sightseeing in the historical centre of Edinburgh, with the Royal Mile and Castle just a few minutes walk away.
About the National Museum of Scotland
Owned by the National Museums Scotland, the National Museum of Scotland is part of a group that includes the National Museum of Flight, Rural Life, and the War Museum.
Having received an £80 million grant in 2014, the Chambers Street Victorian building was transformed and restored into a gallery and exhibition space. When it fully opened in 2019, the National Museum of Scotland became one of the UK’s most unique collections of Scottish artefacts and archaeology.
It has since welcomed thousands of visitors keen to see its special treasures and enjoy its exciting exhibitions.
Ways to save on your train ticket to the National Museum of Scotland
To save money on your train ticket to the National Museum of Scotland, booking in advance, travelling off-peak where possible, and taking advantage of railcard discounts is key.
By planning your travel ahead of time, you can use Avanti’s Best Fare Finder to get the best deal on your tickets. You can also set up Advance Train Ticket Alerts to secure the lowest price ahead of time.
If you can be flexible with your journey time, you can travel off-peak. This involves travelling between 10:30 and 14:30 or after 20:00 on Monday to Thursday, or any time on Friday or at the weekend.
Those booking train tickets to Edinburgh as a family can also save with Family Tickets, child tickets for those aged under five, or a Family & Friends Railcard, which gives discounts of between a third and 60%.
