- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum covering science, world cultures, design, fashion, and Scottish history in one major city-centre complex.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh
Showing times and prices for Jul 11
Cheapest price
$33
Average price
$50
Fastest journey
9 h 10 m
Average duration
11 h 48 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
400 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh will cost around $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Birmingham International Airport for Edinburgh on Sat, Jul 11, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 11 the direct buses cover the 400 km distance in an average of 11 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 10 m .
On Sat, Jul 11 the slowest buses will take 13 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
NX18010:55 PM9h10Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport)8:05 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$331One-way0 transfers- NX777 · NX1834:40 AM12h35Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport)5:15 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station$471One-way1 transfer
- NX777 · NX150 · NX1836:30 AM13h40Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport)8:10 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station$711One-way2 transfers
- NX18010:55 PM9h10Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport)8:05 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$331One-way0 transfers
- NX777 · NX1834:40 AM12h35Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport)5:15 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station$471One-way1 transfer
- NX777 · NX150 · NX1836:30 AM13h40Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport)8:10 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station$711One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $36, and a train costs an average of $53.
Distance: 248 miles (400 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$48 Average price Cheapest | $119 Average price | $92 Average price | $166 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 40m Average total duration 9h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh is a bus with an average price of $48 (€40).
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh:
A bus is $44 (€36) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh costing on average $92 (€75).
A bus is $71 (€58) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh costing on average $119 (€98).
The fastest way to travel from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 6m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 0m.
Bus takes on average 9h 10m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Birmingham International Airport and Edinburgh including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $48 (€40) compared to roughly $166 (€136) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $118 (€97). The journey takes 9h 10m versus 5h 35m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by National Express.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 14h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Live departures
Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh bus times
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh buses for today, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:55 PM Birmingham International Airport | 9h10 | 7:05 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:55 PM Birmingham International Airport | 9h10 | 8:05 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, July 11 | |||||
| NX777 · NX183 | 4:40 AM Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) | 12h35 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX777 · NX150 · NX183 | 6:30 AM Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) | 13h40 | 8:10 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh buses with Omio?
National Express as well as NX West Midlands offer buses services from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of NX West Midlands to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh run on average 3 times per day, taking around 9h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:40, the last at 22:55. The fastest bus covers the 248 miles (400 km) distance in 9h 10m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 248 miles (400 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€29) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 10m |
First bus 4:40 AM |
Last bus 10:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: National Express, NX West Midlands from Birmingham International Airport to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh with National Express, NX West Midlands for as low as $36 (€29). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 10m
Cheapest Price
$36 (€29)
National Express frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
NX West Midlands
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 11m
Cheapest Price
$65 (€53)
NX West Midlands frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
Scottish National Gallery
The principal national art gallery in central Edinburgh, known for Scottish and European masterpieces and an easy-to-visit Princes Street Gardens setting.
- Recommended
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
A striking neo-Gothic gallery dedicated to portraits of figures from Scottish history, with strong permanent displays and temporary exhibitions.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street, linking the castle and Holyrood, lined with closes, monuments, museums, and major visitor sights.
- Must visit
Calton Hill
One of Edinburgh’s essential viewpoints, known for sunrise and sunset city panoramas and its concentration of monuments.
- Must visit
Victoria Street
A curving, colorful Old Town street that is heavily photographed and widely associated with Edinburgh’s most social-media-friendly streetscape.
Haggis
Scotland’s national dish made from minced offal, oats, suet, and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. It is closely associated with Edinburgh and Burns Night suppers.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, often finished with milk or cream. It is a classic warming dish found in many Edinburgh pubs and restaurants.
Scotch Pie
A small double-crust meat pie, usually filled with seasoned minced lamb or mutton. It is a traditional Scottish snack commonly found in bakeries and football kiosks.
Howies Restaurant
A long-established local favourite serving modern Scottish dishes with local produce in a relaxed setting. Popular for haggis, seafood, and dependable service.
The Scran & Scallie
A well-known gastropub by Tom Kitchin offering refined Scottish pub food in a warm neighbourhood atmosphere. Good for elevated classics and seasonal ingredients.
Mussel Inn Seafood Restaurant
A reliable city-centre seafood restaurant known for Scottish mussels, oysters, and fish dishes. Casual and lively, it is a strong choice for local coastal flavours.
Pound Sterling
Edinburgh is pricey by UK standards, especially in August. Dining and hotels cost more than in many other British cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- GBP 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for pubs or takeaway, but small change is appreciated.
Transport for Edinburgh
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 5.00
To the city center
Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh -> Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Tap on and tap off with contactless card or device on Lothian buses and trams for automatic daily fare capping.
- Buy day tickets before boarding or use the official app; cash is accepted on buses, but drivers do not give change.
FAQs: Bus from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh can start from as little as $36 (€29) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh is $48 (€40) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh is 9h 10m to travel the 248 miles (400 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh leaves at 4:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh leaves at 10:55 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh, you can count on National Express, NX West Midlands for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Birmingham International Airport and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Edinburgh from Birmingham International Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Birmingham International Airport and Edinburgh including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Edinburgh are:
- Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and housing the Crown Jewels
- Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano providing hiking trails and a vantage point over Edinburgh
- The Royal Mile, a historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, lined with shops and landmarks
- Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, featuring beautiful gardens and historic architecture
- The National Museum of Scotland, a museum showcasing Scottish history, culture, and natural history through diverse exhibits.
The best things to do in Edinburgh include:
- Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket, a historic marketplace with pubs, shops, and street performances
- Enjoy a ghost tour through the haunted streets and underground vaults of Edinburgh
- Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, known for its diverse range of shows
- Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, offering beautiful landscapes and plant collections
- Discover the hidden gems and local art at the Stockbridge Market.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh depends on the bus companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Birmingham International Airport nor Edinburgh are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Edinburgh, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Royal Mile and public transport. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers who don’t use the meter. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers near popular attractions to prevent fraud.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular bus connections from Birmingham International Airport
More options for your journey from Birmingham International Airport to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Edinburgh and Birmingham International Airport
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