- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Cheapest price
€40
Average price
€62
Fastest journey
8 h 29 m
Average duration
8 h 48 m
Buses per day
20
Distance
395 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Birmingham 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 to Edinburgh will cost around €62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €40.
Of the 20 buses that leave Birmingham for Edinburgh on Mon, Aug 10, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 10 the direct buses cover the 395 km distance in an average of 8 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 29 m .
On Mon, Aug 10 the slowest buses will take 9 h 5 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.
NX183
NX180
NX131 · NX172 · NX598
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX181 · NX591
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX131 · NX591Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €23, and a train costs an average of €32.
Distance: 245 miles (395 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€36 Average price Cheapest | €103 Average price | €98 Average price | €129 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 1m Average total duration 8h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration 3h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 41m Average total duration Fastest 2h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Edinburgh:
A bus is €62 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Birmingham to Edinburgh costing on average €98.
A bus is €67 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Edinburgh costing on average €103.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 54m.
Bus takes on average 8h 31m.
Tickets start at around €36 compared to roughly €129 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €93. The journey takes 8h 31m versus 5h 27m 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, Megabus.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 11:23PM | Duration 9h43 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €83 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €39 |
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Edinburgh buses for today, Sunday, August 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:15 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 9h30 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX180 | 10:30 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 9h35 | 8:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, August 10 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 8h50 | 8:55 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 8h57 | 9:02 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 8h41 | 8:46 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 8h29 | 8:34 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:00 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 10h35 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX183 | 7:30 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 9h45 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX131 · NX591 | 9:30 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 9h05 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:55 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 9h55 | 8:50 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 9h53 | 11:33 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 10h13 | 11:53 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 10h01 | 11:41 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:30 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 11h55 | 6:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:00 PM Birmingham | 11h25 | 6:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 PM Birmingham | 11h45 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 PM Birmingham | 12h15 | 8:15 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:05 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 11h40 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 transfer | |
NX131 · NX172 · NX598 | 8:30 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 11h10 | 7:40 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Birmingham to Edinburgh run on average 16 times per day, taking around 8h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €23 if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 245 miles (395 km) distance in 8h 10m.
Distance 245 miles (395 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price €23 |
Buses per day 16 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 8h 10m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.
Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.
Historic spine of the Old Town linking the castle and palace, lined with closes, landmarks, performers, shops, and layered city history.
Elegant shopping boulevard in the New Town with castle views, gardens below, major monuments, and strong access to central attractions.
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park climbed for sweeping city views, sunrise walks, and one of Edinburgh's most memorable outdoor experiences.
A rich savoury pudding of sheep offal, oats, suet, onion and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. Scotland’s national dish and central to Burns Suppers.
Mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This classic Scottish side is a staple of traditional Edinburgh meals.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions in milk or cream. Strongly linked to Scotland’s fishing heritage and widely loved in Edinburgh.
Refined Scottish fine dining in the Balmoral Hotel, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
Historic oyster bar and restaurant serving Scottish seafood, shellfish and game in a lively, classic Victorian dining room.
Celebrated modern Scottish restaurant focused on local produce, creative small plates and a relaxed but high-quality neighbourhood feel.
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels surge in festival season, dining is mid-to-high, and transit is reasonable but not especially cheap for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham 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.

Most Birmingham to Edinburgh buses use the Birmingham, Coach Station to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. ATMs are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Bus stops are wheelchair accessible.
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Birmingham has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple fast food and cafes inside
Free Wi-Fi available within the station. ATMs are multiple ATMs available inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham.
Available at Birmingham: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham: Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities.
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need