- 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.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Cambridge to Edinburgh
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 15
Cheapest price on Sep 15
$66
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$76
Fastest journey on Sep 15
13 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
14 h 23 m
Buses on Sep 15
2
Distance
470 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cambridge to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge to Edinburgh will cost around $76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Cambridge to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus5:05 PM13h20Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)6:25 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$661One-way1 transfer
NX777 · NX1831:50 AM15h25Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)5:15 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station$861One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus5:05 PM13h20Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)6:25 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$661One-way1 transfer
- NX777 · NX1831:50 AM15h25Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)5:15 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station$861One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cambridge to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $80 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 1m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $80, while a flight costs an average of $290.
Distance: 292 miles (470 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$80 Average price Cheapest | $150 Average price | $290 Average price | $164 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 57m Average total duration 12h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 6m Average total duration 4h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 1m Average total duration Fastest 2h 1m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Cambridge to Edinburgh is a bus with an average price of $80 (€65).
This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge to Edinburgh:
A bus is $70 (€57) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge to Edinburgh costing on average $150 (€123).
A bus is $210 (€171) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cambridge to Edinburgh costing on average $290 (€236).
The fastest way to travel from Cambridge to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 1m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 36m.
Bus takes on average 12h 27m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cambridge and Edinburgh including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cambridge 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 $80 (€65) compared to roughly $164 (€133) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $84 (€68). The journey takes 12h 27m versus 6h 29m 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.
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.
Cambridge to Edinburgh Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 15h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Lumo | Departure Time 08:23AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 8h42 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 19h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $66 |
Live departures
Cambridge to Edinburgh bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Edinburgh buses for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:05 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 13h20 | 6:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, September 15 | |||||
| NX777 · NX183 | 1:50 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 15h25 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cambridge 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.
Tue
Sep 15
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26
Sep 26
Sun
Sep 27
Sep 27
Mon
Sep 28
Sep 28
Tue
Sep 29
Sep 29
Wed
Sep 30
Sep 30
Thu
Oct 01
Oct 01
Fri
Oct 02
Oct 02
Sat
Oct 03
Oct 03
Sun
Oct 04
Oct 04
Mon
Oct 05
Oct 05
Why should you book Cambridge to Edinburgh buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as National Express offer buses services from Cambridge to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cambridge to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Edinburgh.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cambridge to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cambridge to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cambridge to Edinburgh run on average 2 times per day, taking around 12h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 01:50, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 292 miles (470 km) distance in 10h 50m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $26 (€21)
Distance 292 miles (470 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 10h 50m |
First bus 1:50 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $26 (€21)
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Cambridge to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Cambridge to Edinburgh with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $26 (€21). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
10h 50m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$38 (€31)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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 National Express Duration
11h 50m
Cheapest National Express Price
$52 (€42)
National Express frequency
1 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.
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
National Gallery of Scotland
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.
- Recommended
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Historic spine of the Old Town linking the castle and palace, lined with closes, landmarks, performers, shops, and layered city history.
- Must visit
Princes Street
Elegant shopping boulevard in the New Town with castle views, gardens below, major monuments, and strong access to central attractions.
- Must visit
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park climbed for sweeping city views, sunrise walks, and one of Edinburgh's most memorable outdoor experiences.
Haggis
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.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Neeps And Tatties
Mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This classic Scottish side is a staple of traditional Edinburgh meals.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
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.
Number One
Refined Scottish fine dining in the Balmoral Hotel, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
The Cafe Royal
Historic oyster bar and restaurant serving Scottish seafood, shellfish and game in a lively, classic Victorian dining room.
The Scran And Scallie
Celebrated modern Scottish restaurant focused on local produce, creative small plates and a relaxed but high-quality neighbourhood feel.
British pound sterling (£)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for coffee.
Tipping culture
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.
FAQs: Bus from Cambridge to Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge 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 Cambridge to Edinburgh can start from as little as $38 (€31) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cambridge to Edinburgh is $80 (€65) ; 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 Cambridge to Edinburgh is 10h 50m to travel the 292 miles (470 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 Cambridge to Edinburgh leaves at 1:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cambridge to Edinburgh leaves at 11:40 PM.
There are 2 buses a day from Cambridge to Edinburgh which require at least one change with FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Cambridge to Edinburgh, you can count on FlixBus, National Express for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cambridge and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Edinburgh from Cambridge is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 10h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cambridge to Edinburgh is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cambridge and Edinburgh including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cambridge to Edinburgh for bus company FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cambridge to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
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 Cambridge 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, 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 Cambridge to Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cambridge to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cambridge to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cambridge to Edinburgh. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cambridge to Edinburgh with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cambridge to Edinburgh with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cambridge to Edinburgh with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express.
Since neither Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cambridge to Edinburgh
Most Cambridge to Edinburgh buses use the Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cambridge
Arrival bus stations in Edinburgh
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
City-centre transport
Getting to Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) from Cambridge city centre
BusTour · 31m · $2 · every ~6 min
Which Edinburgh station do buses from Cambridge arrive at?
Buses from Cambridge to Edinburgh arrive at Edinburgh, Bus Station. Edinburgh, Bus Station is from Edinburgh city centre.
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre
Bus10, 11 · 2m · $2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · $1 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · $5 · every ~38 min
Edinburgh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
More options for your journey from Cambridge to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Edinburgh and Cambridge
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
