- 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
$95
Average price
$102
Fastest journey
11 h
Average duration
12 h 40 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
456 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cheltenham to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cheltenham to Edinburgh will cost around $102 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $95.
It's difficult to get from Cheltenham to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
NX444 · NX594
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX444 · NX591
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX444 · NX594
NX444 · NX591
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $18, and a train costs an average of $36.
Distance: 283 miles (456 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$46 Average price | $140 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $133 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 25m Average total duration 10h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 49m Average total duration 5h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 15m 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Cheltenham to Edinburgh:
A flight is $4 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cheltenham to Edinburgh costing on average $46 (€46).
A flight is $98 (€98) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cheltenham to Edinburgh costing on average $140 (€140).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 19m.
Bus takes on average 10h 55m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:20AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:05AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 15h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 16h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 16h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 16h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 13h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 12h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Edinburgh buses for tomorrow, Saturday, July 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX444 · NX591 | 5:20 AM Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station | 13h15 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
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 Cheltenham to Edinburgh run on average 5 times per day, taking around 10h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $27 (€27) but you can travel from only $18 (€18) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 02:05, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 283 miles (456 km) distance in 10h 15m.
Distance 283 miles (456 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€27) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 10h 15m |
First bus 2:05 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 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 Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Edinburgh buses use the Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Royal Well (in the station), The Coffee House (0.2 km), The Brewery Quarter (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station.
Available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need