- 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
kr48
Average price
kr53
Fastest journey
1 h 11 m
Average duration
1 h 14 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
64 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from East Kilbride to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from East Kilbride to Edinburgh will cost around kr53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr48.
Of the 3 buses that leave East Kilbride for Edinburgh on Sat, Aug 15, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 15 the direct buses cover the 64 km distance in an average of 1 h 14 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 11 m .
On Sat, Aug 15 the slowest buses will take 1 h 19 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.






Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from East Kilbride to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from kr40. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of kr40, and a train costs an average of kr173.
Distance: 39 miles (64 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr46 Average price Cheapest | kr203 Average price | kr391 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 14m Average total duration 1h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 East Kilbride to Edinburgh:
A bus is kr156 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from East Kilbride to Edinburgh costing on average kr203.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 44m.
Tickets start at around kr46 compared to roughly kr391 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr345. The journey takes 1h 21m versus 1h 6m 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 Megabus, FlixBus.
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 06:20AM | Arrival Time 07:53AM | Duration 1h33 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price kr42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price kr40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 08:03AM | Duration 1h13 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price kr42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 09:54AM | Duration 1h19 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price kr46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price kr74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 10:54AM | Duration 1h19 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price kr41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price kr59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 02:48PM | Duration 1h13 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price kr48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price kr55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 09:16PM | Duration 1h11 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price kr44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 10:16PM | Duration 1h11 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price kr44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 12:28AM | Duration 1h18 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price kr51 |
The table below shows live departures for East Kilbride to Edinburgh buses for today, Friday, August 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX591 | 9:15 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 1h10 | 10:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX183 | 10:30 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 1h10 | 11:40 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX180 | 7:55 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 1h05 | 9:00 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 East Kilbride to Edinburgh run on average 103 times per day, taking around 1h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at kr40 if you book in advance.
There are 83 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:50, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 39 miles (64 km) distance in 1h 2m.
Distance 39 miles (64 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price kr40 |
Buses per day 103 |
Direct buses 83 |
Fastest bus 1h 2m |
First bus 5:50 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 3 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 East Kilbride 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 East Kilbride to Edinburgh buses use the Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. Use this guide to compare East Kilbride and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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