- 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 on Sep 23
$31
Average ticket price on Sep 23
$40
Fastest journey on Sep 23
9 h
Average journey duration on Sep 23
11 h 8 m
Buses on Sep 23
4
Distance
368 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from East Midlands 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 East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
It's difficult to get from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from East Midlands Airport 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 train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 48m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $80, while a train costs an average of $164.
Distance: 228 miles (368 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$80 Average price Cheapest | $164 Average price | $140 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 50m Average total duration 10h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 48m Average total duration Fastest 4h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh:
A bus is $84 (€69) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh costing on average $164 (€135).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 20m.
Tickets start at around $80 (€66) compared to roughly $140 (€115) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $60 (€49). The journey takes 10h 20m versus 5h 17m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 15h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 14h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:05PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 12h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $43 |
The table below shows live departures for East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:10 AM Derby, Bus Station | 11h25 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:50 AM Derby, Bus Station | 9h00 | 8:50 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:45 PM Derby, Bus Station | 12h40 | 6:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:50 PM Derby, Bus Station | 11h25 | 7:15 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Midlands Airport to Edinburgh run on average 5 times per day, taking around 10h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $41 (€33) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:10, the last at 19:05. The fastest bus covers the 228 miles (368 km) distance in 6h 45m.
Distance 228 miles (368 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€33) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 6h 45m |
First bus 5:10 AM |
Last bus 7:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 Midlands 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.

Most East Midlands Airport to Edinburgh buses use the Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. Use this guide to compare East Midlands Airport 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