Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Edinburgh to Fort William
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Fort William among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a train costs an average of $52.
Distance: 94 miles (152 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$80 Average price Cheapest | $89 Average price | $91 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 9m Average total duration 4h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Fort William:
A bus is $9 (€8) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Fort William costing on average $89 (€73).
Other travel options to Fort William take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 39m.
Tickets start at around $80 (€65) compared to roughly $91 (€74) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $11 (€9). The journey takes 3h 50m versus 3h 14m 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 Ember, Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd.
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.
Edinburgh to Fort William Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Ember | Departure Time 04:21AM | Arrival Time 07:49AM | Duration 3h28 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd | Departure Time 08:47AM | Arrival Time 01:06PM | Duration 4h19 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 10:04AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 4h01 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd | Departure Time 10:07AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 3h58 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 10:13AM | Arrival Time 02:18PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd | Departure Time 10:22AM | Arrival Time 02:18PM | Duration 3h56 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 02:12PM | Arrival Time 06:18PM | Duration 4h06 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 06:16PM | Duration 4h01 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd | Departure Time 02:22PM | Arrival Time 06:16PM | Duration 3h54 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 08:13PM | Arrival Time 11:39PM | Duration 3h26 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd | Departure Time 08:21PM | Arrival Time 11:39PM | Duration 3h18 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 11:53PM | Duration 3h28 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Lothian Country Buses | Departure Time 08:28PM | Arrival Time 11:53PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $87 |
Live departures
Edinburgh to Fort William bus times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Fort William buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:21 AM Edinburgh | 3h28 | 7:49 AM Fort William | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 AM Edinburgh | 3h35 | 10:35 AM Fort William | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:47 AM Edinburgh | 4h19 | 1:06 PM Fort William | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:13 AM Edinburgh | 4h05 | 2:18 PM Fort William | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:22 AM Edinburgh | 3h56 | 2:18 PM Fort William | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:12 PM Edinburgh | 4h06 | 6:18 PM Fort William | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:22 PM Edinburgh | 3h56 | 6:18 PM Fort William | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Fort William by train or bus
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Fort William
Buses from Edinburgh to Fort William run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:10, the last at 18:10. The fastest bus covers the 94 miles (152 km) distance in 3h 18m.
Distance 94 miles (152 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 18m |
First bus 6:10 AM |
Last bus 6:10 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 5 days |
Bus providers: Lothian Country Buses, Ember, Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd from Edinburgh to Fort WilliamYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Fort William with Lothian Country Buses, Ember, Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd for as low as $29 (€24). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Lothian Country Buses
Ember
Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd
FAQs: Bus from Edinburgh to Fort William
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Fort William 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 Fort William, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles offering challenging hikes and stunning views
- Glen Nevis, a picturesque valley known for its scenic trails and waterfalls
- West Highland Museum, showcasing the history and culture of the West Highlands
- Neptune's Staircase, a series of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal providing a fascinating engineering spectacle
- Old Inverlochy Castle, the ruins of a 13th-century fortress with historical significance.
- Jacobite Steam Train, a scenic train journey famously featured in the Harry Potter films
- Nevis Range Mountain Resort, a destination for skiing, mountain biking, and enjoying panoramic views
- Steall Waterfall, a dramatic waterfall accessible via a beautiful hike
- Fort William Mountain Festival, an annual event celebrating mountain culture and adventure
- Loch Linnhe, offering opportunities for boat trips and wildlife spotting.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Edinburgh to Fort William
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