- Must visit
Royal Armouries Museum
The United Kingdom’s national museum of arms and armour, with major collections covering warfare, hunting and tournament culture. One of Leeds’ best-known indoor attractions.
Cheapest price
$37
Average price
$51
Fastest journey
4 h 40 m
Average duration
5 h 10 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
262 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Edinburgh to Leeds is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Leeds will cost around $51 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
Of the 7 buses that leave Edinburgh for Leeds on Fri, May 22, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 22 the direct buses cover the 262 km distance in an average of 5 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .
On Fri, May 22 the slowest buses will take 5 h 30 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.
NX180
FlixBus
NX591
NX183
NX183
FlixBus
NX183
NX180
NX183
NX591Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Leeds among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 39m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a train costs an average of $33.
Distance: 162 miles (262 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$37 Average price Cheapest | $78 Average price | $115 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 59m Average total duration 4h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration Fastest 3h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Edinburgh to Leeds:
A bus is $41 (€33) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Leeds costing on average $78 (€63).
Other travel options to Leeds take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 29m.
You'll arrive about 1m sooner (4h 29m by bus vs 4h 30m by car) and save roughly $78 (€63) compared to fuel and tolls ($37 (€30) vs $115 (€93)). 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 National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 06:09AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 8h21 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:33PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 5h47 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Leeds buses for today, Thursday, May 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX591 | 10:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 5h30 | 4:05 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX183 | 11:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 5h05 | 4:50 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX180 | 9:10 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 5h15 | 2:25 AM Leeds, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:10 PM Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PU) | 6h30 | 4:40 AM Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:15 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH) | 6h25 | 4:40 AM Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:33 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 5h47 | 4:20 AM Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 11:40 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h40 | 4:20 AM Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, May 22 | |||||
NX183 | 8:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 5h20 | 2:05 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:55 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 5h40 | 2:35 PM Leeds, Coach 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 Edinburgh to Leeds run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 6 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:40, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 162 miles (262 km) distance in 4h 40m.
Distance 162 miles (262 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 4h 40m |
First bus 1:40 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Leeds — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leeds trip today.
The United Kingdom’s national museum of arms and armour, with major collections covering warfare, hunting and tournament culture. One of Leeds’ best-known indoor attractions.
City art gallery known for British modern and contemporary works, plus a strong sculpture collection. A central cultural stop near the civic quarter.
Family-friendly museum covering Leeds history, natural science and world cultures. Good introduction to the city for first-time visitors.
Elegant shopping arcade quarter with ornate architecture, stained glass and high-end retail. One of the city centre’s most visually distinctive walking areas.
Large urban park with lakes, gardens and broad open spaces. One of the best outdoor escapes in Leeds and very popular with locals.
Central boulevard and square framed by important civic buildings. A practical and scenic starting point for exploring central Leeds on foot.
Baked batter pudding traditionally served with roast beef and gravy; a defining dish of Yorkshire and a staple of Sunday lunch in Leeds.
Classic Yorkshire roast dinner of beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and gravy; strongly associated with the county’s food identity.
Crumbly cow’s milk cheese from North Yorkshire, often eaten with fruit cake or chutney; one of the region’s most famous traditional products.
Popular casual spot for Indian street food and craft beer, especially known for vegetarian small plates and lively atmosphere.
Long-established Leeds favourite for Italian cooking, with a friendly neighbourhood feel and strong local reputation.
Acclaimed fine dining restaurant in central Leeds known for creative tasting menus and a theatrical, modern atmosphere.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels vary by season, while casual dining, pubs, and local transport are fairly priced for most visitors.
Service is often included only at some restaurants. If not included, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping in pubs and cafes is optional, not expected.
Official public transport app
Leeds Coach Station, Leeds -> Leeds Railway Station, Leeds
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Leeds 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 Leeds, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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