- Must visit
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Edinburgh to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 07
Cheapest price on Oct 07
$30
Average ticket price on Oct 07
$38
Fastest journey on Oct 07
7 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Oct 07
7 h 55 m
Buses on Oct 07
6
Distance
392 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Edinburgh to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Leicester will cost around $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
Fast buses
On Wed, Oct 07, we found 6 buses from Edinburgh to Leicester, including 4 direct services.
On Wed, Oct 07 the direct buses cover the 392 km distance in an average of 7 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 10 m .
On Wed, Oct 07 the slowest buses will take 8 h 25 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.
FlixBus11:30 PM7h10Edinburgh, Bus Station6:40 AMLeicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)$301One-way0 transfers- FlixBus9:05 AM7h45Edinburgh, Bus Station4:50 PMLeicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)$321One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus10:33 PM8h07Edinburgh, Drum Brae South6:40 AMLeicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)$361One-way1 transfer
NX18311:45 AM8h25Edinburgh, Bus Station8:10 PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station$381One-way0 transfers- FlixBus · FlixBus6:04 AM10h46Edinburgh, Drum Brae South4:50 PMLeicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)$391One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus11:30 PM7h10Edinburgh, Bus Station6:40 AMLeicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)$301One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus9:05 AM7h45Edinburgh, Bus Station4:50 PMLeicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)$321One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus10:33 PM8h07Edinburgh, Drum Brae South6:40 AMLeicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)$361One-way1 transfer
- NX1809:10 PM8h10Edinburgh, Bus Station5:20 AMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station$501One-way0 transfers
- NX18311:45 AM8h25Edinburgh, Bus Station8:10 PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station$381One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Edinburgh to Leicester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 (€21) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 243 miles (392 km) distance in 7h 10m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 243 miles (392 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€21) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 7h 10m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Edinburgh to Leicester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:04AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 10h46 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:09AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 10h41 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:33PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 8h07 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Live departures
Edinburgh to Leicester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Leicester buses for today, Tuesday, October 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 9:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 7h45 | 4:50 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| NX183 | 11:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 8h25 | 8:10 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| NX180 | 9:10 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 8h10 | 5:20 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:33 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 8h07 | 6:40 AM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 11:30 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 7h10 | 6:40 AM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:04 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 10h46 | 4:50 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Edinburgh to Leicester buses with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Edinburgh to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Leicester.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Leicester.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Leicester.
Bus providers: FlixBus, National Express from Edinburgh to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Leicester with FlixBus, National Express for as low as $25 (€21). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
7h 10m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$25 (€21)
FlixBus frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
8h 10m
Cheapest National Express Price
$27 (€22)
National Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Complete guide to Leicester
Things to do in Leicester
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
- Must visit
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Dedicated to the 2012 discovery of Richard III, this award-winning museum uses immersive displays to tell a remarkable royal story.
- Recommended
Abbey Pumping Station
A grand Victorian pumping station with working steam heritage displays, making industrial history surprisingly engaging for all ages.
- Must visit
Old Town
Revived historic quarter around Leicester Cathedral and the Richard III story, packed with lanes, heritage sites and independent venues.
- Must visit
Abbey Park
Leicester's best-known green space, offering formal gardens, boating, sports facilities and a lively urban park atmosphere.
- Recommended
Town Hall Square
Main civic square framed by key institutions and events, useful as a central meeting point and starting place for exploring.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
A flaky pastry pie from nearby Melton Mowbray, traditionally made with uncured pork. It is one of Leicestershire’s best-known foods and widely eaten in Leicester.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
A hard, crumbly red cheese from Leicestershire with a nutty, mellow flavour. It is one of England’s oldest named cheeses and a proud regional staple.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Stilton
A blue-veined Stilton-style cheese made in Leicestershire. Rich and creamy, it is strongly linked to the county’s cheesemaking tradition.
John's House
Modern British fine dining with tasting menus in an intimate setting. One of Leicester’s most acclaimed restaurants for special occasions.
Herb
Well-known modern Indian restaurant serving refined regional dishes and grills in a smart, contemporary dining room.
Shivalli
Long-established vegetarian Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile, known for Gujarati snacks, thalis and a lively casual atmosphere.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Bus from Edinburgh to Leicester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Leicester 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 Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Edinburgh to Leicester can start from as little as $25 (€21) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Edinburgh to Leicester is $51 (€42) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Edinburgh to Leicester is 7h 10m to travel the 243 miles (392 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Edinburgh to Leicester leaves at 12:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Edinburgh to Leicester leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 4 direct buses a day from Edinburgh to Leicester with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Edinburgh to Leicester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Leicester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Leicester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Edinburgh , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Edinburgh, Bus Station, Edinburgh, Drum Brae South . When arriving in Leicester , you can end your journey in bus stations like Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda), Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Edinburgh, Bus Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda), located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Leicester including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Edinburgh to Leicester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Edinburgh to Leicester for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Edinburgh to Leicester depends on the bus companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Edinburgh to Leicester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Edinburgh to Leicester:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Edinburgh to Leicester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Edinburgh to Leicester. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Edinburgh to Leicester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Edinburgh to Leicester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Edinburgh to Leicester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Leicester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers who are not licensed and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Staying vigilant in busy spots and using licensed services helps ensure a safer visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Edinburgh to Leicester
Most Edinburgh to Leicester buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda). Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Leicester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Edinburgh
Arrival bus stations in Leicester
Which Edinburgh station do buses to Leicester leave from?
Buses from Edinburgh to Leicester leave from Edinburgh, Bus Station. The station is from Edinburgh city centre at Elder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom.
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre
Bus10, 11 · 2m · $2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · $1 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · $5 · every ~38 min
Edinburgh, Bus Station 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 and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)Leicester Fosse Park, Fosse Park Ave, LE19 1HQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) from Leicester city centre
BusX6 · 21m · $2 · every ~4 min
50 · 23m · $2 · every ~10 min
104 · 32m · $1 · every ~10 min
18 · 44m · every ~8 min
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre
BusHop · 0m · $2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Leicester and Edinburgh
Most popular bus connections to Leicester
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