- Must visit
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$59
Average price
$65
Fastest journey
7 h 10 m
Average duration
7 h 53 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
392 km
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 $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.
Of the 6 buses that leave Edinburgh for Leicester on Sun, Aug 23, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct buses cover the 392 km distance in an average of 7 h 53 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 10 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest buses will take 8 h 15 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.
NX183
NX180
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX180
NX183Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, and a train costs an average of $57.
Distance: 243 miles (392 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$40 Average price Cheapest | $104 Average price | $50 Average price | $147 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 41m Average total duration 8h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 11m Average total duration 4h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Leicester:
A bus is $8 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Leicester costing on average $50.
A bus is $71 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Leicester costing on average $113.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 42m.
Bus takes on average 8h 11m.
Tickets start at around $42 compared to roughly $148 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $106. The journey takes 8h 11m versus 5h 51m 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 National Express, 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 06:04AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 10h46 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:09AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 10h41 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:33PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 8h07 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 06:55AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Leicester buses for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:10 PM Edinburgh | 8h10 | 4:20 AM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:40 PM Edinburgh | 7h15 | 5:55 AM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:40 PM Edinburgh | 7h15 | 6:55 AM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Leicester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $31 but you can travel from only $25 by flight.
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 15m.
Distance 243 miles (392 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 7h 15m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
Dedicated to the 2012 discovery of Richard III, this award-winning museum uses immersive displays to tell a remarkable royal story.
A grand Victorian pumping station with working steam heritage displays, making industrial history surprisingly engaging for all ages.
Revived historic quarter around Leicester Cathedral and the Richard III story, packed with lanes, heritage sites and independent venues.
Leicester's best-known green space, offering formal gardens, boating, sports facilities and a lively urban park atmosphere.
Main civic square framed by key institutions and events, useful as a central meeting point and starting place for exploring.
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.
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.
A blue-veined Stilton-style cheese made in Leicestershire. Rich and creamy, it is strongly linked to the county’s cheesemaking tradition.
Modern British fine dining with tasting menus in an intimate setting. One of Leicester’s most acclaimed restaurants for special occasions.
Well-known modern Indian restaurant serving refined regional dishes and grills in a smart, contemporary dining room.
Long-established vegetarian Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile, known for Gujarati snacks, thalis and a lively casual atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for most visitors.
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.
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.

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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need