Edinburgh to Liverpool bus with National Express

Sat, Aug 29
+ Add return
FlixBus
National Express
Megabus
Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd
Alsa
2,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
National Express
Megabus
Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd
Alsa
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Edinburgh to Liverpool

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Aug 29

Cheapest price on Aug 29

$80

Average ticket price on Aug 29

$85

Fastest journey on Aug 29

8 h 39 m

Average journey duration on Aug 29

8 h 46 m

Buses on Aug 29

12

Distance

283 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Edinburgh to Liverpool is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Edinburgh to Liverpool will cost around $85 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $80.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Liverpool without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX180 · NX170
    9:10 PM11h53
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    9:03 AMLiverpool, Botanic Park
    $801One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX180 · NX170
    9:10 PM12h00
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    9:10 AMLiverpool, University
    $801One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX180 · NX170
    9:10 PM12h15
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    9:25 AMLiverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
    $801One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX591 · NX170
    10:35 AM8h45
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    7:20 PMLiverpool, University
    $801One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX591 · NX170
    10:35 AM9h00
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    7:35 PMLiverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
    $801One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Edinburgh to Liverpool

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Liverpool among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $68 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 19m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $68, while a train costs an average of $99.

Distance: 175 miles (283 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$68

Average price

Cheapest

$99

Average price

$122

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

9h 46m

Average total duration

9h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 19m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 38m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Transpennine Express

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Liverpool is a bus with an average price of $68.

This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Liverpool:

A bus is $25 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Liverpool costing on average $93.

The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Liverpool is by train with an average journey time of 3h 49m.

Other travel options to Liverpool take longer:

Bus takes on average 9h 14m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Liverpool including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Liverpool among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

Edinburgh to Liverpool Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:55AM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
10h25
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:05AM
Arrival Time
07:35PM
Duration
10h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$42
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:35AM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
8h45
Departure days
Mon, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$80
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:45AM
Arrival Time
08:45PM
Duration
9h00
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$80
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:45PM
Arrival Time
11:35AM
Duration
14h50
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$57
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:10PM
Arrival Time
09:03AM
Duration
11h53
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:15PM
Arrival Time
01:50PM
Duration
14h35
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$45

Live departures

Edinburgh to Liverpool bus times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Liverpool buses for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX183 · NX17011:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
8h45
8:30 PM Liverpool, University1 transfer
National ExpressNX183 · NX17011:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
8h39
8:24 PM Liverpool, Botanic Park1 transfer
National ExpressNX183 · NX17011:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
9h00
8:45 PM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place1 transfer
National ExpressNX180 · NX1709:10 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
11h53
9:03 AM Liverpool, Botanic Park1 transfer
National ExpressNX180 · NX1709:10 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
12h15
9:25 AM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place1 transfer
National ExpressNX180 · NX1709:10 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
12h00
9:10 AM Liverpool, University1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h35
1:50 PM Liverpool, Liverpool One1 transfer
Saturday, August 29
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus9:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
10h15
7:20 PM Liverpool, Wavertree Shopping Centre1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus9:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
10h30
7:35 PM Liverpool, Liverpool One1 transfer
National ExpressNX591 · NX17010:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
8h45
7:20 PM Liverpool, University1 transfer
National ExpressNX591 · NX17010:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
9h00
7:35 PM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place1 transfer
National ExpressNX591 · NX17010:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
8h39
7:14 PM Liverpool, Botanic Park1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Liverpool 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.

Sat
Aug 29
Sun
Aug 30
Mon
Aug 31
Tue
Sep 01
Wed
Sep 02
Thu
Sep 03
Fri
Sep 04
Sat
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07
Tue
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11
Sat
Sep 12
Sun
Sep 13
Mon
Sep 14
Tue
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18

Why should you book Edinburgh to Liverpool buses with Omio?

FlixBus as well as National Express, Megabus, Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd and more offer buses services from Edinburgh to Liverpool.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Liverpool.

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express, Megabus or Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Liverpool.
  • 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Liverpool.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express, Megabus or Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Liverpool.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Liverpool.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Liverpool

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Edinburgh to Liverpool run on average 18 times per day, taking around 9h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:17, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 175 miles (283 km) distance in 6h 40m.

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
175 miles (283 km)
Average bus duration
9h 16m
Cheapest ticket price
$19
Buses per day
18
Fastest bus
6h 40m
First bus
12:17 AM
Last bus
11:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
70 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

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Edinburgh to LiverpoolYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Liverpool with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $20. 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 Duration
8h 10m
Cheapest Price
$19
FlixBus frequency
4 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 Duration
6h 40m
Cheapest Price
$41
National Express frequency
14 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 Liverpool

Things to do in Liverpool

Discover the best of Liverpool — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Liverpool trip today.

  • Must visit

The Beatles Story

Acclaimed branch of the Imperial War Museums covering modern conflict, personal stories, and the impact of war in a dramatic dock building.

  • Must visit

World Museum

Large free museum covering archaeology, natural history, world cultures, and planetarium shows. Excellent for broad insight into the region.

  • Must visit

Museum of Liverpool

Modern museum telling Liverpool’s story from port city to pop culture capital, with social history, transport, and riverfront galleries.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while transit and casual meals are fairly affordable for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafes and pubs: no tip expected, small change appreciated.

FAQs: Bus from Edinburgh to Liverpool

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Liverpool 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 Liverpool, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Edinburgh to Liverpool can start from as little as $19 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Edinburgh to Liverpool is $68 ; 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 Liverpool is 6h 40m to travel the 175 miles (283 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 Liverpool leaves at 12:17 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Edinburgh to Liverpool leaves at 11:45 PM.
There are 18 buses a day from Edinburgh to Liverpool which require at least one change with FlixBus, National Express, Megabus, Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Edinburgh to Liverpool, you can count on FlixBus, National Express, Megabus, Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd for the best way to get you to Liverpool. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Liverpool 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 . When arriving in Liverpool , you can end your journey in bus stations like Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place, Liverpool, University, Liverpool, Botanic Park, Liverpool, Liverpool One, Liverpool, Wavertree Shopping Centre, Liverpool, Edge Lane Drive, Liverpool, Kwik Fit Old Swan, Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) .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 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Liverpool from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Edinburgh to Liverpool is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Liverpool including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Edinburgh to Liverpool:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • 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 Liverpool for bus company FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Liverpool are:
  • The Beatles Story, an immersive museum dedicated to the history and impact of The Beatles
  • Royal Albert Dock, a historic waterfront complex featuring museums, shops, and restaurants
  • Liverpool Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Britain known for its stunning architecture and panoramic views
  • Anfield Stadium, the iconic home of Liverpool FC offering stadium tours and a museum
  • St George's Hall, a neoclassical building known for its grand architecture and cultural events.
The best things to do in Liverpool include:
  • Explore the vibrant Baltic Triangle, a creative and digital district with street art, bars, and music venues
  • Take a ferry across the Mersey River for scenic views of Liverpool's skyline
  • Visit the Walker Art Gallery, home to one of the largest art collections in England outside London
  • Enjoy a performance at the Liverpool Empire Theatre, hosting a variety of shows and musicals
  • Discover the history of the city at the Museum of Liverpool, offering insights into the city's rich heritage.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Edinburgh to Liverpool depends on the bus companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • 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 FlixBus, National Express.
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 Liverpool.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Edinburgh to Liverpool:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • 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 Liverpool:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • 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 Liverpool. 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 Liverpool with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Edinburgh to Liverpool with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Edinburgh to Liverpool with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
Since neither Edinburgh nor Liverpool are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Liverpool among Omio's users.
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 Liverpool, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like the city center and around popular attractions such as the Albert Dock and Liverpool ONE shopping center. Scams involving overcharging in taxis can occur, so it's advisable to use licensed cabs or pre-book rides. Additionally, travelers should be aware of nightlife-related safety, avoiding unlicensed venues and staying in well-lit, populated areas at night.
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 Liverpool

Most Edinburgh to Liverpool buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place station pair, with some services arriving at Liverpool, University. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Liverpool 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 Liverpool

Which Edinburgh station do buses to Liverpool leave from?

Buses from Edinburgh to Liverpool 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 KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
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.

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone