- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Cheapest price
$48
Average price
$54
Fastest journey
5 h 39 m
Average duration
6 h 10 m
Buses per day
13
Distance
282 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Edinburgh to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Manchester will cost around $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Manchester without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX180 · NX170
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $150.
Distance: 175 miles (282 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $67 Average price | $233 Average price | $123 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 45m Average total duration 5h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration 4h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - 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 Manchester:
A bus is $25 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Manchester costing on average $67 (€54).
A bus is $191 (€153) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Manchester costing on average $233 (€187).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 4m.
Bus takes on average 5h 15m.
Tickets start at around $42 (€34) compared to roughly $123 (€99) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $81 (€65). The journey takes 5h 15m versus 4h 34m 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 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 06:35AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:58AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 6h52 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:18AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 6h32 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:24AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 6h26 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:09AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h11 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:39AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 6h41 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:01PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 5h39 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $49 |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Manchester buses for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:45 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 5h55 | 2:40 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH) | 5h45 | 2:40 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:01 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 5h39 | 2:40 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX180 · NX170 | 9:10 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 10h15 | 7:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, August 24 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:40 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 7h10 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:50 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH) | 7h00 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:58 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 6h52 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:20 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 7h00 | 3:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:30 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH) | 6h50 | 3:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:39 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 6h41 | 3:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 7h25 | 4:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX183 · NX170 | 11:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 7h15 | 7:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX183 · NX170 | 11:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 6h58 | 6:43 PM Manchester, Miles Platting | 1 transfer | |
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 Manchester run on average 14 times per day, taking around 5h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:06, the last at 23:56. The fastest bus covers the 175 miles (282 km) distance in 5h 39m.
Distance 175 miles (282 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€19) |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 5h 39m |
First bus 12:06 AM |
Last bus 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Manchester is an imposing and buzzing city with a wealth of Victorian architecture and some striking modern developments. It is renowned for its diverse cultural scene, the bohemian Northern Quarter and 2 very successful football teams.
National Express offers 5 bus services between the Scottish capital and Manchester seven days a week.
The average journey time is 6 hours and 35 minutes. However, journeys the require a change in Leeds can take up to 8 hours and 15 minutes.
Not all buses from Edinburgh to Manchester are direct. Some connections require a change in Glasgow or Leeds. So make sure to check before purchasing.
The earliest bus leaves Edinburgh at 9:00 a.m, with the last departure at 9:30 p.m.
All buses from Edinburgh to Manchester depart from Edinburgh Bus Station. The bus station is located in the city center, between George Street and Queen Street, adjacent to the St James shopping mall. Edinburgh Waverley train station is a 5 minute walk away. The bus station is well-served by city bus routes and the tram link to the airport. There is a taxi rank outside on North St. Andrew's Street. Night buses around Edinburgh depart from nearby Waverley Bridge.
Buses from Edinburgh to Manchester arrive at the central bus station close to Piccadilly railway station and the Piccadilly Gardens interchange, where bus and tram routes serve all areas of the city.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Edinburgh to Manchester buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Manchester 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.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Coach 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), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need