- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum on Manchester’s industrial heritage, science, engineering, and transport, set on the historic Liverpool Road site.





Cheapest price
$66
Average price
$70
Fastest journey
5h 39m
Average duration
6h 41m
Buses per day
5
Distance
262 km
Omio 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 $25. 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 $25, and a flight costs an average of $202.
Distance: 175 miles (282 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$44 Average price Cheapest | $77 Average price | $361 Average price | $119 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 44m Average total duration 5h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration 4h 5m 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 $33 (€27) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Manchester costing on average $77 (€63).
A bus is $318 (€261) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Manchester costing on average $361 (€297).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 5m.
Bus takes on average 5h 14m.
Tickets start at around $44 (€36) compared to roughly $119 (€98) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $76 (€62). The journey takes 5h 14m 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 07:50AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:54AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h26 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:09AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h11 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:24AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 6h56 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:39AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 6h41 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:01PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 5h39 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Manchester buses for today, Thursday, July 9. 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 | 8:50 PM Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PU) | 5h50 | 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 | On time 9:10 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 10h15 | 7:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:50 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 7h30 | 3:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:54 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PU) | 7h26 | 3:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH) | 7h20 | 3:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:09 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 7h11 | 3:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX183 · NX170 | On time 8:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 8h05 | 4:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 7h35 | 4:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX183 · NX170 | On time 11:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 7h15 | 7:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 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 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 (€21) 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 45m.
Distance 175 miles (282 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€21) |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 5h 45m |
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 Tue |
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.
Major museum on Manchester’s industrial heritage, science, engineering, and transport, set on the historic Liverpool Road site.
Large university museum with noted natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections; recently renewed and very popular.
Football museum with trophies, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits; one of the city’s best-known paid attractions.
Creative district known for street art, independent shops, music culture, and photogenic corners popular with younger visitors.
Historic canalside area with Roman origins, warehouses, waterside walks, and one of the city’s most scenic urban settings.
Important civic square framed by major buildings and transport links, often used as a central point for exploring the city.
A classic local dessert made with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of Manchester’s best-known traditional sweets.
A famous pastry from Eccles in Greater Manchester, filled with currants, sugar, and spice. It is a long-established regional bake closely associated with the area.
A traditional blood sausage strongly linked with nearby Bury and widely eaten in Manchester, often served at breakfast. It is a staple of the region’s food culture.
A well-known casual spot celebrated for high-quality Neapolitan pizza, relaxed service, and consistently strong local reputation.
A popular casual venue for Indian street food and craft beer, known for lively atmosphere and strong vegetarian selection.
An established fine-dining restaurant in The Midland, known for polished modern British cooking and elegant historic surroundings.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget food is easy to find, but hotels and central dining cost more.
Service charge may be added in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up taxis. Tipping is not expected for pubs or counter service.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport, Manchester -> Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester
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