The cheapest and fastest buses from Edinburgh to Manchester
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$42
Fastest journey
6 h
Average duration
6 h 34 m
Buses per day
15
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 $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Manchester without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX594 · NX181
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusTravel Information
Compare train and bus for Edinburgh to Manchester
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 €21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 38m. 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 €21, and a train costs an average of €40.
Distance: 175 miles (282 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€34 Average price Cheapest | €69 Average price |
6h 15m Average total duration 5h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 3h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Edinburgh to Manchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:19AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 8h01 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:33AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h47 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:53AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h27 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:58AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h22 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:06AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h14 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:48PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 6h52 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:54PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 6h46 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:59PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 6h41 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:07PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 6h33 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:31PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 6h09 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $49 |
Live departures
Edinburgh to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Manchester buses for today, Tuesday, November 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 8h45 | 3:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:15 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 8h05 | 3:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:19 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PE-PU) | 8h01 | 3:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:25 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH) | 7h55 | 3:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:33 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 7h47 | 3:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX183 · NX171 | On time 8:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 7h55 | 4:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 7h55 | 5:00 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX591 · NX170 | On time 10:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 7h35 | 6:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:15 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 8h45 | 8:00 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX183 · NX171 | On time 11:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 7h40 | 7:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:48 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 6h52 | 2:40 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:54 PM Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PE-PU) | 6h46 | 2:40 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:59 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH) | 6h41 | 2:40 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:07 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 6h33 | 2:40 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX594 · NX181 | On time 10:00 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 6h00 | 4:00 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Manchester 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Manchester
Buses from Edinburgh to Manchester run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:06, the last at 23:56. The fastest bus covers the 175 miles (282 km) distance in 5h 25m.
Distance 175 miles (282 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Buses per day 11 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 25m |
First bus 00:06 |
Last bus 23:56 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Edinburgh to Manchester start from as low as $26 (€21) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $42 (€34) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 11 daily trains from Edinburgh to Manchester with 1 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 5h 25m but the average duration is 5h 45m
Train Operators
- Travel from Edinburgh to Manchester with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus, and Scottish Citylink
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Megabus.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Edinburgh, Bus Station and arrive in Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
- First train typically departs at 12:06 AM and the last at 11:56 PM
Bus providers: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus, Scottish Citylink from Edinburgh to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Manchester with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus, Scottish Citylink for as low as $26 (€21). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
Megabus
Scottish Citylink
Buses from Edinburgh to Manchester: Journey Details
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.
Which coach companies go from Edinburgh to Manchester?
National Express offers 5 bus services between the Scottish capital and Manchester seven days a week.
How long is the buses from Edinburgh to Manchester?
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.
Are buses from Edinburgh to Manchester direct?
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.
When are the first and last buses of the day from Edinburgh to Manchester?
The earliest bus leaves Edinburgh at 9:00 a.m, with the last departure at 9:30 p.m.
Where do buses from Edinburgh to Manchester depart from and arrive to?
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.
FAQs: Bus from Edinburgh to Manchester
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.

Passengers board the bus most frequently from Edinburgh, Bus Station, which is located around 0.4 miles (687 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Manchester, Coach Station, located 0.9 miles (1.5 km) away from the city centre.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Manchester Art Gallery, a public art museum housing an extensive collection of fine art and decorative pieces
- Science and Industry Museum, an interactive museum exploring Manchester's industrial heritage and scientific achievements
- Manchester Cathedral, a historic Gothic-style cathedral known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere
- The John Rylands Library, a neo-Gothic library with an impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts
- Castlefield, a historic area with Roman ruins and picturesque canals, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Old Trafford, the iconic football stadium and home to Manchester United, offering tours and a museum dedicated to the club's history
- The Northern Quarter, a vibrant district known for its independent shops, cafes, and street art
- Visit the Manchester Opera House for a captivating performance
- Explore the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks, a popular area with bars and clubs
- Enjoy a relaxing day at Heaton Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, offering beautiful landscapes and recreational activities.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Edinburgh to Manchester, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- 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).
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Edinburgh to Manchester
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Sandwich Shop (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 10, 11, 12, 16, 22, 25, 26, 44 Trams: T50 Trains: Edinburgh Waverley Station
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
- 05:00-23:30
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside the interchange.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Manchester
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