- Must visit
Quarry Bank
A National Trust mill museum and historic estate in nearby Styal, showing the region’s industrial heritage and worker life. One of the best cultural visits close to the airport.
Cheapest price
$45
Average price
$51
Fastest journey
7 h 50 m
Average duration
9 h 3 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
294 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Edinburgh to Manchester Airport 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 Airport will cost around $51 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Manchester Airport without transferring at least once.
NX180 · NX170
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX183 · NX170
NX183 · NX170
NX183 · NX181
NX183 · NX170
NX183 · NX181
NX183 · NX170
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX180 · NX170Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Manchester Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a flight costs an average of $127.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$45 Average price Cheapest | $68 Average price | $277 Average price | $121 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 38m Average total duration 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 16m Average total duration 5h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Manchester Airport:
A bus is $23 (€19) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Manchester Airport costing on average $68 (€56).
A bus is $232 (€191) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Manchester Airport costing on average $277 (€228).
Other travel options to Manchester Airport take longer:
Flight takes on average 5h 16m.
Bus takes on average 6h 8m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 20h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 18h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Manchester Airport buses for today, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX183 · NX170 | On time 8:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 9h05 | 5:50 PM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 9h20 | 6:25 PM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
NX183 · NX170 | On time 11:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 7h50 | 7:35 PM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
NX183 · NX181 | 8:30 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 8h05 | 4:35 AM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
NX180 · NX170 | On time 9:10 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 10h55 | 8:05 AM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer |
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 Airport run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) but you can travel from only $19 (€16) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 07:55, the last at 22:00. The fastest bus covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 6h 30m.
Distance 182 miles (294 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 6h 30m |
First bus 7:55 AM |
Last bus 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Discover the best of Manchester Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester Airport trip today.
A National Trust mill museum and historic estate in nearby Styal, showing the region’s industrial heritage and worker life. One of the best cultural visits close to the airport.
A leading university museum with natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections. Recently refreshed and highly popular with both locals and visitors.
A popular aviation attraction beside the airport with viewing areas, aircraft exhibits, and Concorde tours. Especially relevant for visitors staying near Manchester Airport.
A standout outdoor area near the terminals where visitors can watch aircraft movements. Very popular with aviation fans, families, and social media photographers.
One of Manchester’s most characterful districts, known for canals, converted warehouses, and industrial heritage. Excellent for walking, photos, and relaxed exploration.
A large historic estate with parkland, deer, gardens, and broad walking routes. One of the strongest outdoor day-trip options within reach of the airport.
A classic Greater Manchester dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweets.
A famous pastry from Greater Manchester, filled with currants, butter, and sugar. It is a traditional regional bake often eaten with tea.
A northern English staple made with blood, oats, and seasoning, often served in a full breakfast. The Bury version is especially associated with Greater Manchester.
A well-known airport bar and restaurant in Terminal 1 serving British pub food, breakfasts, burgers, and beer in a spacious, relaxed setting.
A popular Manchester-born casual dining brand known for burgers, waffles, shakes, and colourful interiors. Suitable for a quick meal before a flight.
An established family-friendly chain at the airport offering all-day breakfasts and globally inspired comfort food in a lively, informal atmosphere.
Airport food and drinks cost more than city prices, but chain cafes and fast food keep costs manageable.
Service charge is uncommon at airport cafes. Round up small bills if service was helpful; 10% is polite at sit-down restaurants if not already added.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport Station, Manchester -> Manchester Piccadilly Station, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Manchester Airport 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 Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Edinburgh to Manchester Airport buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Manchester, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Manchester Airport 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need