- Must visit
The Whitworth
One of Manchester’s leading art galleries, known for strong modern and historic collections, major exhibitions, and a celebrated park-side setting.
Cheapest price
$62
Average price
$73
Fastest journey
7 h 50 m
Average duration
8 h 22 m
Buses per day
6
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 $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $62.
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Manchester Airport without transferring at least once.
NX183 · NX181
NX180 · NX170
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX183 · NX170
NX183 · NX170
NX591 · NX170
NX183 · NX170
NX183 · NX181
NX183 · NX170
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 $130.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$46 Average price Cheapest | $69 Average price | $282 Average price | $123 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 $69 (€56).
A bus is $236 (€191) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Manchester Airport costing on average $282 (€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 05:25PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 18h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Manchester Airport buses for today, Sunday, May 24. 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 | 8h30 | 5:15 PM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 9h20 | 6:25 PM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
NX591 · NX170 | Delayed 5:40 PM 10:35 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station | 7h50 | 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 | 8:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 8h20 | 4:35 AM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
NX180 · NX170 | On time 9:10 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 11h05 | 8:15 AM Manchester, Airport | 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 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.
One of Manchester’s leading art galleries, known for strong modern and historic collections, major exhibitions, and a celebrated park-side setting.
A major university museum with natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections. Recently renewed and widely regarded as one of the city’s best free attractions.
A flagship Manchester museum exploring science, technology, transport, and the city’s industrial heritage on a historic railway site.
The best-known open-air spot near the airport for plane watching, photography, and seeing aircraft movements close to the runways.
A canalside conservation area with Roman roots, converted warehouses, footbridges, and highly photogenic urban scenery popular with visitors.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, famous for street art, independent character, and social-media-friendly backdrops and shopfronts.
A classic Manchester dessert with a shortcrust pastry shell, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweets.
A flaky pastry filled with currants, sugar, and butter, originating from Greater Manchester. It is a traditional local bake often eaten with tea.
A famous north-west English blood sausage made with pork blood, fat, and oats. Greater Manchester is especially associated with excellent black pudding.
An established Italian restaurant near the airport, known for polished service, steaks, pasta, and a more upscale dining setting.
A well-known casual pub near the airport appreciated for hearty pub meals and excellent views of passing aircraft from the beer garden.
A long-standing pub close to Manchester Airport serving classic British dishes, Sunday roasts, and cask ales in a traditional setting.
Airport prices are above city averages, but the UK is generally moderate for travelers using chains and cards.
Service is often included at restaurants. If not, 10-12.5% is standard for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. No tip is expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport -> Manchester Piccadilly
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.

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