- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.






Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
52m
Average duration
55m
Trains per day
6
Distance
44 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Galashiels to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $19, and a bus costs an average of $20.
Distance: 27 miles (45 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$35 Average price | $19 Average price Cheapest | $54 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 45m Average total duration 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 24m Average total duration Fastest 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Galashiels to Edinburgh:
A train is $15 (€12) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Galashiels to Edinburgh costing on average $35 (€28).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 15m.
Tickets start at around $35 (€28) compared to roughly $54 (€45) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $20 (€16). The journey takes 3h 15m versus 1h 8m 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 Borders Buses.
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 CrossCountry | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 11:06AM | Duration 3h06 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator CrossCountry | Departure Time 08:43AM | Arrival Time 12:14PM | Duration 3h31 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator CrossCountry | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 12:06PM | Duration 3h06 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator CrossCountry | Departure Time 09:43AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 3h27 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator CrossCountry | Departure Time 10:43AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 3h27 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator CrossCountry | Departure Time 12:43PM | Arrival Time 04:27PM | Duration 3h44 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Scotrail | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator CrossCountry | Departure Time 05:13PM | Arrival Time 08:31PM | Duration 3h18 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Scotrail | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
The table below shows live departures for Galashiels to Edinburgh buses for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:43 AM Galashiels | 3h27 | 2:10 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Galashiels to Edinburgh run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) but you can travel from only $19 (€16) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 04:48, the last at 23:43. The fastest bus covers the 27 miles (45 km) distance in 1h 55m.
Distance 27 miles (45 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 55m |
First bus 4:48 AM |
Last bus 11:43 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.
Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.
Historic spine of the Old Town linking the castle and palace, lined with closes, landmarks, performers, shops, and layered city history.
Elegant shopping boulevard in the New Town with castle views, gardens below, major monuments, and strong access to central attractions.
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park climbed for sweeping city views, sunrise walks, and one of Edinburgh's most memorable outdoor experiences.
A rich savoury pudding of sheep offal, oats, suet, onion and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. Scotland’s national dish and central to Burns Suppers.
Mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This classic Scottish side is a staple of traditional Edinburgh meals.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions in milk or cream. Strongly linked to Scotland’s fishing heritage and widely loved in Edinburgh.
Refined Scottish fine dining in the Balmoral Hotel, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
Historic oyster bar and restaurant serving Scottish seafood, shellfish and game in a lively, classic Victorian dining room.
Celebrated modern Scottish restaurant focused on local produce, creative small plates and a relaxed but high-quality neighbourhood feel.
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels surge in festival season, dining is mid-to-high, and transit is reasonable but not especially cheap for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Galashiels to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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