- 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
$35
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
4 h 40 m
Average duration
5 h 1 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
262 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Leeds to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leeds to Edinburgh will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
Of the 8 buses that leave Leeds for Edinburgh on Wed, Jul 15, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 15 the direct buses cover the 262 km distance in an average of 5 h 1 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .
On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest buses will take 5 h 15 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus
NX180
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX591
NX183
FlixBus
NX591
NX183
NX180
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leeds to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 52m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a train costs an average of $28.
Distance: 162 miles (262 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$40 Average price Cheapest | $70 Average price | $111 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 47m Average total duration 4h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Leeds to Edinburgh:
A bus is $30 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leeds to Edinburgh costing on average $70 (€58).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 17m.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (4h 17m by bus vs 4h 20m by car) and save roughly $71 (€58) compared to fuel and tolls ($40 (€33) vs $111 (€92)). 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 National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
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 National Express | Departure Time 02:55AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 11:41AM | Duration 8h36 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 10:09AM | Duration 6h59 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $74 |
The table below shows live departures for Leeds 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX183 | 12:15 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 5h00 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:20 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 6h49 | 7:09 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 12:20 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 5h15 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX591 | 1:35 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 5h00 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:00 PM Leeds - Eastgate Victoria F Bus Stop | 6h50 | 8:50 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX181 · NX591 | 11:25 PM Leeds, Coach Station | 11h00 | 10:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| Wednesday, July 15 | |||||
NX180 | 2:55 AM Leeds, Coach Station | 5h10 | 8:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:05 AM Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre) | 8h36 | 11:41 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 3:05 AM Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre) | 4h40 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 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 Leeds to Edinburgh run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 6 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:40, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 162 miles (262 km) distance in 4h 40m.
Distance 162 miles (262 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 4h 40m |
First bus 1:40 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 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 Leeds 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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