- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum covering science, design, world cultures, and Scottish history in one major city-centre complex.
Cheapest price
$86
Average price
$86
Fastest journey
8 h 38 m
Average duration
9 h 38 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
283 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Liverpool to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Liverpool to Edinburgh will cost around $86 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $86.
It's difficult to get from Liverpool to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
NX170 · NX183
NX170 · NX183
NX170 · NX183
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX170 · NX183
NX170 · NX183
NX170 · NX183
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Liverpool to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 57m. 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 $38, and a train costs an average of $43.
Distance: 175 miles (283 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$63 Average price Cheapest | $95 Average price | $122 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 29m Average total duration 6h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration Fastest 4h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Liverpool to Edinburgh:
A bus is $33 (€26) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Liverpool to Edinburgh costing on average $95 (€77).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 57m.
Bus takes on average 6h 59m.
Tickets start at around $63 (€51) compared to roughly $122 (€99) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $60 (€48). The journey takes 6h 59m versus 4h 28m 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 FlixBus.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:03AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h12 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:07AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h08 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:13AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h02 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:17AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 8h58 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:58AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:02AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 8h33 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:28AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 8h42 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:32AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 8h38 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:48AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:52AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 8h33 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:38PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 12h27 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:42PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 12h23 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 17h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $195 |
The table below shows live departures for Liverpool to Edinburgh buses for today, Friday, May 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:45 PM Liverpool, Liverpool One | 17h50 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, May 23 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:30 AM Liverpool, Liverpool One | 11h05 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:40 AM Liverpool, Wavertree Shopping Centre | 10h55 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX183 | On time 11:20 AM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 8h50 | 8:10 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX183 | On time 11:28 AM Liverpool, University | 8h42 | 8:10 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX183 | Delayed 12:39 PM 11:32 AMLiverpool, Botanic Park | 8h38 | 8:10 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
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 Liverpool to Edinburgh run on average 15 times per day, taking around 6h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:17, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 175 miles (283 km) distance in 6h 35m.
Distance 175 miles (283 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 6h 35m |
First bus 12:17 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 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 covering science, design, world cultures, and Scottish history in one major city-centre complex.
The national art collection in central Edinburgh, with major European paintings and an excellent Scottish art selection.
Striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of figures from Scottish history, culture, and public life.
The Old Town’s most famous historic street, linking Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse through dense medieval architecture.
Short, rewarding hill walk with some of Edinburgh’s best panoramic views, especially popular at sunrise and sunset.
The city’s most famous natural viewpoint, offering a memorable hike and sweeping views over Edinburgh and the coast.
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a savoury pudding of minced offal, oats, onion, and spices, usually served with mashed turnips and potatoes. It is strongly associated with Edinburgh and Burns Sup
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, often finished with milk or cream. It is a classic warming starter found in many Edinburgh pubs and restaurants.
A traditional double-crust meat pie, usually filled with spiced minced mutton or beef. It is a classic bakery and football-day snack across Scotland and remains a familiar local comfort food.
Well-known gastropub from Tom Kitchin, serving polished Scottish pub classics in a relaxed setting. A good choice for traditional dishes with high-quality ingredients.
Long-running local favourite serving modern Scottish dishes with local produce. Friendly, reliable, and popular with visitors seeking approachable regional food.
Historic, atmospheric restaurant near Edinburgh Castle, known for refined Scottish cuisine and a dramatic Gothic setting popular for special occasions.
Moderate by UK standards. Attractions and pubs add up, but transport and casual dining are manageable.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if not included. Pubs: not expected. Taxis: round up. Hotels: optional for helpful service.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh -> Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh
Edinburgh lies around 174 miles north east of Liverpool and buses provide a fast and comfortable way to travel between the two cities. National Express offers 6 daily departures with the first at 6:15 a.m. and the last at 10:30 p.m. Most services require coach changes at Manchester and Glasgow with one involving a change at Manchester only. Travel time ranges from 8 to 9 hours.
National Express Buses From Liverpool to Edinburgh depart from the Coach Station on Norton Street close to the city centre. The station is open around the clock and the ticket office operates from 8:45 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Outside, these hours, tickets at can be bought at machines. Passengers can travel to the station by local buses that stop on nearby London Road or by cab. Lime Street Train Station is around 800 metres away. For travelers arriving in Liverpool by boat, the cruise terminal is around 1 mile from the coach station.
As Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh features all the stately grandeur a capital needs but it also exudes a more relaxed Celtic mood that makes for a fine Vacation destination. Visitors can enjoy browsing the old city, exploring museums and galleries, and partake in an unparalleled host of wining and dining options. Monuments abound including an imposing castle that looms over the city. Buses From Liverpool to Edinburgh arrive at Edinburgh Bus Station. Centrally located, it features entrances on Elder Street, and St Andrew Square from which passengers can take buses or trams to their final destination. Waverley Train Station is also close by. Services arriving outside the coach station’s opening hours (between 00:45 a.m. and 4:45 a.m. stop at North St David Street.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Liverpool 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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