- 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
€68
Average price
€73
Fastest journey
8 h 58 m
Average duration
9 h 8 m
Buses per day
10
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 €73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €68.
It's difficult to get from Liverpool to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
NX170 · NX183
NX170 · NX591
NX170 · NX183
NX170 · NX183
NX170 · NX591
NX170 · NX183
NX170 · NX183
NX170 · NX183
NX170 · NX591
NX170 · NX591Omio 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 €30. 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 €30, and a train costs an average of €34.
Distance: 175 miles (283 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€48 Average price Cheapest | €61 Average price | €100 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 25m Average total duration 6h 55m 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 €13 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Liverpool to Edinburgh costing on average €61.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 57m.
Bus takes on average 6h 55m.
Tickets start at around €48 compared to roughly €100 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €52. The journey takes 6h 55m 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 Everyday | Cheapest price €46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:58AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h17 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:02AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h13 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:03AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h12 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:07AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h08 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:13AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h02 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:17AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 8h58 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:18AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 9h17 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:22AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 9h13 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:58AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 8h37 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:02AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 8h33 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 12h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:38PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 12h02 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:42PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 11h58 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €56 |
The table below shows live departures for Liverpool to Edinburgh buses for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX170 · NX183 | 8:17 AM Liverpool, Botanic Park | 8h58 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX591 | 9:10 AM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 9h25 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX591 | 9:18 AM Liverpool, University | 9h17 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX591 | 9:22 AM Liverpool, Botanic Park | 9h13 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:50 PM Liverpool, Liverpool One | 9h55 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:00 PM Liverpool, Wavertree Shopping Centre | 9h45 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, August 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 | 8:05 AM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 9h10 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX183 | 8:13 AM Liverpool, University | 9h02 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
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 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €30 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 9h 10m.
Distance 175 miles (283 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price €30 |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 9h 10m |
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 Mon |
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 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.
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.

Most Liverpool to Edinburgh buses use the Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. Use this guide to compare Liverpool and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café in the Station (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place.
Available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Elevators, ramps.
Liverpool, University is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, University has practical services for this route, including Taxis.
Available at Liverpool, University: Taxis.
Liverpool, Botanic Park is 2 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, Botanic Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool, Botanic Park. ATMs are available at Liverpool, Botanic Park.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, Botanic Park.
Available at Liverpool, Botanic Park: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, Botanic Park: Station is accessible for those with reduced mobility.
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