- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum covering history, science, design and world cultures in a landmark Victorian building. A top all-round visit in the city.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh
Showing times and prices for Jun 16
Cheapest price
$69
Average price
$84
Fastest journey
11 h 35 m
Average duration
13 h 8 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
505 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh will cost around $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
NX737 · NX5917:00 AM11h35Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station6:35 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station$691One-way1 transfer- NX737 · NX5987:30 PM12h10Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station7:40 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$691One-way1 transfer
- NXA8 · NX5946:45 PM12h35Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station7:20 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$931One-way1 transfer
- NX777 · NX1831:05 AM16h10Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station5:15 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station$1051One-way1 transfer
- NX737 · NX5917:00 AM11h35Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station6:35 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station$691One-way1 transfer
- NX737 · NX5987:30 PM12h10Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station7:40 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$691One-way1 transfer
- NXA8 · NX5946:45 PM12h35Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station7:20 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$931One-way1 transfer
- NX777 · NX1831:05 AM16h10Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station5:15 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station$1051One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $45. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $45, and a train costs an average of $58.
Distance: 313 miles (505 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$71 Average price Cheapest | $123 Average price | $90 Average price | $174 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 53m Average total duration 11h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 6m Average total duration 5h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh is a bus with an average price of $71 (€58).
This is compared to other travel options from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh:
A bus is $19 (€16) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh costing on average $90 (€73).
A bus is $52 (€42) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh costing on average $123 (€100).
The fastest way to travel from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 20m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 36m.
Bus takes on average 11h 23m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Edinburgh including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
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.
London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 16h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 12h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 12h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Live departures
London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh bus times
The table below shows live departures for London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh buses for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX777 · NX183 | Delayed 10:30 AM 1:05 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 16h10 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX737 · NX591 | On time 7:00 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 11h35 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NXA8 · NX594 | On time 6:45 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 12h35 | 7:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX737 · NX598 | On time 7:30 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 12h10 | 7:40 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, June 16 | |||||
| NX777 · NX183 | 1:05 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 16h10 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NXA8 · NX594 | On time 6:45 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 12h35 | 7:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Why should you book London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh run on average 4 times per day, taking around 11h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $45 (€37) but you can travel from only $23 (€18) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 06:00, the last at 19:30. The fastest bus covers the 313 miles (505 km) distance in 11h 35m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $23 (€18)
Distance 313 miles (505 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€37) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 11h 35m |
First bus 6:00 AM |
Last bus 7:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $23 (€18)
Bus providers: National Express from London Stansted Airport to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh with National Express for as low as $23 (€18). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 35m
Cheapest Price
$45 (€37)
National Express frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Complete guide to Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
Scottish National Gallery
Major national art gallery on The Mound with Scottish and European masterpieces. Central, elegant and one of Edinburgh’s classic cultural stops.
- Recommended
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of figures from Scottish history and culture. Well regarded for both the collection and the building itself.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, courtyards, shops and major sights.
- Must visit
Calton Hill
One of Edinburgh’s essential viewpoints, especially popular for sunrise and sunset photography. Famous for sweeping views over the city and Arthur’s Seat.
- Must visit
Arthur's Seat
Ancient volcanic peak in Holyrood Park with the city’s most famous hike and outstanding panoramic views. A classic outdoor Edinburgh experience.
- Gluten-free
Haggis, Neeps And Tatties
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a peppery savoury pudding traditionally made with oats and offal, served with mashed turnips and potatoes. It is strongly associated with Edinburgh and Burns supps
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Though from Cullen, it is a classic on Edinburgh menus and a comforting local staple
Scotch Broth
A traditional hearty soup of barley, root vegetables and usually lamb or mutton. It is a long-standing Scottish comfort food commonly found in pubs and cafes
The Scran & Scallie
A polished gastropub from Tom Kitchin, known for refined Scottish pub classics, seasonal produce and a warm neighbourhood atmosphere
Mussel Inn Seafood Restaurant
A long-established seafood restaurant popular for Scottish mussels, fish dishes and a relaxed city-centre setting
Ondine
A respected upscale seafood restaurant focused on high-quality Scottish fish and shellfish in an elegant contemporary space
Pound sterling
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities, especially for hotels and dining in the centre during peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for takeaway or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- GBP 20-35 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Rounding up is common in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service.
Transport for Edinburgh
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 5.00
To the city center
Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh -> Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Tap on and tap off with the same contactless card or device on Lothian buses and trams for capped daily fares. Card payment is accepted on board.
- A Dayticket usually offers better value than multiple single fares if you make three or more journeys in one day.
FAQs: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Stansted Airport 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.
Cheap bus tickets from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh can start from as little as $45 (€37) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh is $71 (€58) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh is 11h 35m to travel the 313 miles (505 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh leaves at 6:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh leaves at 7:30 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between London Stansted Airport and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Edinburgh from London Stansted Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Edinburgh including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Edinburgh are:
- Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and housing the Crown Jewels
- Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano providing hiking trails and a vantage point over Edinburgh
- The Royal Mile, a historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, lined with shops and landmarks
- Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, featuring beautiful gardens and historic architecture
- The National Museum of Scotland, a museum showcasing Scottish history, culture, and natural history through diverse exhibits.
The best things to do in Edinburgh include:
- Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket, a historic marketplace with pubs, shops, and street performances
- Enjoy a ghost tour through the haunted streets and underground vaults of Edinburgh
- Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, known for its diverse range of shows
- Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, offering beautiful landscapes and plant collections
- Discover the hidden gems and local art at the Stockbridge Market.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh depends on the bus companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither London Stansted Airport nor Edinburgh are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Edinburgh, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Royal Mile and public transport. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers who don’t use the meter. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers near popular attractions to prevent fraud.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh
London
Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Bus Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Car connection
Elder StreetWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Edinburgh, Bus Station
- Bus: 10, 11, 12, 16, 22, 25, 26, 44 Trams: T50 Trains: Edinburgh Waverley Station
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House
Amenities at bus station
Accessibilityinformation
Accessibility
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
Ingliston, Airport (Stance C)
Public transit options for Ingliston, Airport (Stance C)
- Bus: 100, 200
More options for your journey from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Edinburgh and London Stansted Airport
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