- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum with major collections in science, design, world cultures, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$78
Fastest journey
7 h 50 m
Average duration
8 h 32 m
Buses per day
34
Distance
534 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London 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 to Edinburgh will cost around $78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
Of the 34 buses that leave London for Edinburgh on Fri, Jul 03, 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 03 the direct buses cover the 534 km distance in an average of 8 h 32 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 50 m .
On Fri, Jul 03 the slowest buses will take 9 h 10 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.
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, and a flight costs an average of $26.
Distance: 331 miles (534 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$59 Average price Cheapest | $123 Average price | $137 Average price | $194 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 14m Average total duration 5h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 6m Average total duration 4h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 21m Average total duration Fastest 4h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Edinburgh:
A bus is $64 (€53) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Edinburgh costing on average $123 (€102).
A bus is $78 (€64) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Edinburgh costing on average $137 (€113).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 36m.
Bus takes on average 5h 44m.
You'll arrive about 2h 10m sooner (5h 44m by bus vs 7h 54m by car) and save roughly $135 (€112) compared to fuel and tolls ($59 (€49) vs $194 (€160)). 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 Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25AM | Arrival Time 11:41AM | Duration 11h16 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 10:21PM | Duration 10h41 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 18h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 17h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 10:09AM | Duration 13h39 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 08:34AM | Duration 11h34 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 11:41AM | Duration 13h11 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 10:09AM | Duration 11h09 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 17h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 8h16 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $56 |
The table below shows live departures for London to Edinburgh buses for today, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 7:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 10h05 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h39 | 7:09 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 8:00 AM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 9h35 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 AM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h09 | 7:09 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
NX591 | 8:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 10h05 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX426 · NX183 | On time 9:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 10h55 | 8:25 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h21 | 10:21 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 11:00 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 9h50 | 8:50 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:40 AM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 9h10 | 8:50 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:40 AM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 10h41 | 10:21 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX025 · NX594 | 1:20 PM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 18h00 | 7:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NX401 · NX594 | 1:20 PM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 18h00 | 7:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:30 PM London, Victoria Green Line Coach Station | 13h39 | 10:09 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h34 | 8:34 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h53 | 8:53 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h46 | 8:46 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
NX594 | 9:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 9h50 | 7:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 8h55 | 6:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h04 | 8:34 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h16 | 8:46 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h23 | 8:53 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h32 | 9:02 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:55 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 8h30 | 6:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX598 | 10:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 9h40 | 7:40 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 9h45 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:30 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 9h15 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h39 | 10:09 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h54 | 10:24 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h48 | 10:18 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
NX595 · NX591 | 11:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h25 | 10:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h09 | 10:09 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h18 | 10:18 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h24 | 10:24 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h32 | 10:32 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 transfer | |
NX424 · NX183 | 11:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 17h45 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h42 | 11:41 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 11:59 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 8h16 | 8:15 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 3 | |||||
FlixBus | 12:25 AM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 7h50 | 8:15 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:25 AM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h16 | 11:41 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
NX421 · NX183 | 2:00 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 15h15 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.

Buses from London to Edinburgh run on average 25 times per day, taking around 5h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by flight.
There are 13 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:57. The fastest bus covers the 331 miles (534 km) distance in 7h 50m.
Distance 331 miles (534 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€25) |
Buses per day 25 |
Direct buses 13 |
Fastest bus 7h 50m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 with major collections in science, design, world cultures, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.
The principal fine art gallery in central Edinburgh, known for Scottish and European masterpieces in a prime Princes Street Gardens setting.
A landmark portrait gallery celebrating Scotland’s people through art, photography, and decorative interiors in a striking neo-Gothic building.
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street, linking the castle and Holyroodhouse through closes, shops, courtyards, and major landmarks.
One of the city’s best viewpoints, known for sunrise and sunset photos, monuments, and broad views over Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.
The city’s famous volcanic peak in Holyrood Park, offering one of the best outdoor walks and panoramic views in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of minced offal, oats, onion, and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. It is strongly associated with Edinburgh and Burns Night suppers.
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. Though originating in the northeast, it is a classic dish widely served in Edinburgh.
A small double-crust meat pie, usually filled with spiced minced lamb or mutton. It is a traditional Scottish bakery staple and a common quick bite in Edinburgh.
Long-established Edinburgh favourite serving modern Scottish dishes in a warm, relaxed setting. Good choice for haggis, seafood, and seasonal local produce.
Well-known gastropub by celebrated local chefs, offering refined Scottish pub food and a polished but comfortable atmosphere in Stockbridge.
Established seafood restaurant known for high-quality Scottish fish and shellfish, with a smart city-centre setting suited to a more upscale meal.
Costs are high by UK standards, especially for central hotels. Pubs and casual dining are manageable, but attractions and festival periods raise overall daily spend.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not already included. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not usually expected for counter service, pubs, or coffee shops, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh -> Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh
Buses connecting London and Edinburgh depart throughout the day, 7 days of the week. They take between around 10 and 16 hours to make the journey. Most services require at least one change.
National Express runs the bus route from London to Edinburgh. On trips that require passengers to change services, National Express operates all legs of the journey.
Buses between London and Edinburgh take up to around 16 hours to complete the journey, depending on departure time and whether or not the service incorporates any changes. The shortest trips, taking around 10 hours, are the direct services.
Passengers wanting to travel to Edinburgh from London by bus have a choice of up to 20 buses per day. Services are spaced out throughout the day, with the first leaving early in the morning. The last service of the day departs in the late evening, arriving in Edinburgh the following morning. The majority of services require at least one change, usually at Birmingham. Some also incorporate an additional change at Glasgow. However, one or two services every day run directly between London and Edinburgh, and do not require passengers to change coach. These direct services tend to leave London in the early morning and the late evening.
Departure Bus Station: buses depart from London Victoria bus station. Located in central London, Victoria bus station is 300 metres from Victoria railroad station, which is served by mainline rail links and London Underground's Victoria, District and Circle lines. Local buses stop directly outside Victoria bus station, and the nearest car parking is at the NCP car park on nearby Semley Place. Victoria bus station has a variety of refreshment facilities, waiting rooms and a left baggage office.
Arrival Bus Station: All services terminate at Edinburgh bus station. Situated on Elder Street, in the centre of the city, Edinburgh bus station offers a variety of onward transport options. Local buses serve the station and the Saint Andrew Square tram stop is a short walk away. There are also several nearby public cab ranks. The bus station itself has cycle racks, vending machines, a convenience shop and left baggage lockers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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 London to Edinburgh buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. Use this guide to compare London and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Caffè Nero (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3.
Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Ramps, assistance.
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