Luton to Edinburgh bus with National Express

Thu, Jul 09
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Luton to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for Jul 09

Cheapest price

$42

Average price

$65

Fastest journey

9 h 40 m

Average duration

10 h 2 m

Buses per day

13

Distance

488 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Luton to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Luton to Edinburgh will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Luton to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX707 · NX598
    9:40 PM10h00
    Luton, Station Interchange
    7:40 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    $421One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX737 · NX591
    8:55 AM9h40
    Luton, Station Interchange
    6:35 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    $441One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX707 · NX598
    10:00 PM9h40
    Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
    7:40 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    $461One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX737 · NX591
    8:45 AM9h50
    Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
    6:35 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    $491One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    9:10 PM11h05
    Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
    8:15 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    $551One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Luton to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Luton 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 flight which can get you there in 1h 23m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, and a train costs an average of $67.

Distance: 303 miles (488 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Flight
Train
Driving

$55

Average price

Cheapest

$78

Average price

$147

Average price

$168

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

10h 13m

Average total duration

9h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 23m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 23m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

5h 49m

Average total duration

5h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 45m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

1.5 - 2.9kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

easyJet

Most popular airline

London North Eastern Railway

Most popular train company

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Luton to Edinburgh is a bus with an average price of $55 (€45).

This is compared to other travel options from Luton to Edinburgh:

A bus is $23 (€19) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Luton to Edinburgh costing on average $78 (€64).

A bus is $92 (€76) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Luton to Edinburgh costing on average $147 (€121).

The fastest way to travel from Luton to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 23m.

Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 19m.

Bus takes on average 9h 43m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Luton and Edinburgh including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Luton 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.

Luton to Edinburgh Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:35AM
Arrival Time
05:15PM
Duration
15h40
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$80
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:55AM
Arrival Time
05:15PM
Duration
15h20
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$80
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:05AM
Arrival Time
05:35PM
Duration
11h30
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30AM
Arrival Time
06:35PM
Duration
10h05
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
$45
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:40AM
Arrival Time
06:35PM
Duration
9h55
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
$42
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:45AM
Arrival Time
06:35PM
Duration
9h50
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$49
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:50AM
Arrival Time
06:35PM
Duration
9h45
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$50
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:55AM
Arrival Time
06:35PM
Duration
9h40
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$44
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:00AM
Arrival Time
06:35PM
Duration
9h35
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$53
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:05PM
Arrival Time
06:25AM
Duration
13h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
$55
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:30PM
Arrival Time
06:25AM
Duration
11h55
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$56
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45PM
Arrival Time
07:20AM
Duration
12h35
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$82
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00PM
Arrival Time
07:20AM
Duration
12h20
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$70
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:05PM
Arrival Time
07:20AM
Duration
12h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$82
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:45PM
Arrival Time
07:45AM
Duration
11h00
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$63
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:10PM
Arrival Time
08:15AM
Duration
11h05
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$55
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:15PM
Arrival Time
08:15AM
Duration
11h00
Departure days
Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:40PM
Arrival Time
07:40AM
Duration
10h00
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$42
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:00PM
Arrival Time
07:40AM
Duration
9h40
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$46

Live departures

Luton to Edinburgh bus times

The table below shows live departures for Luton to Edinburgh buses for today, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX707 · NX183
Delayed
7:10 PM 1:35 AMLuton, Station Interchange
15h40
5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX707 · NX183
Delayed
6:35 PM 1:55 AMLuton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
15h20
5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:30 PM Luton
11h55
6:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNXA2 · NX594
On time
7:00 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
12h20
7:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
1 transfer
National ExpressLU757 · NX594
On time
7:05 PM Luton, Station Interchange
12h15
7:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:45 PM Luton
11h00
7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus9:10 PM Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
11h05
8:15 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX707 · NX598
On time
9:40 PM Luton, Station Interchange
10h00
7:40 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX707 · NX598
On time
10:00 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
9h40
7:40 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
1 transfer
Thursday, July 9
National ExpressNX707 · NX183
On time
1:35 AM Luton, Station Interchange
15h40
5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:05 AM Luton
11h30
5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX737 · NX5918:45 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
9h50
6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX737 · NX5918:55 AM Luton, Station Interchange
9h40
6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Luton to Edinburgh by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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.

Thu
Jul 09
Fri
Jul 10
Sat
Jul 11
Sun
Jul 12
Mon
Jul 13
Tue
Jul 14
Wed
Jul 15

Why should you book Luton to Edinburgh buses with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Luton to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Luton to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Luton to Edinburgh.
  • 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Luton to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Luton to Edinburgh.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Luton to Edinburgh.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Luton to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Luton to Edinburgh run on average 10 times per day, taking around 9h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $30 (€25) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by flight.

The earliest bus runs at 01:35, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 303 miles (488 km) distance in 9h 40m.

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 $22 (€18)
Distance
303 miles (488 km)
Average bus duration
9h 43m
Cheapest ticket price
$30 (€25)
Buses per day
10
Fastest bus
9h 40m
First bus
1:35 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
35 days
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 $22 (€18)

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Luton to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Luton to Edinburgh with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $22 (€18). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 15m
Cheapest Price
$30 (€25)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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
9h 40m
Cheapest Price
$38 (€31)
National Express frequency
8 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

National Museum of Scotland

Scotland’s flagship museum covering science, world cultures, design, fashion, and Scottish history in one major city-centre complex.

  • Must visit

Scottish National Gallery

The principal national art gallery in central Edinburgh, known for Scottish and European masterpieces and an easy-to-visit Princes Street Gardens setting.

  • Recommended

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

A striking neo-Gothic gallery dedicated to portraits of figures from Scottish history, with strong permanent displays and temporary exhibitions.

Pound Sterling

Edinburgh is pricey by UK standards, especially in August. Dining and hotels cost more than in many other British cities.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
GBP 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for pubs or takeaway, but small change is appreciated.

FAQs: Bus from Luton to Edinburgh

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Luton to Edinburgh can start from as little as $30 (€25) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Luton to Edinburgh is $55 (€45) ; 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 Luton to Edinburgh is 9h 40m to travel the 303 miles (488 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 Luton to Edinburgh leaves at 1:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Luton to Edinburgh leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 10 buses a day from Luton to Edinburgh which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Luton to Edinburgh, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Luton and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Luton , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, Luton, Station Interchange, Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) . When arriving in Edinburgh , you can end your journey in bus stations like Edinburgh, Bus Station .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, which is located around 1 miles (2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Edinburgh from Luton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Luton to Edinburgh is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Luton and Edinburgh including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Luton to Edinburgh for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Luton to Edinburgh:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Luton 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.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
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 Luton to Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Luton to Edinburgh:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Luton to Edinburgh:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Luton to Edinburgh. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Luton to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Luton to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Luton to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Luton 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 flight as it is the most popular way to get from Luton 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 Luton to Edinburgh

Most Luton to Edinburgh buses use the Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Luton and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Luton
Arrival bus stations in Edinburgh

Which Luton station do buses to Edinburgh leave from?

Buses from Luton to Edinburgh leave from Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station. The station is 1 miles (3 km) from Luton city centre at Luton Airport, Airport Way, Luton LU2 9LU, UK.
Luton, Station Interchange
City-centre transport

Getting to Luton, Station Interchange from Luton city centre

Bus17 · 7m · $2 · every ~2 min
Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
City-centre transport

Getting to Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) from Luton city centre

BusZ · 11m · $2 · every ~15 min
A · 1h 5m · $2 · every ~13 min

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone