- 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.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester 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 Manchester Airport to Edinburgh will cost around $52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.
On Sat, Oct 31, we found 7 buses from Manchester Airport to Edinburgh, including 7 direct services.
On Sat, Oct 31 the direct buses cover the 294 km distance in an average of 10 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 40 m .
On Sat, Oct 31 the slowest buses will take 16 h 5 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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Buses from Manchester Airport to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 7h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:35, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 6h 20m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Manchester Airport to Edinburgh.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 16h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:45AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Transpennine Express | Departure Time 07:29AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 5h51 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 16h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 16h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 16h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 16h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:35PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester Airport to Edinburgh buses for today, Friday, October 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:35 AM Manchester Airport | 10h00 | 4:35 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:00 PM Manchester Airport | 16h25 | 6:25 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:20 PM Manchester Airport | 16h05 | 6:25 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:25 PM Manchester Airport | 8h40 | 7:05 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:40 PM Manchester Airport | 8h25 | 7:05 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:45 PM Manchester Airport | 9h40 | 9:25 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, October 31 | |||||
![]() | 12:45 AM Manchester Airport | 9h40 | 10:25 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Manchester Airport to Edinburgh with National Express and FlixBus. Overnight buses available on this route with National Express and FlixBus. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Edinburgh.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.

Most Manchester Airport to Edinburgh buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. Use this guide to compare Manchester Airport and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1) is 4 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1). ATMs are available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1).
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1).
Available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1): Bus stop is accessible with a curbside stop.