- 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.
Cheapest price
$44
Average price
$52
Fastest journey
7 h 35 m
Average duration
8 h 7 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
294 km
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 $44.
It's difficult to get from Manchester Airport to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
NX172 · NX180
NX181 · NX591
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX170 · NX183
NX170 · NX591
NX170 · NX591
NX170 · NX183
NX170 · NX183
NX172 · NX180
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester Airport to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a flight costs an average of $137.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$46 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price | $189 Average price | $123 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 46m Average total duration 6h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 22m Average total duration 5h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester Airport to Edinburgh:
A bus is $25 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester Airport to Edinburgh costing on average $71 (€58).
A bus is $143 (€116) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester Airport to Edinburgh costing on average $189 (€153).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Flight takes on average 5h 22m.
Bus takes on average 6h 16m.
Tickets start at around $46 (€37) compared to roughly $123 (€100) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $77 (€62). The journey takes 6h 16m versus 4h 10m 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 Megabus.
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 National Express | Departure Time 12:45AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Transpennine Express | Departure Time 07:29AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 5h51 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 16h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 16h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 16h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 16h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester Airport to Edinburgh buses for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX181 · NX591 | Delayed 3:35 AM 12:45 AMManchester, Airport | 9h40 | 10:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:35 AM Manchester, Airport | 10h00 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:55 PM Manchester, Airport | 8h50 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, June 17 | |||||
NX181 · NX591 | 12:45 AM Manchester, Airport | 9h40 | 10:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 Manchester Airport to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 5h 51m.
Distance 182 miles (294 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 5h 51m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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 covering history, science, design and world cultures in a landmark Victorian building. A top all-round visit in the city.
Major national art gallery on The Mound with Scottish and European masterpieces. Central, elegant and one of Edinburgh’s classic cultural stops.
Striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of figures from Scottish history and culture. Well regarded for both the collection and the building itself.
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, courtyards, shops and major sights.
One of Edinburgh’s essential viewpoints, especially popular for sunrise and sunset photography. Famous for sweeping views over the city and 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.
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
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
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
A polished gastropub from Tom Kitchin, known for refined Scottish pub classics, seasonal produce and a warm neighbourhood atmosphere
A long-established seafood restaurant popular for Scottish mussels, fish dishes and a relaxed city-centre setting
A respected upscale seafood restaurant focused on high-quality Scottish fish and shellfish in an elegant contemporary space
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities, especially for hotels and dining in the centre during peak season.
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.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh -> Edinburgh Waverley Station, 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.

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