- 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.
Cheapest price
$48
Average price
$61
Fastest journey
8 h
Average duration
8 h 38 m
Buses per day
6
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 $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
It's difficult to get from Manchester Airport to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
NX172 · NX180
NX181 · NX591
NX170 · NX183
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX170 · NX591
NX170 · NX183
NX170 · NX591
NX172 · NX180
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX181 · NX591Omio 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 $136.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$46 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price | $188 Average price | $122 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 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester Airport to Edinburgh costing on average $71.
A bus is $142 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester Airport to Edinburgh costing on average $188.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Flight takes on average 5h 22m.
Bus takes on average 6h 16m.
Tickets start at around $46 compared to roughly $122 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $76. 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 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 $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $48 |
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, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $54 |
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, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 16h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
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 | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester Airport to Edinburgh buses for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:55 PM Manchester, Airport | 8h50 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX172 · NX180 | 11:40 PM Manchester, Airport | 8h25 | 8:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, August 1 | |||||
NX181 · NX591 | 12:45 AM Manchester, 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 | |
NX170 · NX183 | 9:15 AM Manchester, Airport | 8h00 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX591 | 10:20 AM Manchester, Airport | 8h15 | 6:35 PM 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 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 |
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 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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need