- 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
$58
Fastest journey
6 h 24 m
Average duration
6 h 43 m
Buses per day
15
Distance
282 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester 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 to Edinburgh will cost around $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
NX172 · NX180
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX170 · NX591Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $136.
Distance: 175 miles (282 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$50 Average price Cheapest | $80 Average price | $260 Average price | $119 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 48m Average total duration 4h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 57m Average total duration Fastest 2h 57m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.7kg 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 Manchester to Edinburgh:
A bus is $30 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Edinburgh costing on average $80 (€66).
A bus is $210 (€172) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Edinburgh costing on average $260 (€214).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 18m.
Bus takes on average 5h 11m.
Tickets start at around $50 (€41) compared to roughly $119 (€98) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $69 (€57). The journey takes 5h 11m versus 4h 21m 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 12:15AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 08:34AM | Duration 6h24 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 11:33PM | Duration 7h23 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $55 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Edinburgh buses for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX170 · NX183 | 9:40 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h35 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:20 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h15 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX591 | 11:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h00 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:00 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h50 | 8:50 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h31 | 11:41 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h23 | 11:33 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h43 | 11:53 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX172 · NX180 | 9:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 10h55 | 8:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h15 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, July 22 | |||||
NX172 · NX180 | 12:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h50 | 8:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX181 · NX591 | 1:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h50 | 10:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h45 | 8:55 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h36 | 8:46 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h24 | 8:34 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h52 | 9:02 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Manchester to Edinburgh run on average 14 times per day, taking around 5h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:51. The fastest bus covers the 175 miles (282 km) distance in 6h 12m.
Distance 175 miles (282 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 6h 12m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:51 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 63 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 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.
Each day, four buses leave Manchester heading to the Scottish capital. Of these, two are direct, while the others involve a change at Leeds bus Station. Services continue through the weekend, with journey times ranging from six hours 20 minutes to eight hours 15 minutes. Whenever passengers decide to travel, there are options readily available, all week long.
National Express is the sole provider of buses from Manchester to Edinburgh. Across their fleet, National Express offers every passenger free WiFi, charging sockets, comfortable seating and the option to bring two 20kg pieces of baggage to be stored in the hold, as well as their hand baggage.
Coach times vary, taking into consideration whether the journey is direct or not, wait time at transfer stations, and traffic congestion during peak travel time. The shortest journey leaves Manchester in the early hours of the morning, not long after 1:00 a.m., arriving in Edinburgh six hours 20 minutes later. The longest journey is the indirect route, leaving Manchester at 11:30 a.m. with an almost two-hour wait at Leeds bus Station.
Each day, there are four departures from Manchester heading to Edinburgh Elder Street. Of these, half are direct, while the other half involve a transfer at Leeds bus Station. The schedule remains the same, seven days a week. Departures are usually grouped as two around lunchtime and the remaining two either side of midnight.
Departure bus station: Passengers will join the service at Manchester bus Station, found directly in the heart of Manchester. The station is a 10-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly train station, which is the busiest of the five train stations in the city. To reach the bus stop, passengers can make use of the extensive bus or tram network that runs across Manchester.
Arrival bus station: Buses from Manchester to Edinburgh complete their journey at Edinburgh Elder Street. The centrally located station is a short walk from Edinburgh Waverley train station, where passengers can organise onward travel. The location is convenient for those wishing to visit Edinburgh's tourist attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle or the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, both of which are within walking distance.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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 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 and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Coach 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), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, 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.
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