4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Edinburgh
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$62
Fastest journey
6 h 45 m
Average duration
7 h 3 m
Buses per day
16
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 $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Manchester to Edinburgh
Omio 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 €24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 9m. 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 €24, and a flight costs an average of €98.
Distance: 175 miles (282 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€43 Average price Cheapest | €69 Average price | €205 Average price |
6h 16m Average total duration 5h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration 3h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Manchester to Edinburgh Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 09:21AM | Duration 7h11 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 11:41PM | Duration 7h31 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 8h06 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Live departures
Manchester to Edinburgh bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Edinburgh buses for today, Sunday, November 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 10:59 PM Manchester | 8h06 | 7:05 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, December 1 | |||||
| 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 | 7h11 | 9:21 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PE-PU) | 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 | 7h05 | 9:15 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h19 | 9:29 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h53 | 9:03 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:40 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h55 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX170 · NX183 | Delayed 3:20 PM 9:55 AMManchester, Coach Station | 7h25 | 5:20 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX171 · NX591 | Delayed 2:05 PM 11:10 AMManchester, Coach Station | 7h45 | 6:55 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 9h45 | 9:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX170 · NX183 | Delayed 3:20 PM 12:40 PMManchester, Coach Station | 7h50 | 8:30 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 | 7h43 | 11:53 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 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 | 7h36 | 11:46 PM Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PE-PU) | 1 transfer | |
| NX172 · NX180 | On time 11:59 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h06 | 8:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Edinburgh by train, bus, or flight
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.
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
Dec 05
Dec 06
Dec 07
Dec 08
Dec 09
Dec 10
Dec 11
Dec 12
Dec 13
Dec 14
Dec 15
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 21
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Edinburgh run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $30 (€24) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:20, 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 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€24) |
Buses per day 11 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 12m |
First bus 00:20 |
Last bus 23:51 |
Bus providers: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus from Manchester to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Edinburgh with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for as low as $30 (€24). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
Megabus
Buses from Manchester to Edinburgh
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.
Which bus companies travel from Manchester to Edinburgh?
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.
How long is the bus from Manchester to Edinburgh?
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.
How many buses are there from Manchester to Edinburgh?
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.
What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Manchester to Edinburgh?
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.
FAQs: Bus from Manchester to Edinburgh
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.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Manchester, Coach Station, which is located around 0.9 miles (1.5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0.4 miles (687 m) away from the city centre.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Manchester to Edinburgh, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- 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).
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Manchester to Edinburgh
WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
- 05:00-23:30
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside the interchange.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Sandwich Shop (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 10, 11, 12, 16, 22, 25, 26, 44 Trams: T50 Trains: Edinburgh Waverley Station
Accessibility- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
More options for your journey from Manchester to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Edinburgh and Manchester
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.
