- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum with collections spanning natural history, science, design, fashion, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$46
Average price
$58
Fastest journey
6 h 12 m
Average duration
6 h 28 m
Buses per day
18
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 $46.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 $33. 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 $33, and a flight costs an average of $138.
Distance: 175 miles (282 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$51 Average price Cheapest | $82 Average price | $265 Average price | $121 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 $31 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Edinburgh costing on average $82 (€66).
A bus is $214 (€172) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Edinburgh costing on average $265 (€214).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 18m.
Bus takes on average 5h 11m.
Tickets start at around $51 (€41) compared to roughly $121 (€98) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $70 (€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, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
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 12:00PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 11:41PM | Duration 7h31 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Edinburgh buses for today, Friday, June 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h36 | 11:46 PM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 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 | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h31 | 11:41 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h15 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
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 | 6h12 | 8:22 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 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 | 6h27 | 8:37 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h21 | 8:31 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h34 | 8:44 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX183 | Delayed 9:10 AM 9:50 AMManchester, Coach Station | 7h25 | 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 | On time 10:55 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h40 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX183 | On time 1:05 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h05 | 8:10 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h25 | 9:45 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX172 · NX180 | On time 9:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 10h55 | 8:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 $33 (€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 $33 (€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 with collections spanning natural history, science, design, fashion, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.
The national art gallery in central Edinburgh, known for European masters and Scottish art. Easy to combine with Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Mile.
A striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of people who shaped Scottish history and culture. Popular for both the collection and the architecture.
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street, linking the castle and Holyroodhouse through closes, courtyards, shops, and major heritage sites.
A central public garden below the castle with iconic skyline views, floral displays, and easy access to both Old and New Town sights.
One of the city’s classic viewpoints, known for panoramic views, monuments, and sunrise or sunset photography. Especially popular on social media.
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a savory pudding traditionally made with minced offal, oats, onion, and spices, served with mashed turnips and potatoes.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, closely associated with the northeast but widely loved in Edinburgh.
A hearty traditional soup made with barley, root vegetables, and usually lamb or mutton, valued as classic Scottish comfort food.
A popular gastropub by Tom Kitchin serving refined Scottish pub classics in a warm, stylish, and relaxed setting.
A long-established local favorite serving traditional Scottish dishes with local ingredients in a comfortable, accessible city-center setting.
One of Scotland’s oldest pubs, offering classic Scottish food and a historic tavern atmosphere slightly outside the city center.
Expensive by UK standards. Hotels peak in summer and festival season, while pubs and casual dining are more manageable.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not already included. Round up for taxis. Tips are optional in pubs and cafes.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh -> Edinburgh Waverley Station, 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.
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.

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