- 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 on Oct 20
$43
Average ticket price on Oct 20
$69
Fastest journey on Oct 20
6 h 24 m
Average journey duration on Oct 20
6 h 39 m
Buses on Oct 20
19
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 $69 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $43.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
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NX170 · NX591Buses from Manchester to Edinburgh run on average 15 times per day, taking around 6h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 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 5h 7m.
Distance 175 miles (282 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 5h 7m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:51 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 84 days |
| 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 Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10AM | Arrival Time 07:41AM | Duration 7h31 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:20AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:42AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h33 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:52AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 8h23 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days 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 $75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:07AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 7h28 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:47AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 6h48 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 11:33PM | Duration 7h23 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $60 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Edinburgh buses for today, Monday, October 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX170 · NX172 · NX598 | 9:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 10h30 | 7:40 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h20 | 7:50 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, October 20 | |||||
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 | 6h43 | 8:53 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 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 | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h36 | 8:46 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX183 | 7:42 AM Manchester, Miles Platting | 9h33 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
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 | |
NX170 · NX591 | 11:47 AM Manchester, Miles Platting | 6h48 | 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 | 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 West (Stop PF) | 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 | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1) is 4 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1). ATMs are available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1).
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1).
Available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1): Bus stop is accessible with a curbside stop.
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