- 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
$29
Average price
$51
Fastest journey
7 h 20 m
Average duration
8 h 50 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
359 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Nottingham to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Nottingham to Edinburgh will cost around $51 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Of the 9 buses that leave Nottingham for Edinburgh on Mon, Jun 01, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct buses cover the 359 km distance in an average of 8 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 20 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest buses will take 10 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX183
NX180
NX183
NX180
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Nottingham to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 15m. 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 $27, and a train costs an average of $58.
Distance: 223 miles (359 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$43 Average price Cheapest | $160 Average price | $138 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 16m Average total duration 6h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 45m Average total duration Fastest 5h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Nottingham to Edinburgh:
A bus is $117 (€94) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nottingham to Edinburgh costing on average $160 (€129).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 46m.
Tickets start at around $43 (€35) compared to roughly $138 (€111) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $94 (€76). The journey takes 6h 46m versus 5h 19m 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 National Express, FlixBus, 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 12:45AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 11:41AM | Duration 10h26 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 10h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 12h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $52 |
The table below shows live departures for Nottingham to Edinburgh buses for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 AM Nottingham, Millennium Way East (Phoenix Park P+R) | 8h40 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX183 | 9:55 AM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 7h20 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX240 · NX180 | 8:25 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 11h40 | 8:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, June 1 | |||||
NX180 | 12:45 AM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 7h20 | 8:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Nottingham to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 223 miles (359 km) distance in 6h 30m.
Distance 223 miles (359 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 6h 30m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 49 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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nottingham 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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