Plymouth to Edinburgh bus with National Express

Thu, May 07
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Plymouth to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for May 07

Cheapest price

$69

Average price

$79

Fastest journey

16 h 20 m

Average duration

18 h 55 m

Buses per day

4

Distance

624 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Plymouth to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Plymouth to Edinburgh will cost around $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.

Fast buses

Of the 4 buses that leave Plymouth for Edinburgh on Thu, May 07, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, May 07 the direct buses cover the 624 km distance in an average of 18 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 16 h 20 m .

On Thu, May 07 the slowest buses will take 21 h 48 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.

  • National Express
    12:30 AM18h25
    Plymouth
    6:55 PMEdinburgh
    $691One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    1:20 AM19h05
    Plymouth
    8:25 PMEdinburgh
    $801One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBus
    11:15 AM21h48
    Plymouth
    9:03 AMEdinburgh
    $811One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBus
    3:55 PM16h20
    Plymouth
    8:15 AMEdinburgh
    $871One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Plymouth to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Plymouth to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $45. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 38m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $45, and a flight costs an average of $185.

Distance: 387 miles (624 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

$85

Average price

Cheapest

$201

Average price

$274

Average price

$224

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

15h 55m

Average total duration

15h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 13m

Average total duration

8h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 38m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 38m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

9h 4m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.6 - 1.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.9 - 3.7kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Loganair

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Plymouth to Edinburgh is a bus with an average price of $85 (€68).

This is compared to other travel options from Plymouth to Edinburgh:

A bus is $117 (€93) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Plymouth to Edinburgh costing on average $201 (€161).

A bus is $190 (€152) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Plymouth to Edinburgh costing on average $274 (€219).

The fastest way to travel from Plymouth to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 38m.

Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:

Train takes on average 8h 43m.

Bus takes on average 15h 25m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Plymouth and Edinburgh including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Plymouth to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.

Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

Plymouth to Edinburgh Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:30AM
Arrival Time
06:35PM
Duration
18h05
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$136
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:20AM
Arrival Time
08:25PM
Duration
19h05
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:10AM
Arrival Time
08:25PM
Duration
15h15
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$118
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:00AM
Arrival Time
11:33PM
Duration
17h33
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:05AM
Arrival Time
06:25AM
Duration
19h20
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$84
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:30PM
Arrival Time
07:20AM
Duration
15h50
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$130
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:40PM
Arrival Time
08:34AM
Duration
16h54
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$48
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:15PM
Arrival Time
06:35PM
Duration
19h20
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$132
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:59PM
Arrival Time
07:09PM
Duration
19h10
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$73

Live departures

Plymouth to Edinburgh bus times

The table below shows live departures for Plymouth to Edinburgh buses for today, Wednesday, May 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressNX404 · NX59111:15 PM Plymouth, Coach Station
19h20
6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus11:59 PM Plymouth, Coach Station
19h10
7:09 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South2 transfers
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus11:59 PM Plymouth, Coach Station
17h36
5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus11:59 PM Plymouth, Coach Station
21h14
9:13 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB)2 transfers
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus11:59 PM Plymouth, Coach Station
21h19
9:18 PM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF)2 transfers
national_express12:30 AM Plymouth
18h25
6:55 PM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect
national_express1:20 AM Plymouth
19h05
8:25 PM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbus11:15 AM Plymouth
21h48
9:03 AM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbus3:55 PM Plymouth
16h20
8:15 AM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Plymouth 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.

Thu
May 07
Fri
May 08
Sat
May 09
Sun
May 10
Mon
May 11
Tue
May 12
Wed
May 13

Why should you book Plymouth to Edinburgh buses with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Plymouth to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Plymouth to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Plymouth to Edinburgh.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Plymouth to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Plymouth to Edinburgh.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Plymouth to Edinburgh.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Plymouth to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Plymouth to Edinburgh run on average 12 times per day, taking around 15h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $45 (€36) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 387 miles (624 km) distance in 14h 45m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
387 miles (624 km)
Average bus duration
15h 25m
Cheapest ticket price
$45 (€36)
Buses per day
12
Fastest bus
14h 45m
First bus
12:30 AM
Last bus
11:40 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
28 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Plymouth to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Plymouth to Edinburgh with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $45 (€36). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
16h 20m
Cheapest Price
$45 (€36)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 45m
Cheapest Price
$47 (€37)
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

FAQs: Bus from Plymouth to Edinburgh

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Plymouth 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Plymouth to Edinburgh can start from as little as $45 (€36) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Plymouth to Edinburgh is $85 (€68) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Plymouth to Edinburgh is 14h 45m to travel the 387 miles (624 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Plymouth to Edinburgh leaves at 12:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Plymouth to Edinburgh leaves at 11:40 PM.
There are 12 buses a day from Plymouth to Edinburgh which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Plymouth to Edinburgh, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Plymouth and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Edinburgh from Plymouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 14h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Plymouth to Edinburgh is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Plymouth and Edinburgh including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Plymouth to Edinburgh:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Plymouth to Edinburgh for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Edinburgh are:
  • 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.
The best things to do in Edinburgh include:
  • 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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Plymouth to Edinburgh depends on the bus companies:
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Plymouth to Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Plymouth to Edinburgh:
  • 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Plymouth to Edinburgh:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Plymouth to Edinburgh. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Plymouth to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Plymouth to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Plymouth to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Plymouth nor Edinburgh are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Plymouth to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Edinburgh, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Royal Mile and public transport. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers who don’t use the meter. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers near popular attractions to prevent fraud.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Plymouth to Edinburgh

Plymouth
Edinburgh
The major bus station for departures in Plymouth is Plymouth, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Plymouth, Coach Station for your trip from Plymouth to Edinburgh.
Plymouth, Coach Station
information

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