- 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
€39
Average price
€50
Fastest journey
6 h 40 m
Average duration
8 h 9 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
260 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from York to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from York to Edinburgh will cost around €50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €39.
It's difficult to get from York to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
YC843 · NX172 · NX598
FlixBus · FlixBus
YC843 · NX183
NX561 · NX591
NX561 · NX591
YC843 · NX183
YC843 · NX172 · NX598
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from York 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 train which can get you there in 2h 39m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €24, and a train costs an average of €32.
Distance: 161 miles (260 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€39 Average price Cheapest | €55 Average price | €94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 34m Average total duration 5h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 York to Edinburgh:
A bus is €16 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from York to Edinburgh costing on average €55.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 4m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:11AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 7h04 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:21AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 6h54 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:51AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 6h59 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:12PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 9h28 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €36 |
The table below shows live departures for York to Edinburgh buses for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
YC840 · NX183 | 10:11 AM York, Station Rd | 7h04 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX561 · NX591 | 11:55 AM York, Station Rd | 6h40 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, August 24 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 AM York, Train Station | 9h35 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 York to Edinburgh run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €24 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:28. The fastest bus covers the 161 miles (260 km) distance in 6h 39m.
Distance 161 miles (260 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price €24 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 6h 39m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 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 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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from York 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 York to Edinburgh buses use the York, Station Rd to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. Use this guide to compare York and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
York, Station Rd has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at York, Station Rd. ATMs are available at York, Station Rd.
Ticket office support is available at York, Station Rd.
Available at York, Station Rd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at York, Station Rd: Accessible with ramps for wheelchairs.
York, Rail Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at York, Rail Station. ATMs are available at York, Rail Station.
Ticket office support is available at York, Rail Station.
Available at York, Rail Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at York, Rail Station: Standard accessibility features available.
York, Train Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Available in waiting areas. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at York, Train Station.
Available at York, Train Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at York, Train Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and exits.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need