- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum covering history, science, design and world cultures in a landmark Victorian building. A top all-round visit in the city.
Cheapest price
$43
Average price
$60
Fastest journey
8 h 10 m
Average duration
8 h 25 m
Buses per day
19
Distance
395 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Birmingham to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Edinburgh will cost around $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $43.
Of the 19 buses that leave Birmingham for Edinburgh on Sat, Jun 20, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 395 km distance in an average of 8 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 10 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 8 h 39 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.
NX180
NX183
NX183
NX181 · NX591
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX183
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a train costs an average of $38.
Distance: 245 miles (395 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$44 Average price Cheapest | $126 Average price | $120 Average price | $157 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 1m Average total duration 8h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration 3h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 41m Average total duration Fastest 2h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.4kg 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 Birmingham to Edinburgh:
A bus is $75 (€62) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Birmingham to Edinburgh costing on average $120 (€98).
A bus is $81 (€67) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Edinburgh costing on average $126 (€103).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 54m.
Bus takes on average 8h 31m.
Tickets start at around $44 (€36) compared to roughly $157 (€129) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $113 (€93). The journey takes 8h 31m versus 5h 27m 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, 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 11:53PM | Duration 10h13 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $53 |
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Edinburgh buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:00 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 10h35 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX183 | Delayed 4:15 PM 7:30 AMBirmingham, Coach Station | 9h45 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 AM Birmingham | 12h50 | 8:50 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX131 · NX591 | 9:30 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 9h20 | 6:50 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:55 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 9h55 | 8:50 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX183 | Delayed 4:15 PM 12:00 PMBirmingham, Coach Station | 8h40 | 8:40 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 10h13 | 11:53 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 9h53 | 11:33 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 10h06 | 11:46 PM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 10h01 | 11:41 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:40 PM Birmingham | 12h45 | 6:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:30 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 11h55 | 6:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:00 PM Birmingham | 12h45 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 PM Birmingham | 12h15 | 8:15 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:55 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 9h50 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX180 | On time 10:30 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 9h35 | 8:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX181 · NX591 | 11:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 11h25 | 10:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 8h17 | 8:22 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 8h32 | 8:37 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 8h39 | 8:44 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 8h50 | 8:55 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 8h26 | 8:31 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Birmingham to Edinburgh run on average 16 times per day, taking around 8h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $28 (€23) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 245 miles (395 km) distance in 8h 10m.
Distance 245 miles (395 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€23) |
Buses per day 16 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 8h 10m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 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 covering history, science, design and world cultures in a landmark Victorian building. A top all-round visit in the city.
Major national art gallery on The Mound with Scottish and European masterpieces. Central, elegant and one of Edinburgh’s classic cultural stops.
Striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of figures from Scottish history and culture. Well regarded for both the collection and the building itself.
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, courtyards, shops and major sights.
One of Edinburgh’s essential viewpoints, especially popular for sunrise and sunset photography. Famous for sweeping views over the city and Arthur’s Seat.
Ancient volcanic peak in Holyrood Park with the city’s most famous hike and outstanding panoramic views. A classic outdoor Edinburgh experience.
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a peppery savoury pudding traditionally made with oats and offal, served with mashed turnips and potatoes. It is strongly associated with Edinburgh and Burns supps
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Though from Cullen, it is a classic on Edinburgh menus and a comforting local staple
A traditional hearty soup of barley, root vegetables and usually lamb or mutton. It is a long-standing Scottish comfort food commonly found in pubs and cafes
A polished gastropub from Tom Kitchin, known for refined Scottish pub classics, seasonal produce and a warm neighbourhood atmosphere
A long-established seafood restaurant popular for Scottish mussels, fish dishes and a relaxed city-centre setting
A respected upscale seafood restaurant focused on high-quality Scottish fish and shellfish in an elegant contemporary space
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities, especially for hotels and dining in the centre during peak season.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Rounding up is common in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh -> Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham 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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