- 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.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bristol to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Edinburgh will cost around $94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
It's difficult to get from Bristol to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
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NX101 · NX180
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NX040 · NX591
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Buses from Bristol to Edinburgh run on average 22 times per day, taking around 11h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 but you can travel from only $29 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 311 miles (502 km) distance in 9h 25m.
Distance 311 miles (502 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 |
Buses per day 22 |
Fastest bus 9h 25m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Bristol to Edinburgh.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 07:09PM | Duration 15h54 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 14h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 10:21PM | Duration 13h26 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 11:46PM | Duration 14h11 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 11:33PM | Duration 12h33 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 11:03PM | Duration 11h18 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 16h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 13h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $46 |
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Edinburgh buses for today, Thursday, November 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:40 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 12h45 | 6:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX201 · NX594 | 6:05 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 13h15 | 7:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:35 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 11h40 | 7:15 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:55 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 13h34 | 9:29 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:55 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 13h08 | 9:03 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:55 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 13h26 | 9:21 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:55 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 13h20 | 9:15 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:55 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 11h55 | 7:50 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, November 13 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:15 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 14h20 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:15 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 15h54 | 7:09 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 2 transfers | |
NX040 · NX591 | 4:30 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 14h20 | 6:50 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 11h55 | 8:50 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 13h26 | 10:21 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:35 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 14h11 | 11:46 PM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:35 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 13h58 | 11:33 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:35 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 14h06 | 11:41 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:35 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 14h18 | 11:53 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX040 · NX594 | 2:35 PM Bristol, University Queens Road | 16h45 | 7:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Edinburgh.
The average journey from the historic port of Bristol to Scotland's picturesque capital city usually lasts around 12 hours. During the working week, the choice is mainly between morning or mid-evening departures, but there are slightly more options on Sundays.
Right now, National Express is the sole provider of buses between Bristol and Edinburgh. It offers a range of direct and indirect services throughout the week.
The trip between Bristol and Edinburgh can take from 11 to 13 hours by coach. The vast majority of buses call for passengers to transfer once or twice, but more changes doesn't necessarily equate to a longer journey time.
There are generally around six buses going from Bristol to Edinburgh on weekdays. However, most of these leave at the same time (around 8:30 a.m.). Another departure in mid-morning and an overnighter at 8:00 p.m. or thereabouts complete the schedule. It's the same on Saturdays, but on Sundays there can be as many as nine coaches, with a couple of additional departures in the late afternoon.
Departure Station: The Marlborough Street bus and bus station is a five minute stroll from the Cabot Circus and Galleries Shopping Centres and St James' Park, with several hotels in close proximity. Open 24 hours a day, it has a newsagents, coffee shop, diner and payphones. It's easily accessible by bus from the airport and other parts of the city. Motorists meanwhile can use the nearby St James Barton car park or a drop off point on Cannon Street.
Arrival Station: Well located for day trippers, Edinburgh's Elder Street Bus Station is just a few minutes on foot from the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and city center retail destinations like Harvey Nichols. It's closed from midnight to 4:30 a.m., but otherwise open seven days a week. It has a newsagents, cafeteria, cash machine, baby changing facilities, baggage lockers, lavatories, a WH Smith, bike rack and charging points. There's a cab rank close by on St Andrews Street, and the station serves as a hub for buses to Glasgow, Aberdeen and other cities.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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 Bristol to Edinburgh buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bristol, University Queens Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and eateries in vicinity.
Wi-Fi is available at Bristol, University Queens Road. ATMs are aTMs available at nearby locations.
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, University Queens Road.
Available at Bristol, University Queens Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, University Queens Road: Wheelchair accessible via ramps.
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