- 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
$52
Average price
$81
Fastest journey
7 h 50 m
Average duration
8 h 32 m
Buses per day
33
Distance
534 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Edinburgh will cost around $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
Of the 33 buses that leave London for Edinburgh on Sat, Jun 20, 13 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 534 km distance in an average of 8 h 32 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 50 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 9 h 10 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
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FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, and a flight costs an average of $26.
Distance: 331 miles (534 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$60 Average price Cheapest | $124 Average price | $138 Average price | $196 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 14m Average total duration 5h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 6m Average total duration 4h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 21m Average total duration Fastest 4h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.2kg 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 London to Edinburgh:
A bus is $65 (€53) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Edinburgh costing on average $124 (€102).
A bus is $78 (€64) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Edinburgh costing on average $138 (€113).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 36m.
Bus takes on average 5h 44m.
You'll arrive about 2h 10m sooner (5h 44m by bus vs 7h 54m by car) and save roughly $136 (€112) compared to fuel and tolls ($60 (€49) vs $196 (€160)). 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 Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
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 12:25AM | Arrival Time 11:41AM | Duration 11h16 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 10:21PM | Duration 11h21 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 18h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 17h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 10:09AM | Duration 13h39 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 08:34AM | Duration 11h34 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 11:41AM | Duration 13h11 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 10:18AM | Duration 11h18 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 17h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 11:41AM | Duration 11h42 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $48 |
The table below shows live departures for London 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 | 7:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 10h05 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h39 | 7:09 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 8:00 AM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 9h35 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 AM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h09 | 7:09 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
NX591 | 8:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 10h20 | 6:50 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX426 · NX183 | On time 9:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h10 | 8:40 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h21 | 10:21 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 11:00 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 9h50 | 8:50 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:40 AM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 9h10 | 8:50 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:40 AM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 10h41 | 10:21 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX444 · NX594 | 1:50 PM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 17h30 | 7:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NX035 · NX594 | 1:50 PM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 17h30 | 7:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:30 PM London, Victoria Green Line Coach Station | 13h39 | 10:09 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h22 | 8:22 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h37 | 8:37 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h31 | 8:31 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h44 | 8:44 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 transfer | |
NX594 | 9:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 9h50 | 7:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 8h55 | 6:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h14 | 8:44 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h01 | 8:31 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 10h52 | 8:22 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h07 | 8:37 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:55 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 8h30 | 6:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX598 | 10:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 9h40 | 7:40 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 9h45 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h39 | 10:09 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 10:30 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 9h15 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h54 | 10:24 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h48 | 10:18 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
NX595 · NX591 | On time 11:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h25 | 10:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h18 | 10:18 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h09 | 10:09 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h32 | 10:32 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h24 | 10:24 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 1 transfer | |
NX444 · NX210 · NX183 | On time 11:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 17h45 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus | 11:59 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 8h16 | 8:15 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 11h42 | 11:41 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
FlixBus | 12:25 AM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 7h50 | 8:15 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:25 AM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 11h16 | 11:41 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
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 London to Edinburgh run on average 25 times per day, taking around 5h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by flight.
There are 13 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:57. The fastest bus covers the 331 miles (534 km) distance in 7h 50m.
Distance 331 miles (534 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€25) |
Buses per day 25 |
Direct buses 13 |
Fastest bus 7h 50m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 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
Buses connecting London and Edinburgh depart throughout the day, 7 days of the week. They take between around 10 and 16 hours to make the journey. Most services require at least one change.
National Express runs the bus route from London to Edinburgh. On trips that require passengers to change services, National Express operates all legs of the journey.
Buses between London and Edinburgh take up to around 16 hours to complete the journey, depending on departure time and whether or not the service incorporates any changes. The shortest trips, taking around 10 hours, are the direct services.
Passengers wanting to travel to Edinburgh from London by bus have a choice of up to 20 buses per day. Services are spaced out throughout the day, with the first leaving early in the morning. The last service of the day departs in the late evening, arriving in Edinburgh the following morning. The majority of services require at least one change, usually at Birmingham. Some also incorporate an additional change at Glasgow. However, one or two services every day run directly between London and Edinburgh, and do not require passengers to change coach. These direct services tend to leave London in the early morning and the late evening.
Departure Bus Station: buses depart from London Victoria bus station. Located in central London, Victoria bus station is 300 metres from Victoria railroad station, which is served by mainline rail links and London Underground's Victoria, District and Circle lines. Local buses stop directly outside Victoria bus station, and the nearest car parking is at the NCP car park on nearby Semley Place. Victoria bus station has a variety of refreshment facilities, waiting rooms and a left baggage office.
Arrival Bus Station: All services terminate at Edinburgh bus station. Situated on Elder Street, in the centre of the city, Edinburgh bus station offers a variety of onward transport options. Local buses serve the station and the Saint Andrew Square tram stop is a short walk away. There are also several nearby public cab ranks. The bus station itself has cycle racks, vending machines, a convenience shop and left baggage lockers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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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