- 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.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Altrincham to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from kr535. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of kr535, and a flight costs an average of kr2464.
Distance: 180 miles (290 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
kr1007 Average price | kr607 Average price Cheapest | kr2807 Average price | kr753 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 18m Average total duration 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 44m Average total duration 6h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Altrincham to Edinburgh:
A bus is kr400 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Altrincham to Edinburgh costing on average kr1007.
A bus is kr2200 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Altrincham to Edinburgh costing on average kr2807.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 48m.
Bus takes on average 6h 14m.
You'll arrive about 30m sooner (3h 48m by train vs 4h 18m by car). Tickets start at around kr1007 compared to roughly kr753 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Altrincham to Edinburgh trains for today, Thursday, August 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:57 PM Altrincham | 4h43 | 6:40 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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.
Trains from Altrincham to Edinburgh run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr947 but you can travel from only kr535 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 18:57. The fastest train covers the 180 miles (290 km) distance in 4h 39m.
Distance 180 miles (290 km) |
Average train duration 3h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price kr947 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 39m |
First train 4:45 AM |
Last train 6:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 21 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 Altrincham to Edinburgh by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Altrincham to Edinburgh trains use the Altrincham to Edinburgh Waverley station pair. Use this guide to compare Altrincham and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Altrincham has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Altrincham.
Ticket office support is available at Altrincham.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Altrincham: Parking.
Available at Altrincham: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Altrincham: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, Separate level access from bus station to Platform 1(Metrolink trams) and from Oakfield Road car park entrance to Platform 4 (to Chester). To Platform 2 (Metrolink trams) and 3 (to Manchester) via Lifts which are available from first to last train, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: contact Customer Relations, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Navigation Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Navigation Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Navigation Road: Parking.
Available at Navigation Road: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Navigation Road: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Scooter Friendly Station - Services towards Manchester and Chester : From the level crossing (at the junction of Navigation Road and Wellington Road) through a narrow gap, up a ramp (16 paces, 1:17 slope) onto the platform (situated on the Wellington Road side), Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
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