- Must visit
The Whitworth
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Cheapest price
$98
Average price
$116
Fastest journey
3 h 32 m
Average duration
4 h 3 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
294 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) to Manchester Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) to Manchester Airport will cost around $116 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $98.
Of the 4 trains that leave Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) for Manchester Airport on Fri, Jun 19, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 294 km distance in an average of 4 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 32 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 5 h 14 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.
W84896
W84901
C02015+
C24954 · W84907
W34265+
W84899
W84901
W84896
W34265+
W84899
C02015+
C24954 · W84907Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) to Manchester Airport 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 4h 34m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $146.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$68 Average price | $47 Average price Cheapest | $347 Average price | $122 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 4m Average total duration Fastest 4h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 38m Average total duration 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 44m Average total duration 4h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) to Manchester Airport:
A bus is $21 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) to Manchester Airport costing on average $68 (€56).
A bus is $300 (€245) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) to Manchester Airport costing on average $347 (€283).
Other travel options to Manchester Airport take longer:
Flight takes on average 4h 44m.
Bus takes on average 6h 8m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) to Manchester Airport trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W84896 | 6:12 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h32 | 9:44 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34265+ W84899 | 6:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 10:44 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
W84901 | 8:12 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h32 | 11:44 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33933+ W84903 | 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 12:44 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
W33933+ G38520 | 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h23 | 1:15 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
G08186+ G01184+ C21811+ G89857 | 9:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h00 | 2:00 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3 transfers | |
G08186+ G15812 | 9:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h08 | 2:08 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
G01148+ G15812 | 9:05 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h03 | 2:08 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) to Manchester Airport run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:12, the last at 17:52. The fastest train covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 3h 29m.
Distance 182 miles (294 km) |
Average train duration 4h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 29m |
First train 5:12 AM |
Last train 5:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Discover the best of Manchester Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester Airport trip today.
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Major university museum with natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections; one of the region's best all-round museums.
One of Manchester's signature museums, covering industry, transport, computing, and the city's role in the Industrial Revolution.
One of the best plane-spotting areas in the United Kingdom and a distinctive experience right next to the airport.
Historic canal-side district with warehouses, bridges, waterside walks, and a strong industrial character popular with visitors.
Scenic estate walks, woodland trails, and gardens around Quarry Bank, ideal for a half-day heritage and nature visit.
A classic local dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry, long associated with Greater Manchester school dinners.
A traditional Greater Manchester pastry from nearby Eccles, filled with currants, butter, and sugar inside flaky pastry.
A famous Lancashire and Greater Manchester speciality made from pork blood, oats, and seasoning, often served in a full breakfast.
A popular airside airport gastropub in Terminal 1 known for British comfort food, beers, and a relaxed pre-flight atmosphere.
An established Italian restaurant at Manchester Airport with polished service, classic dishes, and a more upscale terminal dining option.
A long-running airport restaurant serving Italian staples in a casual sit-down setting, suitable for travellers wanting a full meal.
Airport prices are higher than city averages, but UK chain cafes and fast food keep basic meals manageable.
Service is often included or optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if not added. No tip needed for counter service; round up taxis if you wish.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport Station, Manchester -> Manchester Piccadilly Station, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) to Manchester Airport 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 Manchester Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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