- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Cheapest price
€19
Average price
€74
Fastest journey
3 h 10 m
Average duration
3 h 10 m
Trains per day
48
Distance
282 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Manchester will cost around €74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €19.
Of the 48 trains that leave Edinburgh for Manchester on Tue, Aug 25, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 25 the direct trains cover the 282 km distance in an average of 3 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 10 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest trains will take 3 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.
W34259+
G89849+
L88012+
Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central
W33861+
P24236
W84877
W34268+
C04382
C01960+
G15880
W84912
W84901
W84918
W84877
W84896Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €21, and a flight costs an average of €166.
Distance: 175 miles (282 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€63 Average price | €36 Average price Cheapest | €297 Average price | €99 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 35m Average total duration 4h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration 5h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Edinburgh to Manchester:
A bus is €20 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Manchester costing on average €54.
A bus is €153 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Manchester costing on average €187.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 4m.
Bus takes on average 5h 15m.
The journey is about 30m faster (4h 4m by train vs 4h 34m by car) and roughly €44 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (€54 vs €98). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Manchester trains for today, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W84912 | On time 12:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h10 | 3:22 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34124+ P28507 | 12:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h17 | 4:09 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
G01161+ G15813 | On time 1:05 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h04 | 5:09 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
C02014+ C24969 | On time 1:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h48 | 5:18 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
W84918 | On time 2:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h10 | 5:22 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W00587+ P28511 | On time 2:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h17 | 6:09 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
G80080+ G15817 | On time 3:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h09 | 7:09 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
C01988+ C24975 | On time 3:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h48 | 7:18 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
W84923 | 4:11 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h11 | 7:22 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34268+ G89834 | On time 4:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h17 | 8:09 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 1 transfer | |
G01170+ G15808 | On time 5:04 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h04 | 9:08 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
C01989+ C24980 | On time 5:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h51 | 9:21 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
W84928 | 6:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h11 | 9:23 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33861+ G89849 | On time 6:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h17 | 10:09 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 1 transfer | |
C02033+ G15940 | On time 7:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h20 | 11:20 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W84877 | On time 8:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h10 | 11:22 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02056+ C24830 | On time 8:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h49 | 1:09 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
C02056+ C24653 | On time 8:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h10 | 1:30 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
C01960+ G15880 | On time 9:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h32 | 3:32 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, August 25 | |||||
G08170+ C24945 | 5:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h41 | 9:18 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
W84896 | 6:12 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h10 | 9:22 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02042+ G16013 | 6:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h48 | 10:18 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
W34265+ G89836 | 6:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h47 | 10:39 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 1 transfer | |
W34265+ L89253 | 6:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h41 | 10:33 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
W34265+ W84899 | 6:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h30 | 10:22 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1 transfer | |
W29868+ G16071 | 7:03 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h06 | 11:09 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
C02002+ C24952 | 7:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h48 | 11:18 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
W84901 | 8:12 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h10 | 11:22 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02015+ C24954 | 8:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h48 | 12:18 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
W33933+ G89850 | 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h47 | 12:39 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 1 transfer | |
W33933+ L89259 | 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h41 | 12:33 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
W33933+ W84903 | 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h30 | 12:22 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1 transfer | |
G01148+ G15812 | 9:05 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h04 | 1:09 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
W85785 · G15907 | 9:08 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h10 | 1:18 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
C02006+ G15907 | 9:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h48 | 1:18 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
W84907 | 10:11 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h11 | 1:22 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01942+ G15922 | 10:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h48 | 2:18 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
W34060+ G89863 | 10:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h47 | 2:39 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 1 transfer | |
W34060+ W84908 | 10:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h30 | 2:22 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1 transfer | |
W34060+ L89265 | 10:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h41 | 2:33 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
G80055+ G15833 | 11:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h09 | 3:09 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
C02029+ G15900 | 11:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h49 | 3:19 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 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 to Manchester run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €24 but you can travel from only €19 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 175 miles (282 km) distance in 3h 5m.
Distance 175 miles (282 km) |
Average train duration 4h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price €24 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 5m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
The train connection between Edinburgh and Manchester is well-served by several providers, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey. Passengers can choose from Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, and London North Eastern Railway for their travel needs. With frequent services available throughout the day, travelers can easily explore the vibrant cultures of both cities while enjoying scenic views along the way.
The train connection between Edinburgh and Manchester has a duration of 3 hours and 8 minutes. There are 6 direct connections available per day, making it convenient for travelers. The departure stations include Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket, while the arrival stations in Manchester are Victoria, Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Airport.
The first daily train journey from Edinburgh to Manchester departs at 06:12 AM, allowing early travelers to start their day. The last departure is scheduled for 09:00 PM, providing a convenient option for those wishing to arrive later in the evening.
The cheapest ticket price for a train journey between Edinburgh and Manchester is €7. The average ticket price typically hovers around €32, making it an affordable option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant cities in the UK.
Welcome to Manchester Town Hall, a stunning example of Victorian Gothic architecture completed in 1877. This iconic building not only serves as the city's administrative center but also stands as a testament to Manchester's industrial heritage and civic pride. As you explore its grand interiors adorned with intricate mosaics and impressive sculptures, you'll discover why it remains one of the most beloved landmarks in the city.
Next on our journey is The John Rylands Library, which opened its doors in 1900 and was designed by architect Basil Champneys. This magnificent library houses an extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts, including some dating back to ancient times; it's truly a haven for bibliophiles and history enthusiasts alike. Be sure to take note of its breathtaking neo-Gothic design that creates an atmosphere reminiscent of medieval Europe—it's like stepping into another world!
Finally, we arrive at Old Trafford Stadium, famously known as "The Theatre of Dreams," home to Manchester United Football Club since 1910. With a rich history filled with legendary matches and unforgettable moments, this stadium has become synonymous with football excellence around the globe. Whether you're catching a game or taking part in one of their guided tours showcasing trophies galore, Old Trafford offers fans an unparalleled experience steeped in passion for the beautiful game!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Manchester 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Edinburgh to Manchester trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Manchester Victoria station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Piccadilly. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need