- Must visit
Quarry Bank
A National Trust mill museum and historic estate in nearby Styal, showing the region’s industrial heritage and worker life. One of the best cultural visits close to the airport.
Cheapest price
$58
Average price
$89
Fastest journey
3 h 32 m
Average duration
3 h 50 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
294 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh 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 to Manchester Airport will cost around $89 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.
Of the 8 trains that leave Edinburgh for Manchester Airport on Thu, Jul 09, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct trains cover the 294 km distance in an average of 3 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 32 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest trains will take 4 h 23 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
W34265+
W84899
C02015+
C24954 · C24701+
G89850
G08186+
C24708+
G89857
W84901
W84896
W33933+
W84903
W34265+
W84899
W33933+
G38520Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Manchester Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a flight costs an average of $127.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$68 Average price | $45 Average price Cheapest | $277 Average price | $121 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 38m Average total duration 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 16m Average total duration 5h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Manchester Airport:
A bus is $23 (€19) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Manchester Airport costing on average $68 (€56).
A bus is $232 (€191) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Manchester Airport costing on average $277 (€228).
Other travel options to Manchester Airport take longer:
Flight takes on average 5h 16m.
Bus takes on average 6h 8m.
The journey is about 28m faster (3h 52m by train vs 4h 20m by car) and roughly $53 (€44) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($68 (€56) vs $121 (€100)). 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 Airport trains for today, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W84901 | On time 8:12 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h32 | 11:44 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02015+ C24587 | On time 8:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h38 | 1:08 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
C02015+ C24954 · C24701+ G89850 | On time 8:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h30 | 1:00 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3 transfers | |
W33933+ G38520 | On time 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h23 | 1:15 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
W33933+ W84903 | On time 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 12:44 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
W84907 | On time 10:11 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h33 | 1:44 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01942+ G15922 · G15818+ G89863 | On time 10:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h30 | 3:00 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3 transfers | |
C01942+ C03172 | On time 10:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h38 | 3:08 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
W34060+ W84908 | On time 10:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 2:44 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
W84912 | On time 12:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h32 | 3:44 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02007+ C24965 · C24726+ G89819 | On time 12:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h30 | 5:00 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3 transfers | |
C02007+ C24610 | On time 12:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h38 | 5:08 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
W34124+ G38529 | On time 12:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h26 | 5:18 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
W34124+ W84915 | On time 12:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 4:44 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
W84918 | On time 2:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h32 | 5:44 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02046+ C24623 | On time 2:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h38 | 7:08 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
W00587+ G38533 | On time 2:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h23 | 7:15 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
W00587+ W84922 | On time 2:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 6:44 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
W84923 | On time 4:11 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h33 | 7:44 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34268+ G89834 | On time 4:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h44 | 8:36 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
W34268+ G38537 | On time 4:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h23 | 9:15 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
W84928 | On time 6:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h34 | 9:46 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33861+ G89849 | On time 6:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h41 | 10:33 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
W33861+ NT192600 | On time 6:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h42 | 1:34 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
W84877 · TP397800 | On time 8:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h50 | 12:02 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
C01960+ G15883 | On time 9:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 8h13 | 5:13 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
C01960+ G15880 · TP398100 | On time 9:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h19 | 4:19 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, July 9 | |||||
W84896 | 6:12 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h32 | 9:44 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Airport run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 52m. 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 07:00, the last at 18:52. The fastest train covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 3h 29m.
Distance 182 miles (294 km) |
Average train duration 3h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 29m |
First train 7:00 AM |
Last train 6:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Discover the best of Manchester Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester Airport trip today.
A National Trust mill museum and historic estate in nearby Styal, showing the region’s industrial heritage and worker life. One of the best cultural visits close to the airport.
A leading university museum with natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections. Recently refreshed and highly popular with both locals and visitors.
A popular aviation attraction beside the airport with viewing areas, aircraft exhibits, and Concorde tours. Especially relevant for visitors staying near Manchester Airport.
A standout outdoor area near the terminals where visitors can watch aircraft movements. Very popular with aviation fans, families, and social media photographers.
One of Manchester’s most characterful districts, known for canals, converted warehouses, and industrial heritage. Excellent for walking, photos, and relaxed exploration.
A large historic estate with parkland, deer, gardens, and broad walking routes. One of the strongest outdoor day-trip options within reach of the airport.
A classic Greater Manchester dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweets.
A famous pastry from Greater Manchester, filled with currants, butter, and sugar. It is a traditional regional bake often eaten with tea.
A northern English staple made with blood, oats, and seasoning, often served in a full breakfast. The Bury version is especially associated with Greater Manchester.
A well-known airport bar and restaurant in Terminal 1 serving British pub food, breakfasts, burgers, and beer in a spacious, relaxed setting.
A popular Manchester-born casual dining brand known for burgers, waffles, shakes, and colourful interiors. Suitable for a quick meal before a flight.
An established family-friendly chain at the airport offering all-day breakfasts and globally inspired comfort food in a lively, informal atmosphere.
Airport food and drinks cost more than city prices, but chain cafes and fast food keep costs manageable.
Service charge is uncommon at airport cafes. Round up small bills if service was helpful; 10% is polite at sit-down restaurants if not already added.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport Railway Station, Manchester -> Manchester Piccadilly Station, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.

Most Edinburgh to Manchester Airport trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Manchester Victoria station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Manchester Airport 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.
Slateford is 4 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Slateford has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Slateford.
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 Slateford: Parking.
Available at Slateford: Bike Parking.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need