- Must visit
The Whitworth
One of Manchester’s leading art galleries, known for strong modern and historic collections, major exhibitions, and a celebrated park-side setting.
Cheapest price
$88
Average price
$116
Fastest journey
3 h 32 m
Average duration
3 h 59 m
Trains per day
4
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 $116 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $88.
Of the 4 trains that leave Edinburgh for Manchester Airport on Mon, May 25, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct trains cover the 294 km distance in an average of 3 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 32 m .
On Mon, May 25 the slowest trains will take 5 h 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.
W84901
W84907
L87902+
W34063+
Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central+
G89889
W33933+
W84903
W84901
W84907
W33933+
W84903
L87902+
W34063+
Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central+
G89889Omio 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 $130.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$69 Average price | $46 Average price Cheapest | $282 Average price | $123 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 $69 (€56).
A bus is $236 (€191) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Manchester Airport costing on average $282 (€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 $54 (€44) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($69 (€56) vs $123 (€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, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L87804+ W33147+ G89886 | On time 8:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h17 | 1:17 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 2 transfers | |
L87835+ Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central+ W33191+ G89888 | On time 9:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h16 | 2:16 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3 transfers | |
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.
One of Manchester’s leading art galleries, known for strong modern and historic collections, major exhibitions, and a celebrated park-side setting.
A major university museum with natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections. Recently renewed and widely regarded as one of the city’s best free attractions.
A flagship Manchester museum exploring science, technology, transport, and the city’s industrial heritage on a historic railway site.
The best-known open-air spot near the airport for plane watching, photography, and seeing aircraft movements close to the runways.
A canalside conservation area with Roman roots, converted warehouses, footbridges, and highly photogenic urban scenery popular with visitors.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, famous for street art, independent character, and social-media-friendly backdrops and shopfronts.
A classic Manchester dessert with a shortcrust pastry shell, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweets.
A flaky pastry filled with currants, sugar, and butter, originating from Greater Manchester. It is a traditional local bake often eaten with tea.
A famous north-west English blood sausage made with pork blood, fat, and oats. Greater Manchester is especially associated with excellent black pudding.
An established Italian restaurant near the airport, known for polished service, steaks, pasta, and a more upscale dining setting.
A well-known casual pub near the airport appreciated for hearty pub meals and excellent views of passing aircraft from the beer garden.
A long-standing pub close to Manchester Airport serving classic British dishes, Sunday roasts, and cask ales in a traditional setting.
Airport prices are above city averages, but the UK is generally moderate for travelers using chains and cards.
Service is often included at restaurants. If not, 10-12.5% is standard for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. No tip is expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport 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.

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