- 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.
Cheapest price
$69
Average price
$92
Fastest journey
3 h 28 m
Average duration
3 h 33 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
294 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Edinburgh will cost around $92 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
Of the 15 trains that leave Manchester Airport (MIA) for Edinburgh on Wed, Aug 26, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 the direct trains cover the 294 km distance in an average of 3 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 28 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest trains will take 3 h 38 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.
W85164
W85182
G89545+
W34213
W85168
W85177
W85177
W85182
W85168
W85191
W85164Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, and a flight costs an average of $122.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$94 Average price | $64 Average price Cheapest | $391 Average price | $125 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 24m Average total duration 3h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 49m Average total duration 7h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 35m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Edinburgh:
A bus is $30 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Edinburgh costing on average $94.
A bus is $327 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Edinburgh costing on average $391.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 54m.
Bus takes on average 7h 19m.
The journey is about 15m faster (3h 54m by train vs 4h 9m by car) and roughly $31 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($94 vs $125). 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 Manchester Airport (MIA) to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W85164 | 6:03 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3h38 | 9:41 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34213+ G89545 | 6:17 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 4h02 | 10:19 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G15888+ G80199 | 6:44 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 4h49 | 11:33 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W85168 | 8:04 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3h33 | 11:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34144+ G89062 | 8:29 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3h51 | 12:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W85177 | 10:04 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3h28 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33941+ G89047 | 10:29 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3h50 | 2:19 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C24597+ G80224 | 10:44 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 4h50 | 3:34 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W85182 | 12:04 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3h32 | 3:36 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34286+ G89072 | 12:29 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3h49 | 4:18 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C24608+ G80234 | 12:44 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 4h47 | 5:31 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W84689+ G80234+ G89597 | 12:48 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 4h43 | 5:31 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
W85191 | 2:04 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3h36 | 5:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34290+ G89067 | 2:29 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3h51 | 6:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C24619+ G80247 | 2:44 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 4h49 | 7:33 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
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 Manchester Airport (MIA) to Edinburgh run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 but you can travel from only $27 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:17, the last at 15:29. The fastest train covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 3h 26m.
Distance 182 miles (294 km) |
Average train duration 3h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 26m |
First train 5:17 AM |
Last train 3:29 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 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 Manchester Airport (MIA) 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 Manchester Airport (MIA) to Edinburgh trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Manchester Airport (MIA) and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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: Yes.
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 Gateway is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Gateway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh Gateway. 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: Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Parking, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Gateway: 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 both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 4, 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: Yes.
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