- 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
€49
Average price
€83
Fastest journey
3 h 8 m
Average duration
3 h 12 m
Trains per day
38
Distance
282 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester 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 to Edinburgh will cost around €83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €49.
Of the 38 trains that leave Manchester for Edinburgh 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 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 8 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest trains will take 3 h 15 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.
W85210
W85160 · W85164
W85208
G89040+
W85164
W34286+
G89072
W85177
W85182
W85168
W85208
W85201Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €12. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 34m. 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 €12, and a flight costs an average of €79.
Distance: 175 miles (282 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€70 Average price | €34 Average price Cheapest | €264 Average price | €99 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 4m Average total duration 3h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 36m Average total duration 6h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.7kg 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 Manchester to Edinburgh:
A bus is €36 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Edinburgh costing on average €70.
A bus is €230 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Edinburgh costing on average €264.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 34m.
Bus takes on average 6h 6m.
The journey is about 47m faster (3h 34m by train vs 4h 21m by car) and roughly €29 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (€70 vs €99). 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 to Edinburgh 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C24526+ G80251 | Delayed 2:44 PM 3:45 PMManchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h52 | 7:04 PM 7:04 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W85208 | On time 6:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 3h14 | 9:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89057+ W34291 | On time 6:56 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 3h25 | 10:21 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G15988+ G01083 | On time 7:00 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h07 | 11:07 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G16016+ G80272 | On time 7:15 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h20 | 11:35 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G16319+ G80273 | On time 7:45 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h54 | 11:39 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W85210 | On time 8:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 3h21 | 11:45 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, August 25 | |||||
G15885+ G80191 | On time 2:52 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 5h40 | 8:32 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C24464+ G66980 | 4:30 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h40 | 9:10 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W85160 · W85164 | 4:57 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h44 | 9:41 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G15887+ G80193 | 5:00 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h38 | 9:38 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G89040+ W85164 | 5:55 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 3h46 | 9:41 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C24567+ C01971 | 5:58 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h30 | 10:28 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W85164 | 6:25 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 3h16 | 9:41 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89545+ W34213 | 6:39 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 3h40 | 10:19 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G16311+ G80198 | 6:45 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h53 | 10:38 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G15866+ G66982 | 7:00 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h08 | 11:08 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G15888+ G80199 | 7:15 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h18 | 11:33 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W85168 | 8:24 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 3h13 | 11:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89062+ W34144 | 8:56 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 3h24 | 12:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C24895+ G66987 | 9:00 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h10 | 1:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W85177 | 10:24 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 3h08 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89047+ W33941 | 10:56 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 3h23 | 2:19 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G15862+ G01062 | 11:00 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h10 | 3:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C24597+ G80224 | 11:15 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h19 | 3:34 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W85182 | 12:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 3h12 | 3:36 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89072+ W34286 | 12:56 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 3h22 | 4:18 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C24909+ G01067 | 1:00 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h09 | 5:09 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C24608+ G80234 | 1:15 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h16 | 5:31 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
P00053+ G80237 | 1:45 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h53 | 5:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W85191 | 2:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 3h16 | 5:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89067+ W34290 | 2:56 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 3h24 | 6:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G15953+ G01073 | 3:00 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h11 | 7:11 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C24619+ G80247 | 3:15 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h18 | 7:33 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C24526+ G80251 | 3:45 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h52 | 7:37 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W85201 | 4:25 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 3h15 | 7:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89055+ W34289 | 4:56 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 3h28 | 8:24 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
G15948+ G01080 | 5:00 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h09 | 9:09 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C24631+ G80259 | 5:15 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h19 | 9:34 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 to Edinburgh run on average 28 times per day, taking around 3h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €14 but you can travel from only €12 by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:25, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 175 miles (282 km) distance in 2h 58m.
Distance 175 miles (282 km) |
Average train duration 3h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price €14 |
Trains per day 28 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 2h 58m |
First train 12:25 AM |
Last train 11:51 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 56 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 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 to Edinburgh trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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 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 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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need