4.9
4.6
Omio 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 $28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 57m. 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 $28, and a flight costs an average of $170.
Distance: 175 miles (282 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$75 Average price | $46 Average price Cheapest | $273 Average price | $123 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 48m Average total duration 4h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 38m Average total duration 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 57m Average total duration Fastest 2h 57m 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 $29 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Edinburgh costing on average $75 (€60).
A bus is $227 (€183) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Edinburgh costing on average $273 (€219).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 18m.
Bus takes on average 5h 8m.
How to get from Manchester to Edinburgh by train, bus or flight.
The best way to travel from Manchester to Edinburgh is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
FlixBus · FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBusW85177W85160 · W85164W85210W85164+
G89040FlixBus · FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBusBA1361 · BA1450BA1365 · BA1456BA1361 · BA1452Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Embark on a 20-day adventure across the UK, starting with the vibrant capital of London. Discover ancient Roman history in Bath, explore the industrial heritage of Manchester, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Edinburgh and Glasgow. This itinerary combines city exploration with scenic day trips, utilizing convenient bus and train connections.
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.
Flying is the fastest method of travel between the two cities at just over an hour. Traveling by bus takes the longest amount of time at upwards of 5.5 hours. There are usually between one and three departure and arrival points.
National Express operate services between the cities, departing from Manchester Coach Station and arriving at Edinburgh Bus Station on Elder Street. There are usually five departures per day, one at around1:00 a.m., three between 8:00 a.m and 10:30 a.m. and one in the early afternoon. The journey takes between 5.5 hours and 8.5 hours, there are direct buses and those requiring one change available.
Trains leave from three stations in Manchester, Oxford Road, Deansgate and Piccadilly and all arrive at Waverley Station in Edinburgh. All trains are either direct routes or have a change at one station. Trains are run by Transpennine Express, Virgin Trains and Cross Country Trains. There are around 10 trains per day, they depart at least once every hour from approximately 9:00 a.m. until early afternoon. The journey takes between three and four hours.
Flying is the fastest method of travel between the two cities at just over an hour. Traveling by bus takes the longest amount of time at upwards of 5.5 hours. There are usually between one and three departure and arrival points.
The cheapest way from Manchester to Edinburgh is by bus. National Express operate services between the cities, departing from Manchester Coach Station and arriving at Edinburgh Bus Station on Elder Street. There are usually five departures per day, one at around 1:00 a.m., three between 8:00 a.m and 10:30 a.m. and one in the early afternoon. The journey takes between 5.5 hours and 8.5 hours, there are direct buses and those requiring one change available.
Flights are the quickest way from Manchester to Edinburgh. Direct flights between the main airports in each city are available from Flybe. The flight takes just over an hour. During the week there are three flights, one each in the morning, afternoon and evening. At the weekend there are one or two flights in operation.
Trains are the most popular way to get from Manchester to Edinburgh. Services leave from three stations in Manchester, Oxford Road, Deansgate and Piccadilly and all arrive at Waverley Station in Edinburgh. All trains are either direct routes or have a change at one station. Trains are run by Transpennine Express, Virgin Trains and Cross Country Trains. There are around 10 trains per day, they depart at least once every hour from approximately 9:00 a.m. until early afternoon. The journey takes between three and four hours.
Direct flight between the main airports in each city are available from Flybe. The flight takes just over an hour. During the week there are three flights, one each in the morning, afternoon and evening. At the weekend there are one or two flights in operation.
Travel to Edinburgh easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Manchester to Edinburgh.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Edinburgh:
A bus is $29 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Edinburgh costing on average $75 (€60).
A bus is $227 (€183) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Edinburgh costing on average $273 (€219).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 18m.
Bus takes on average 5h 8m.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Manchester and Edinburgh as scheduled services by bus, train, and flight can vary by season or day of the week.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
