1map logoGo to main page

Edinburgh to Dumfries from $34: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
to
Dumfries, United Kingdom

How to Get from Edinburgh to Dumfries: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$34 - Bus, TrainBest price
101.4 kmDistance
1h 37m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Edinburgh to Dumfries with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Train
Average Duration
2h  39m
Estimated price
$40-168
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
4h  46m
Estimated price
$34-56
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 101.4 km
Duration: 1h 37m

See more options

Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
1h  37m
Estimated price
$23-35
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
4h  16m
Estimated price
$42-143

Traveling From Edinburgh to Dumfries

The journey from Edinburgh to Dumfries opens up a delightful contrast between the vibrant urban culture of Scotland's capital and the serene, picturesque charm of the Scottish countryside.

Best Neighbourhoods in Dumfries

Dumfries boasts several neighborhoods that cater to a variety of interests.

The Crichton
• Home to stunning gardens and parklands.
• Features historic architecture and art venues.
Downtown Dumfries
• Offers a vibrant selection of shops and cafes.
• Hosts local markets and community events.
Georgetown
• A quiet area with scenic walks along the river.
• Close to Dumfries Museum and local history.

Best Times To Visit Dumfries's Attractions

Dumfries offers a wealth of attractions best enjoyed at specific times for a rewarding experience.

Dumfries Museum
Visit early mornings during weekdays to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
Caerlaverock Castle
Explore in spring or fall for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
Maxwell Park
Late afternoon visits on weekdays provide peace and beautiful sunset views.

Dumfries Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dumfries experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters, making spring and early autumn the best times to visit for comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery. Weather can influence your travel experience significantly, as rain is common throughout the year, so packing appropriately is essential.

Dining Recommendation in Dumfries

For a taste of Dumfries, try the haggis served at The Water's Edge, where local ingredients elevate this traditional dish into a flavorful experience with a stunning riverside view. This dining spot contrasts with Edinburgh's bustling culinary scene, offering a more relaxed atmosphere that allows you to savor each bite in a serene setting.

Edinburgh - Dumfries operators

Explore transport companies operating between Edinburgh and Dumfries, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
00 44 345 528 0253
Website
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/

Train from Edinburgh to Carlisle

Average Duration
1h 13m
Estimated price
$45-150

Train from Carlisle to Dumfries

Average Duration
37m
Estimated price
$13-27
Contact phone
+44 345 600 1671
Website
https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/

Train from Edinburgh to Carlisle

Average Duration
1h 21m
Estimated price
$26-65
Contact phone
+44 344 811 0141
Website
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/

Train from Carlisle to Dumfries

Average Duration
37m
Estimated price
$13-27

Train from Edinburgh to Glasgow Central

Average Duration
1h 29m
Estimated price
$17-40

Train from Glasgow Central to Dumfries

Average Duration
1h 47m
Estimated price
$25-55
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Edinburgh Bus Station to Carlisle

Average Duration
3h 20m
Estimated price
$21-29

Edinburgh to Dumfries: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Edinburgh and Dumfries offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a picturesque journey from Edinburgh to Dumfries, spanning a driving distance of 117.5 km. 💸 Indulge in a budget-friendly road trip experience with prices ranging from £18 to £28 for the trip from Edinburgh to Dumfries by car. ⏰ In just about 1 hour and 37 minutes of drive time, you'll find yourself in Dumfries, ready to immerse yourself in the rich history and cozy atmosphere of this delightful town. Let the open road lead you to new adventures in the heart of Scotland.
Average price
£18 - £27
🚆 Despite there not being a direct train from Edinburgh to Dumfries, travelers can opt for a convenient route with a transfer in Carlisle. 🌳 The scenic journey from Edinburgh to Dumfries by train takes approximately 2 hours and 39 minutes, offering passengers a chance to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Scotland. 💷 Ticket prices for this train route range from £32 to £133, providing passengers with flexible options based on their budget and travel preferences.
Departure Point
Edinburgh station
Arrival Point
Dumfries station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On the train journey from Edinburgh to Dumfries, take advantage of the catering services offered by the operator, typically ScotRail. They provide a range of refreshments for purchase, including hot and cold beverages, snacks, and light meals. You can find their menu on their website or on board, but it's a good idea to bring your own food if you prefer specific dietary options.
• The journey features different seating options depending on your selected ticket class. ScotRail primarily offers Standard Class and First Class on this route. Standard Class provides comfortable seating with ample legroom, while First Class offers more spacious seats, extra amenities, and complimentary refreshments. If you're looking for a quieter trip with less busy surroundings, First Class could be a worthwhile upgrade.
• The main operators for this route are ScotRail and TransPennine Express. You can find their schedules and book tickets through their websites: ScotRail (scotrail.co.uk) and TransPennine Express (tpexpress.co.uk). For additional travel planning, you might also visit Traveline Scotland (traveline.info) for local transport options in Dumfries.
🚌 In just over 3 hours, you can hop on a bus from Edinburgh to Dumfries with Houstons Coaches. The journey covers a distance of 130 km and starts at Princes Street before reaching Whitesands in Dumfries. 🚍 For a longer but scenic route, consider taking two buses to Dumfries. First, board the megabus 900 towards Glasgow, which takes about 1 hour and 23 minutes. Then, switch to a Stagecoach West Scotland bus for a further 2 hours and 10 minutes journey to reach Whitesands. 🛣️ If you prefer a more extended journey with a transfer, take a National Express bus from Edinburgh to Birmingham, lasting about 3 hours and 25 minutes. After that, switch to a Stagecoach Cumbria bus towards Annan for an additional 1 hour and 38 minutes, arriving eventually at Whitesands in Dumfries.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• When taking the direct bus to Dumfries with Houstons Coaches, be sure to check their online schedule at houstonscoaches.co.uk before your trip, as the timings can vary and it's good to arrive a bit early at Princes Street (Stop PR).
• After your arrival at Whitesands (Stance 1) in Dumfries, explore the nearby eateries like the 'Coffee at 31' café or 'The Smiths' restaurant, which are within walking distance and perfect for a meal while you wait for your next connection or to unwind after your journey.
• Upon arriving at Whitesands in Dumfries, be mindful that it's a central bus station with Stances 1 and 2; find clear directional signs that will guide you to the other exit points or bus connections, as local transport like Stagecoach West Scotland buses depart regularly from here.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Edinburgh to Dumfries.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Edinburgh and Dumfries is approximately 101.4 km by road. If you prefer to take the train, it would take around 2 hours and 44 minutes to reach Dumfries from Edinburgh. Another option is to take a train and then a bus, which would take approximately 2 hours and 11 minutes. If you decide to drive, it would take approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes to reach Edinburgh from Dumfries. Lastly, taking a bus from Edinburgh to Dumfries would take around 2 hours and 48 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Edinburgh to Dumfries is by car. It takes approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes to drive the 101.4 km distance between the two cities.
The prices for a train ticket between Edinburgh and Dumfries range from £44 to £118, depending on the class of service and the time of travel.
To get from Edinburgh to Dumfries without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 117.5 km, and it takes about 1 hour and 37 minutes to make the journey by car. Rental car prices vary, but they typically range from £18 to £28.
If you want to travel from Edinburgh to Dumfries without a car, the best option is to take the train and then transfer to the line 81 bus. This journey takes approximately 2 hours and 11 minutes, and the ticket fares range from £31 to £67.
Yes, there is a direct link between Edinburgh and Dumfries. Although there is no direct train route, there are train services available from Edinburgh to Dumfries via Carlisle, with a total travel time of approximately 2h 44m. Additionally, there is a direct bus service from Edinburgh to Dumfries that operates three times a day, taking approximately 2h 48m.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Dumfries, with over 317 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in Dumfries start at £28, so there are options available for all budgets.

Trips from Edinburgh

Trips to Dumfries