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Manchester to Edinburgh from $18: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Manchester, United Kingdom
to
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

How to Get from Manchester to Edinburgh: 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.

$18 RideshareBest price
283.25 kmDistance
3h 13m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Manchester to Edinburgh 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
TransPennine Express Service
Train
Average Duration
3h  13m
Estimated price
$45-120
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
4h  23m
Estimated price
$18-35
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 283.25 km
Duration: 3h 13m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
7h  20m
Estimated price
$24-35
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  42m
Estimated price
$42-204
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
5h  12m
Estimated price
$51-225
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
3h  23m
Estimated price
$69-206
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  50m
Estimated price
$70-110
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
4h  26m
Estimated price
$101-248

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Bus $15 $20 $14 $15 $19 $15 $18
Train $31 $31 $30 $30 $36 $35 $48
Fly $217 $180 $212 $212 $196 $101 $101
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Manchester to Edinburgh

The journey from Manchester to Edinburgh offers a fascinating contrast between the vibrant urban landscape of Manchester and the historic charm of Edinburgh, allowing you to experience rich culture and scenic beauty in just a few hours.

Best Neighbourhoods in Edinburgh

Edinburgh's neighborhoods each offer distinct charm and experiences for visitors.

Old Town
• Rich history with medieval architecture.
• Home to Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile.
Leith
• Vibrant waterfront with trendy restaurants.
• Famous for the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Stockbridge
• Quaint village vibe with boutique shops.
• Pleasant walks along the Water of Leith.

Best Times To Visit Edinburgh's Attractions

Maximize your experience in Edinburgh by choosing the right times to visit key attractions.

Edinburgh Castle
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
Holyrood Palace
Weekdays tend to be quieter, especially in the off-season.
Arthur's Seat
Early mornings offer tranquility and stunning sunrise views.

Edinburgh Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Edinburgh experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters, making it a pretty versatile destination year-round. Visiting during late spring or early autumn often provides the most pleasant weather, allowing you to enjoy the city's stunning landscapes and outdoor attractions without the peak tourist crowds.

Dining Recommendation in Edinburgh

For a taste of Edinburgh, try haggis at The Mitre Bar, where this traditional dish serves as a hearty reminder of Scottish heritage and local flavors. Unlike Manchester's vibrant fusion cuisine, Edinburgh's dining scene often emphasizes rich, locally-sourced ingredients and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that invites you to savor every bite.

Manchester - Edinburgh operators

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

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+44 345 600 1671
Website
https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/

Train from Manchester Oxford Road to Edinburgh

Average Duration
3h 13m
Estimated price
$45-120

Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Liverpool South Parkway

Average Duration
42m
Estimated price
$13-35
Contact phone
+44 800 200 6060
Website
https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/

Train from Manchester Victoria to Wigan Wallgate

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$6-9
Contact phone
00 44 345 528 0253
Website
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/

Train from Wigan North Western to Edinburgh

Average Duration
2h 41m
Estimated price
$95-240
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Manchester to Edinburgh Bus Station

Average Duration
7h 20m
Estimated price
$35-50
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Manchester Shudehill Interchange to Edinburgh Bus Station

Average Duration
5h 25m
Estimated price
$24-35
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.com

Other from Manchester to Edinburgh

Average Duration
4h 23m
Estimated price
$18-35
Plane Show flights
Website
easyjet.com

Plane from Manchester (MAN) to Edinburgh (EDI)

Average Duration
3h 8m
Estimated price
$65-270
Website
britishairways.com

Plane from Manchester to Edinburgh

Average Duration
3h 50m
Estimated price
$180-550
Website
ryanair.com

Plane from Manchester to Edinburgh

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
$35-230
Website
aerlingus.com

Plane from Manchester to Edinburgh

Average Duration
3h 50m
Estimated price
$180-550

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

Traveling between Manchester and Edinburgh 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 scenic journey from Manchester to Edinburgh by car, covering a distance of 346.0 km in approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes. 💷 Prices for a road trip from Manchester to Edinburgh range from £55 to £87, offering a cost-effective and flexible travel option compared to other modes of transport.
Average price
£54 - £85
Useful tips for car travellers
• Plan to stop at the service stations along the M6 and A74(M) for fuel, with prices typically around £1.60 per liter; look for major stations like Costa and Welcome Break, which also offer restroom facilities and dining options.
• Be mindful of Edinburgh's City Centre, which has restricted traffic zones (ETM zones) that operate from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM; consider arriving after 6:30 PM to avoid fines, and street parking can range from £3 to £5 per hour, with some areas offering discounted day rates at about £12.
• When arriving in Edinburgh, use the Park and Ride facilities such as Ingliston Park & Ride, which offers parking for around £5 per day and a convenient bus service into the city centre, saving you the hassle of city driving and parking fees.
🚆 The direct train journey from Manchester to Edinburgh takes approximately 3 hours and 13 minutes, with services departing every four hours every day. It covers a distance of 359 km. 🚆 Prices for the Manchester to Edinburgh train ticket range from £36 to £95, providing flexibility for travelers with various budgets.
Departure Point
Manchester Oxford Road station
Arrival Point
Edinburgh station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your train journey from Manchester to Edinburgh typically include a catering service provided by TransPennine Express and LNER. Expect a range of snacks, hot and cold beverages, and a selection of light meals depending on the train service. LNER offers a 'at-seat' dining service in First Class, while TransPennine may have a trolley service throughout the train.
• Both TransPennine Express and LNER offer different seating options on this route. TransPennine Express has Standard Class and First Class seating, with First Class offering more spacious seats and complimentary refreshments. LNER provides Standard Class with Extra Legroom and First Class, which includes spacious seats and complimentary food and drink served at your seat.
• For your journey, you can travel with TransPennine Express (tpexpress.co.uk) or LNER (lner.co.uk). Each operator provides different schedules and services, so be sure to check both websites for the best options for your travel dates.
🛫 When traveling from Manchester to Edinburgh by plane, you will find that there is no direct flight available. The quickest option typically includes one stopover and takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. 🌍 Ryanair UK, Aer Lingus, Ryanair, and two other airlines operate flights from Manchester Airport to Edinburgh Airport. With a flight duration of 4 hours and 42 minutes, you can expect a smooth journey between these two vibrant cities. 💸 The prices for flights between Edinburgh and Manchester can vary, ranging from £33 to £161.
Departure Point
Manchester Airport
Arrival Point
Edinburgh Airport. The quickest flight takes 2h 45m and has one stopover
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Be mindful of the one-stop nature of flights from Manchester to Edinburgh; check layover times thoroughly to avoid long delays, especially if flying with airlines like Ryanair or Aer Lingus, which can have variable schedules.
• Upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport, head to the tram station located just outside the terminal. Trams provide a direct and cost-effective way to reach the city center in approximately 30 minutes; tickets can be purchased at machines before boarding.
• Expect a taxi fare from Edinburgh Airport to the city center to be around £25-£30; it’s a convenient option if you’re traveling with luggage or in a group. For an accurate fare, consider using local services like City Cabs or Central Taxis (citycabs.co.uk) & (centraltaxis.co.uk).
🚌 The journey from Manchester to Edinburgh by bus with FlixBus takes approximately 7 hours and 20 minutes, departing twice daily with services running every day. 💸 Bus fares for this route typically range from £19 to £28, offering an affordable and convenient way to explore the scenic route between these two vibrant cities in the United Kingdom.
Departure Point
Manchester station
Arrival Point
Edinburgh Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your ticket in advance through operators like FlixBus (flixbus.co.uk) or National Express (nationalexpress.com) to secure the lowest fare, as prices range from £18 to £27 and can fluctuate based on demand.
• During the approximately 7h 20m journey, ensure to bring snacks and a refillable water bottle, as bus stops may not offer extensive dining options; however, it's handy to check the schedule and plan for bathroom breaks.
• Upon arriving at Edinburgh Bus Station, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the station layout (edinburgh.gov.uk) which connects to multiple transport options including trams and buses—ideal for continuing your journey into the city.

Trips from Manchester

Trips to Edinburgh