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Durham to Edinburgh from $17: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Durham, United Kingdom
to
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

How to Get from Durham 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.

$17 by busBest price
167.6 kmDistance
1h 46m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Durham 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
various
Train
Average Duration
1h  46m
Estimated price
$80-220
Recommended
Company
Megabus UK
Bus
Average Duration
3h  25m
Estimated price
$17-24
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 167.6 km
Duration: 1h 46m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  30m
Estimated price
$40-60

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $20 $20 $18 $19 $19 $19 $19
Train $19 $29 $19 $29 $28 $31 $32
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Traveling From Durham to Edinburgh

The journey from Durham to Edinburgh offers a shift from Durham's charming medieval streets and tranquil riverside walks to Edinburgh's bustling Scottish capital, where history blends with vibrant culture and stunning architecture.

Best Neighbourhoods in Edinburgh

Edinburgh boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with distinct character and charm.

Old Town
• Home to the historic Edinburgh Castle.
• Cobblestone streets filled with hidden gems.
New Town
• Renowned for its Georgian architecture.
• Great shops and restaurants along Princes Street.
Leith
• Vibrant waterfront with trendy eateries.
• Rich maritime history and cultural events.

Best Times To Visit Edinburgh's Attractions

Timing your visits can elevate your experience at Edinburgh's iconic spots.

Edinburgh Castle
Try visiting early in the morning on weekdays for fewer crowds.
Arthur's Seat
Aim for late afternoon for stunning sunset views and a quieter hike.
Royal Mile
Visit during early weekdays to explore shops and sights comfortably.

Edinburgh Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Edinburgh experiences a temperate maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters; the best times to visit are late spring and early autumn when you can enjoy relatively pleasant conditions. Weather can be unpredictable, so layering your clothing and checking forecasts will enhance your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Edinburgh

Try haggis at the renowned restaurant The Witchery by the Castle, where Scottish tradition meets an opulent atmosphere. This dish, showcasing local ingredients and rich flavors, provides a stark contrast to Durham's more classic English fare, making your dining experience in Edinburgh truly memorable.

Durham - Edinburgh operators

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

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
0344 736 9123
Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/

Train from Durham to Edinburgh

Average Duration
1h 46m
Estimated price
$80-220
Contact phone
+44 345 722 5333
Website
https://www.lner.co.uk/

Train from Durham to Edinburgh

Average Duration
1h 41m
Estimated price
$100-140
Bus Show bus routes
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Durham University Palatine Centre to Edinburgh Bus Station

Average Duration
3h 25m
Estimated price
$17-24

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

Traveling between Durham 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 road trip from Durham to Edinburgh covering a distance of 197.9 km. Enjoy approximately 2.5 hours of driving through picturesque landscapes as you make your way to the Scottish capital. 💸 Prices for the car journey between Durham and Edinburgh range from £32 to £47, offering budget-friendly options for travelers.
Average price
£31 - £47
🚆 Hop on a direct train departing from Durham and arriving at Edinburgh, with services operating every day and departing hourly. The journey duration between Durham and Edinburgh by train is approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes. 💷 Ticket prices for the train journey from Durham to Edinburgh range from £63 to £174, offering flexibility for different budgets.
Departure Point
Durham station
Arrival Point
Edinburgh station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services vary by train operator, but generally, you can expect catering services on CrossCountry and LNER services. These operators typically offer a range of snacks, drinks, and light meals available for purchase. LNER often has a 'At-Seat' service where the trolley comes around, while CrossCountry may offer a café bar in cars for refreshments.
• Both CrossCountry and LNER provide different classes of seating options: CrossCountry offers standard and first-class seating, while LNER has standard (Economy) and first-class options as well. If you opt for first class on LNER, you'll enjoy extra legroom, complimentary meals and drinks, and access to the exclusive First Class lounge at stations, making the journey much more comfortable.
• Major operators for the Durham to Edinburgh route include CrossCountry (crosscountrytrains.co.uk) and LNER (lner.co.uk). For more information on timetables and specific services, these websites will be very helpful. For local transport in Edinburgh, you can check Lothian Buses (lothianbuses.com) for bus schedules, and the Edinburgh Trams website (edinburghtrams.com) for tram information.
🚌 Hop on a direct Megabus UK service at Durham University Palatine Centre to Edinburgh Bus Station for a convenient journey that takes approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes. 💰 Prices for the bus journey between Durham and Edinburgh range from £13 to £19, offering an affordable and efficient way to travel between these two cities.
Departure Point
Durham University Palatine Centre station
Arrival Point
Edinburgh Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to reserve your ticket in advance on the Megabus UK website (megabus.com) to secure the best fare; prices fluctuate between £13 and £18.
• As you arrive at Edinburgh Bus Station, be prepared for a busy atmosphere; familiarize yourself with the station layout by checking this map (lothianbuses.com) to quickly locate facilities and public transport links.
• Consider bringing snacks or a packed lunch for the journey; while the trip takes just over 3 hours, dining options at the Durham University Palatine Centre before departure are limited, making it ideal to plan ahead.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Durham to Edinburgh.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Durham and Edinburgh is approximately 167.4 km by road. Traveling by train is the quickest option, with a typical travel time of 1 hour and 44 minutes. Driving from Durham to Edinburgh takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, while taking a bus usually takes 3 hours and 20 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Durham to Edinburgh is by bus, with fares ranging from £16-£22. Although it takes 3h 20m, it provides an affordable alternative. However, for a quicker and time-efficient journey, the train is the best option, taking 1h 44m to reach Edinburgh. While it may be more expensive, with fares ranging from £75-£228, it offers a faster travel experience.
When traveling from Durham to Edinburgh the prices for a train ticket range from £75 to £228. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket between Edinburgh and Durham range from £16 to £22.
To travel from Durham to Edinburgh without using public transportation, you can drive the distance. The road distance between Durham and Edinburgh is approximately 197.9 km, and it takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive. However, keep in mind that the cost of fuel and tolls may vary, with prices ranging from £31 to £47.
The most convenient way to travel from Durham to Edinburgh without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes, and ticket prices range from £75 to £228.
Yes, there is a direct link between Durham and Edinburgh. You can travel between the two cities by train, which takes approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes. There are hourly services available throughout the week. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus, which departs once daily and takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes.
There are a wide range of options for accommodation near Edinburgh. With over 1382+ hotels to choose from, visitors can find a property that suits their preferences and budget. Prices start at £33, making it possible to find affordable options as well as luxury accommodations.

Trips from Durham

Trips to Edinburgh