Edinburgh to Manchester from $18: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Edinburgh to Manchester: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$18 - OtherBest price
283.24 kmDistance
3h 5m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Edinburgh to Manchester 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.
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Compare prices for your selected dates
| Type | Mo 06/01 | Tu 07/01 | We 08/01 | Th 09/01 | Fr 10/01 | Sa 11/01 | Su 12/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $14 | $14 | $14 | $15 | $16 | $15 | $15 |
| Train | $29 | $29 | $28 | $54 | $41 | $41 | $44 |
Traveling From Edinburgh to Manchester
The journey from Edinburgh to Manchester offers a fascinating contrast between the historic charm of Scotland's capital and the vibrant, industrial energy of England's northern powerhouse.
Best Neighbourhoods in Manchester
Manchester boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm.
Northern Quarter
• Renowned for its indie shops and creative spaces.
• Vibrant nightlife with eclectic bars and music venues.
Castlefield
• Historic canals and Roman ruins create a picturesque setting.
• Great food scene with riverside dining options.
Chorlton
• Known for its bohemian vibes and community spirit.
• Abundance of vegan cafes and local breweries.
Best Times To Visit Manchester's Attractions
Timing your visits to Manchester's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.
Manchester Art Gallery
Visit on weekdays during the morning to enjoy quieter exhibits.
John Rylands Library
Afternoons on Tuesday or Wednesday offer fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere.
Etihad Stadium
Attend matches on weekday evenings for a lively fan experience without large pre-game crowds.
Manchester Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Manchester experiences a maritime climate, characterized by mild temperatures and rainfall throughout the year; late spring and early summer are ideal for pleasant weather. Understanding the weather can help you pack appropriately and plan outdoor activities, ensuring a more enjoyable travel experience.
Dining Recommendation in Manchester
A visit to Manchester calls for trying a classic Lancashire hotpot at The Wharf, where the rich flavors of slow-cooked lamb contrasts beautifully with Edinburgh’s more whisky-infused dishes. The vibrant pub atmosphere and emphasis on hearty, locally-sourced ingredients create a distinctly different culinary experience that showcases the region's heritage.
Edinburgh - Manchester operators
Explore transport companies operating between Edinburgh and Manchester, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+44 345 600 1671Website
https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/
Train from Haymarket to Manchester Oxford Road
Average Duration
3h 5mEstimated price
$45-120Train from Edinburgh - Wigan North Western to Manchester Victoria
Average Duration
3h 41mEstimated price
$104-247Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk
Bus from Edinburgh Bus Station to Manchester
Average Duration
7h 15mEstimated price
$35-50Website
https://uk.megabus.com
Bus from Edinburgh Bus Station to Manchester Shudehill Interchange
Average Duration
5h 20mEstimated price
$24-35Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk
Rideshare from Edinburgh to Manchester
Average Duration
4h 22mEstimated price
$18-40Website
https://www.easyjet.com
Plane from Edinburgh (EDI) to Manchester (MAN)
Average Duration
4h 42mEstimated price
$42-204Website
https://www.britishairways.com
Plane from Edinburgh (EDI) to Manchester (MAN)
Average Duration
3h 34mEstimated price
$140-600Website
https://www.ryanair.com
Plane from Edinburgh (EDI) to Manchester (MAN)
Average Duration
3h 31mEstimated price
$35-230Edinburgh to Manchester: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Edinburgh and Manchester 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 Manchester, spanning a driving distance of 344.4 km. With approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes of travel time, enjoy the scenic route and the freedom of the open road.
💸 Explore cost-effective travel options ranging from £55 to £87 for a car trip from Edinburgh to Manchester.
Average price
£54 - £85
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Edinburgh to Manchester with TransPennine Express Service. The direct train departs from Haymarket station and arrives at Manchester Oxford Road, making travel between these vibrant cities convenient.
🎫 The journey between Edinburgh and Manchester takes approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes, offering a comfortable and efficient way to travel between these two popular destinations in the United Kingdom.
💷 Ticket prices for the train ride from Edinburgh to Manchester range from £36 to £95, providing flexibility for travelers with different budgets.
Departure Point
Haymarket station
Arrival Point
Manchester Oxford Road station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for the train operators on this route, such as Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express, include a food service with a range of options available for purchase. The catering services may offer light snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals, along with drinks, so consider pre-ordering your meal during busy times or checking for a menu online beforehand.
• The trains from Edinburgh to Manchester typically feature multiple seating options, including First Class and Standard Class. First-Class passengers enjoy spacious seating, complimentary refreshments, and a quieter atmosphere. Standard Class offers comfortable seating but can be busier during peak hours. Check Avanti West Coast at avantiwestcoast.co.uk and TransPennine Express at tpexpress.co.uk for seat layout and amenities.
• Upon arriving at Manchester Piccadilly station, you'll find facilities like left luggage services (available from the Piccadilly Station Shop) and clean restrooms. If you need to freshen up, there are accessible restrooms, but showers may not be available. To navigate easily, use the station map available at information desks or online at networkrail.co.uk
🛫 Flying from Edinburgh to Manchester involves a total journey time of 4 hours 42 minutes, with the quickest flight having a single stopover and taking 2 hours 45 minutes.
🌍 When booking your flight from Edinburgh Airport to Manchester Airport, you have several airline options including Loganair, Ryanair UK, and other carriers, offering a range of prices from £33 to £161.
Departure Point
Edinburgh Airport
Arrival Point
Manchester Airport. The quickest flight takes 2h 45m and has one stopover
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Consider booking a flight with Loganair, as they offer convenient stopover options at key airports, which can sometimes provide a smoother overall travel experience than other airlines.
• Upon arrival at Manchester Airport, follow the signs for the ‘Railway Station’ if you plan to use public transport, as it connects seamlessly to the city center. Alternatively, you will find an abundance of taxis waiting outside the terminal; the approximate fare to Manchester city center is around £25 to £30.
• Check the latest flight schedules from both Loganair and Ryanair UK at their respective websites - Loganair and Ryanair UK, as well as considering your in-flight options, such as snacks or meals, especially on longer stopover flights.
🚌 Embark on a scenic journey from Edinburgh to Manchester by bus, departing from Edinburgh Bus Station and arriving at Manchester station. Services run twice daily with a travel time of approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes.
💷 Ticket prices for the Edinburgh to Manchester bus range from £19 to £28, providing a budget-friendly transportation option for your travel itinerary.
Departure Point
Edinburgh Bus Station
Arrival Point
Manchester station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Consider booking your FlixBus ticket in advance online at their official website FlixBus for the best prices, which typically range from £18 to £27.
• Before you board, grab a light meal or snack from one of the cafes at Edinburgh Bus Station; there's a Starbucks and a Greggs that offer a variety of options to keep you fueled during the 7h 15m journey.
• Upon arrival at Manchester, be prepared for the busy environment at the Manchester Bus Station; take a moment to glance at the station map available there or check it online Manchester Bus Station Map to easily navigate to your next destination.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Edinburgh to Manchester.
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The distance between Edinburgh and Manchester is approximately 283.2 km by road. If you prefer train travel, it takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes to reach Manchester from Edinburgh. Another option is to fly to Birmingham and then take a train, which usually takes around 5 hours and 24 minutes. If you opt for a direct flight, the journey time is approximately 4 hours and 42 minutes. Lastly, if you decide to drive, it takes approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes by car, while the bus journey takes about 5 hours and 55 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Edinburgh to Manchester is to rideshare, which can cost between £14 and £27 and takes approximately 4 hours and 22 minutes. However, if time is of the essence, the fastest option is by train, which takes 3 hours and 10 minutes but can cost between £78 and £188.
The prices for a train journey between Edinburgh and Manchester can range from £78 to £188, depending on factors such as time of travel and class of seating. On the other hand, taking a bus between Manchester and Edinburgh can cost anywhere from £20 to £43, with prices varying based on the bus company and type of service chosen.
To travel from Edinburgh to Manchester without using public transportation, you can consider using Blablacar's carpooling service. It offers rideshare options, allowing you to share a car with someone else heading in the same direction. Another option is to drive yourself, as the distance between Edinburgh and Manchester is approximately 344.4 km, with a travel time of around 3 hours and 49 minutes. Keep in mind that the cost of driving from Edinburgh to Manchester can range from £55 to £86, depending on various factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
To travel from Edinburgh to Manchester without a car, the best option is to take a train. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes and ticket prices range from £78 to £188. Another alternative is to take a bus, which takes a bit longer, around 5 hours and 55 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from £20 to £43. Lastly, flying is also an option, with a travel time of 4 hours and 42 minutes and ticket prices ranging from £31 to £156.
Yes, there is a direct link between Edinburgh and Manchester. TransPennine Express operates direct train services which depart from Edinburgh and arrive at Manchester Oxford Road, with a journey time of approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. Additionally, FlixBus operates direct bus services that depart from Edinburgh Bus Station and arrive at Manchester Shudehill Interchange, with a journey time of approximately 5 hours and 55 minutes.
The flight between Edinburgh and Manchester typically lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes, with one stopover. The prices for this flight can vary, ranging from £33 to £151.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Manchester. With over 1539 hotels to choose from, you have a wide range of choices suiting various budgets and preferences. Prices for hotels in Manchester start at £23, making it accessible for travelers looking for affordable options.
Trips from Edinburgh
- Edinburgh to St Andrews
- Edinburgh to Dublin
- Edinburgh to Dunbar
- Edinburgh to Belfast
- Edinburgh to Fort William
- Edinburgh to Aberdeen
- Edinburgh to Perth
- Edinburgh to Amsterdam
- Edinburgh to North Berwick
- Edinburgh to Oban
- Edinburgh to Stirling
- Edinburgh to Pitlochry
- Edinburgh to Inverness
- Edinburgh to Liverpool
- Edinburgh to Paris
- Edinburgh to Newcastle upon Tyne
- Edinburgh to Cardiff
- Edinburgh to York
- Edinburgh to Dundee
- Edinburgh to Birmingham
- Edinburgh to Prague
- Edinburgh to Dumfries
- Edinburgh to Munich
- Edinburgh to Livingston
- Edinburgh to Rome
- Edinburgh to Glasgow
- Edinburgh to Dunfermline
- Edinburgh to London
- Edinburgh to Loch Ness
- Edinburgh to Kirkcaldy
- Edinburgh to Blackpool
- Edinburgh to Carlisle (Cumbria)
- Edinburgh to Galashiels
- Edinburgh to Musselburgh
- Edinburgh to Bristol
- Edinburgh to Seville
- Edinburgh to Falkirk
- Edinburgh to Leeds (West Yorkshire)
- Edinburgh to Berwick Upon Tweed
- Edinburgh to Newcastle (Down)
Trips to Manchester
- Birmingham to Manchester
- Dublin to Manchester
- Paris to Manchester
- Amsterdam to Manchester
- Cardiff to Manchester
- Oxford to Manchester
- Southampton to Manchester
- Leicester to Manchester
- Glasgow to Manchester
- Belfast to Manchester
- Liverpool to Manchester
- Bristol to Manchester
- Huddersfield to Manchester
- London to Manchester
- Sheffield to Manchester
- Nottingham to Manchester
- York to Manchester
- Wolverhampton to Manchester
- Burnley to Manchester
- Newcastle upon Tyne to Manchester
- Leeds (West Yorkshire) to Manchester
- Crewe to Manchester
- Milton Keynes to Manchester
- Blackburn (Lancashire) to Manchester
- Glossop to Manchester
- Wigan to Manchester
- Warrington to Manchester
- Rochdale to Manchester
- Carlisle (Cumbria) to Manchester
- Bolton to Manchester
- Chester to Manchester
- Aberdeen to Manchester
- Preston (Lancashire) to Manchester
- Luton (Bedfordshire) to Manchester
- Bradford (West Yorkshire) to Manchester
- Macclesfield to Manchester
- Lancaster to Manchester
- Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester
- Lincoln to Manchester
- Inverness to Manchester