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Leeds (West Yorkshire) to Edinburgh from $20: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Leeds (West Yorkshire), United Kingdom
to
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

How to Get from Leeds 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.

$20 by busBest price
263.2 kmDistance
2h 58m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Leeds (West Yorkshire) 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
CrossCountry
Train
Average Duration
2h  58m
Estimated price
$120-370
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
4h  25m
Estimated price
$13-35
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 263.2 km
Duration: 2h 58m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
4h  40m
Estimated price
$20-29
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  13m
Estimated price
$40-223
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  51m
Estimated price
$60-95

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $20 $22 $19 $22 $22 $22 $22
Train $55 $40 $31 $44 $41 $59 $53

Traveling From Leeds (West Yorkshire) to Edinburgh

Journeying from Leeds to Edinburgh offers a delightful contrast between the vibrant urban culture of West Yorkshire and the historic charm of Scotland's capital.

Best Neighbourhoods in Edinburgh

Edinburgh boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character.

Old Town
• Home to the historic Royal Mile.
• Offers stunning medieval architecture.
New Town
• Known for Georgian architecture and elegant streets.
• Features a vibrant shopping and dining scene.
Leith
• Trendy waterfront area with fresh seafood restaurants.
• Hosts the annual Leith Festival celebrating local culture.

Best Times To Visit Edinburgh's Attractions

Timing your visit can greatly enhance your experience at Edinburgh's popular sites.

Edinburgh Castle
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
Arthur's Seat
Weekday mornings offer a quieter hike with stunning views.
The Royal Mile
Exploring in the evening allows for a more relaxed stroll and local ambiance.

Edinburgh Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Edinburgh experiences a temperate maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters, making spring and early autumn ideal for visitors. Be prepared for unpredictable weather, as it can impact outdoor plans, so layering your clothing is a smart choice.

Dining Recommendation in Edinburgh

For a truly unique experience, try haggis at The Sheep Heid Inn, a charming pub that dates back to 1360. This dish, rich in flavor and paired with traditional neeps and tatties, showcases Scotland's local ingredients and offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that contrasts distinctly with the urban dining scene in Leeds.

Leeds (West Yorkshire) - Edinburgh operators

Explore transport companies operating between Leeds (West Yorkshire) 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 Leeds to Edinburgh

Average Duration
2h 58m
Estimated price
$120-370
Contact phone
+44 345 722 5333
Website
https://www.lner.co.uk/

Train from Leeds to Edinburgh

Average Duration
3h 14m
Estimated price
$130-190
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Leeds to Edinburgh Bus Station

Average Duration
4h 40m
Estimated price
$28-40
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Leeds Bus Station to Edinburgh Bus Station

Average Duration
5h 10m
Estimated price
$20-29
Rideshare
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk

Rideshare from Leeds to Edinburgh

Average Duration
4h 25m
Estimated price
$13-35
Plane Show flights
Website
http://aerlingus.com

Plane from Leeds Bradford (LBA) to Edinburgh (EDI)

Average Duration
4h 57m
Estimated price
$160-650
Website
http://klm.com

Plane from Leeds Bradford (LBA) to Edinburgh (EDI)

Average Duration
5h 10m
Estimated price
$260-1500
Website
http://ryanair.com

Plane from Leeds Bradford (LBA) to Edinburgh (EDI)

Average Duration
4h 47m
Estimated price
$35-260
Website
http://easyjet.com

Plane from Leeds Bradford (LBA) to Edinburgh (EDI)

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$80-360

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

Traveling between Leeds (West Yorkshire) 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 Leeds to Edinburgh, covering a distance of 313.8 km in just under 4 hours. 💷 Prices range from £47 to £75 for the journey by car, offering flexibility based on your budget and preferences.
Average price
£47 - £74
🚆 Hop on a direct train from Leeds to Edinburgh operated by CrossCountry. The journey takes approximately 2h 58m with hourly services running every day. 🌆 Enjoy a comfortable ride covering a distance of 370 km from Leeds to Edinburgh by train. Prices can vary between £95 - £292 for this efficient route. 🗺️ Choose the convenient direct route with one step on a CrossCountry train from Leeds to Edinburgh, taking about 2h 58m for a smooth and efficient journey.
Departure Point
Leeds station
Arrival Point
Edinburgh station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Leeds to Edinburgh, you can expect various onboard catering services depending on the operator. For example, LNER (London North Eastern Railway) offers a cafe bar service where you can purchase meals, snacks, and beverages during the journey. Advance purchasing allows you to enjoy a wider selection, and if you're in First Class, a complimentary meal is often included in your ticket.
• The main operators for the Leeds to Edinburgh route are LNER, TransPennine Express, and CrossCountry. LNER provides First Class and Standard Class options, while TransPennine Express typically offers a Standard Class experience with pre-booked seat reservations available. You can check their services via these links: LNER, TransPennine Express, and CrossCountry.
• Upon arriving at Edinburgh Waverley Station, you’ll find it quite easy to navigate. The station has facilities for luggage storage, allowing you to leave bags if you want to explore the city without your possessions. Restrooms are available, but please note that showers are not provided at this station. Additionally, to reach the city center quickly, take the number 3 or 33 bus from the station’s bus stop or hop on the tram, which runs every 7-10 minutes to the city center.
🛫 Flying from Leeds to Edinburgh by plane involves a layover, with the quickest flight taking approximately 3 hours. Airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, Aer Lingus, and KLM operate flights between Leeds Bradford Airport and Edinburgh Airport. 🕒 The total travel time to reach Edinburgh from Leeds by plane is around 5 hours and 13 minutes. 💸 Prices for flight tickets between Edinburgh and Leeds can range from £32 to £176, depending on the airline and time of booking.
Departure Point
Leeds Bradford Airport
Arrival Point
Edinburgh Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h and has one stopover
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Since there are no direct flights from Leeds Bradford Airport to Edinburgh Airport, consider booking with EasyJet or Ryanair as they typically offer the quickest connections with just one stopover; check their schedules at EasyJet and Ryanair for the most convenient options.
• Upon arriving at Edinburgh Airport, be prepared for a busy terminal; the airport is well-signposted, but you should follow the signs for baggage claim and ground transportation; additionally, consider using the Edinburgh Trams for a quick route to the city center, accessible from the airport terminal with a straightforward ticketing system found at Edinburgh Trams.
• Expect to pay around £25-£30 for a taxi from Edinburgh Airport to the city center; for a more budget-friendly alternative, check the Lothian Buses for direct service into town, which typically costs around £4; you can view their schedules and routes at Lothian Buses.
🚌 Traveling from Leeds to Edinburgh by bus is a convenient option with services departing twice daily by FlixBus, taking approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes. 🌍 Route 1 involves a longer journey of 7 hours and 50 minutes with a transfer in Portsmouth and Aberdeen. The total distance covered is 421 km, providing a scenic route to reach Edinburgh. 🛣️ In comparison, Route 2 offers a quicker option at 5 hours and 15 minutes, covering a distance of 367 km with a direct bus towards Glasgow from Leeds.
Departure Point
Leeds station
Arrival Point
Edinburgh Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Upon arriving at Edinburgh Bus Station, follow the signs to the city centre exit, which will lead you directly to the tram and bus services—this is your best bet for navigating onward travel seamlessly.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Leeds (West Yorkshire) to Edinburgh.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Leeds and Edinburgh is approximately 264 km by road. Typical travel times by various modes of transportation include a 3-hour train ride, a 5-hour and 44-minute combination of train and flight with a layover in Manchester, a 5-hour and 5-minute direct flight, a 3-hour and 51-minute car journey from Edinburgh to Leeds, and a 4-hour and 40-minute bus ride from Leeds to Edinburgh.
The most cost-effective option to travel from Leeds to Edinburgh is to rideshare, with prices ranging from £10 to £28 and a travel time of approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes. If time is a priority, the quickest option is to take the train, which takes around 3 hours. While the train may be more expensive, with prices ranging from £87 to £293, it offers a faster and more comfortable journey.
The prices for a train journey between Leeds and Edinburgh can range from £87 to £293, depending on factors such as the time of booking and class of travel. On the other hand, the price for a bus trip between Edinburgh and Leeds can vary from £20 to £40.
To travel from Leeds to Edinburgh without using public transportation, you can consider using carpooling services like BlaBlaCar. This allows you to share a ride with someone who is driving from Leeds to Edinburgh. The driving distance between Leeds and Edinburgh is approximately 313.8 km, and it takes around 3 hours and 51 minutes to drive from Leeds to Edinburgh. The prices for carpooling can vary, but typically range from £48 to £75 for the journey.
To travel from Leeds to Edinburgh without a car, the best option is to take the train, which takes approximately 3 hours and costs between £87-£293. Another option is to take the bus, which costs between £20-£40 and takes around 4 hours and 40 minutes. If you prefer to fly, there are flights available that take around 5 hours and 5 minutes and cost between £28-£190.
Yes, there is a direct link between Leeds and Edinburgh. There is a direct train service operated by CrossCountry that departs hourly and takes approximately 3 hours. Additionally, there is a direct bus service operated by FlixBus that departs five times a day and takes approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes.
The flight duration between Leeds and Edinburgh typically takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes with one stopover. The prices for flights between the two cities can range from £31 to £184, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Edinburgh, with over 1382 hotels to choose from. Prices start at £33 per night, making it possible to find something to fit different budgets.

Trips from Leeds (West Yorkshire)

Trips to Edinburgh