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Leicester to Edinburgh from $35: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Leicester, United Kingdom
to
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

How to Get from Leicester 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.

$35 by busBest price
394.3 kmDistance
2h 22m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Leicester 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
Taxi
Plane
Average Duration
2h  22m
Estimated price
$142-284
Recommended
Company
megabus
Bus
Average Duration
8h  50m
Estimated price
$35-52
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 394.3 km
Duration: 2h 22m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
8h  41m
Estimated price
$44-66
Company
various
Train
Train
Plane
Average Duration
4h  29m
Estimated price
$67-253
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  13m
Estimated price
$90-140
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
5h  17m
Estimated price
$95-365
Company
various
Taxi
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
2h  51m
Estimated price
$153-311
Company
CrossCountry
Train
Average Duration
5h  43m
Estimated price
$167-473

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $23 $20 $23 $23 $31 $29 $26
Train $95 $61 $166 $148 $114 $76 $81
Fly $42 $35 $39 $41 $46 $45 $50
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Leicester to Edinburgh

The journey from Leicester to Edinburgh showcases a transition from the rich industrial heritage and vibrant urban life of Leicester to the enchanting architecture and dramatic landscapes of Scotland's capital.

Best Neighbourhoods in Edinburgh

Edinburgh boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Old Town
• Home to the historic Edinburgh Castle.
• Cobblestone streets filled with shops and cafes.
New Town
• Known for Georgian architecture and elegant squares.
• Bustling with trendy boutiques and contemporary art galleries.
Leith
• Vibrant waterfront area with a dockside atmosphere.
• Famous for its culinary scene and seafood restaurants.

Best Times To Visit Edinburgh's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience of Edinburgh's highlights.

Edinburgh Castle
Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon usually means fewer tourists.
Arthur's Seat
Early morning hikes offer serene views and quieter trails.
The Royal Mile
Exploring during weekdays, especially in the morning, keeps the crowds at bay.

Edinburgh Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Edinburgh experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters, making it essential to pack layers regardless of the season. The best times to visit are during spring and early autumn when you can enjoy pleasant temperatures, and understanding the weather patterns can help you plan your activities accordingly.

Dining in Edinburgh

Sampling haggis at The Ubiquitous Chip offers a distinct flavor profile and atmosphere that sets it apart from dining in Leicester. This renowned restaurant emphasizes local ingredients and traditional Scottish cuisine, allowing you to immerse yourself in a truly authentic culinary experience.

Leicester - Edinburgh operators

Explore transport companies operating between Leicester 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
crosscountrytrains.co.uk

Train from Leicester to Stansted Airport

Average Duration
2h 26m
Estimated price
$70-200

Train from Sheffield to Edinburgh

Average Duration
3h 45m
Estimated price
$140-430
Contact phone
03457 125 678
Website
eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk

Train from Leicester to Kettering

Average Duration
22m
Estimated price
$11-26

Train from Kettering to Luton

Average Duration
38m
Estimated price
$17-35

Train from Leicester to Sheffield

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$26-45
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Leicester to Edinburgh Bus Station

Average Duration
7h 10m
Estimated price
$40-60

Bus from St Margaret's Bus Station to Meadowhall Interchange

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
$12-17
Website
uk.megabus.com

Bus from Sheffield Meadowhall to Edinburgh Bus Station

Average Duration
5h 30m
Estimated price
$23-35
Plane Show flights
Website
easyjet.com

Plane from Birmingham (BHX) to Edinburgh (EDI)

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$40-210
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+44 116 262 8222
Website
swiftfoxcabs.co.uk

Other from Leicester to Birmingham

Average Duration
41m
Estimated price
$100-130
Contact phone
+44116 44 222 44
Website
leicesterblackcabs.uk

Other from Leicester to Birmingham

Average Duration
41m
Estimated price
$100-130
Contact phone
+44 116 298 9898
Website
taxiinleicester.co.uk

Other from Leicester to Birmingham

Average Duration
41m
Estimated price
$100-130

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

Traveling between Leicester 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 picturesque road trip from Leicester to Edinburgh, covering a driving distance of 455.4 km. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of choosing from a range of prices, with the journey from Leicester to Edinburgh by car costing between £71 to £111. 🏰 Arrive in the enchanting city of Edinburgh after approximately 5 hours and 13 minutes of driving. Explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle, wander the Royal Mile, and immerse yourself in the rich Scottish culture awaiting you at this historic destination.
Average price
£70 - £109
🚆 **Overview**: Traveling from Leicester to Edinburgh by train involves a journey that lasts approximately 5 hours and 43 minutes, with a transfer at Sheffield. The train services are operated by East Midlands Railways and CrossCountry. 🚆 **Route Options**: There are multiple route options for the Leicester to Edinburgh trip, each with different durations and number of transfers. You can choose between routes that have 1 to 3 transfers, with journey times ranging from about 4 hours 40 minutes to 5 hours 28 minutes. Prices for the train tickets vary between £132 to £374. 🚆 **Final Destination**: Your train journey from Leicester will culminate at Edinburgh station, the final stop on the route. Enjoy the scenic views along the way as you traverse the distance of approximately 536 km to reach the historic city of Edinburgh from Leicester.
Departure Point
Leicester station
Arrival Point
Edinburgh station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard catering services for the route from Leicester to Edinburgh are provided by Avanti West Coast, which offers a range of options including snacks, hot and cold meals, and a variety of beverages including alcoholic drinks. You can pre-order food online for enhanced convenience.
• When traveling with Avanti West Coast, you can choose between Standard Class and First Class seating. Standard Class offers comfortable seating with ample legroom, while First Class provides more spacious seats, complimentary food and drink, and access to quieter carriages.
• The primary operators for the Leicester to Edinburgh route include Avanti West Coast (avantiwestcoast.co.uk) and CrossCountry (crosscountrytrains.co.uk). Check both websites for schedules and ticket options.
🛫 Flying from Birmingham Airport to Edinburgh Airport is the quickest way to travel between Leicester and Edinburgh, with a direct flight taking 1 hour and 5 minutes. EasyJet provides convenient flight options for this route.
Departure Point
Birmingham Airport
Arrival Point
Edinburgh Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Check EasyJet's website for last-minute updates on your flight from Birmingham to Edinburgh, as they often post important announcements regarding delays or gate changes that are unique to this route.
• Upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport, navigate the terminal by following the clear signage towards the direction of the tram and bus services for easy access to the city center; note that it can be quite busy during peak times.
• Expect the taxi fare from Edinburgh Airport to the city center to be around £25-£30; consider using the airport tram service as a more cost-effective and scenic alternative, costing approximately £6.50 and traveling directly into the heart of the city.
While there is no direct route, you can take a service from St Margaret's Bus Station in Leicester that will journey through to Edinburgh in approximately 8 hours and 41 minutes with transfers. 🌟 FlixBus operates the Leicester to Edinburgh bus services, departing from Leicester station and arriving at Edinburgh Bus Station. This comfortable option allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as you make your way to the Scottish capital in around 8 hours and 50 minutes. 🏰 Discover the beauty of Scotland on this 525 km route from Leicester to Edinburgh by bus. With prices ranging from £28 to £41, the journey includes a stop in Glasgow before reaching your final destination in Edinburgh. Consider booking your tickets through FlixBus for a seamless travel experience.
Departure Point
Leicester station
Arrival Point
Edinburgh Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Before your journey, check FlixBus schedules, as they operate the main service from Leicester to Edinburgh, with possible transfers; you can find the schedule and booking options on their website FlixBus.
• When traveling from Leicester, ensure you depart from St Margaret's Bus Station, as this is where services to Edinburgh leave; it’s worth arriving early to get familiar with the station layout and facilities.
• Upon arriving at Edinburgh Bus Station, plan ahead for your next steps—it's centrally located with easy access to local transport options like trams and buses; check out their schedules and maps available on the Lothian Buses website to navigate the city smoothly.

Trips from Leicester

Trips to Edinburgh