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

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
St Andrews, United Kingdom
to
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

How to Get from St Andrews 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 carBest price
52.1 milesDistance
1h 4m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from St Andrews 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
First ScotRail Service, LNER, CrossCountry
Train
Average Duration
1h  18m
Estimated price
$35-120
Recommended
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  4m
Estimated price
$17-25
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 52.1 miles
Duration: 1h 4m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
Megabus UK
Bus
Average Duration
1h  55m
Estimated price
$50-65

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Train $10 $12 $11 $20 $18 $11 $17
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Traveling From St Andrews to Edinburgh

Your journey from St Andrews to Edinburgh offers a delightful contrast, where the tranquil beauty of coastal scenery gives way to the vibrant energy and historical depth of Scotland's capital.

Best Neighbourhoods in Edinburgh

Edinburgh's neighborhoods each offer distinct experiences and attractions for travelers.

Old Town
• Historic streets filled with medieval architecture.
• Home to Edinburgh Castle and vibrant shops.
New Town
• Elegant Georgian buildings and beautiful gardens.
• Lively dining scene and boutique shopping.
Leith
• Trendy waterfront area with great seafood restaurants.
• Rich maritime heritage and cultural events.

Best Times To Visit Edinburgh's Attractions

Enjoy a smoother experience at Edinburgh's top sights by timing your visits right.

Edinburgh Castle
Early morning or late afternoon visits keep crowds at bay and provide stunning light for photos.
Holyrood Palace
Weekdays are quieter; aim for lunch hours to enjoy a calm exploration.
Arthur's Seat
Visit at sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views and fewer hikers along the trails.

Edinburgh Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Edinburgh experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters, making it an appealing destination year-round. Understanding the seasonal weather can enhance your travel experience, as visiting in late spring or early autumn often means pleasant conditions for sightseeing.

Dining Recommendation in Edinburgh

At Dishoom, you can savor the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine, a delightful departure from the seafood and traditional Scottish fare typically found in St Andrews. The lively atmosphere, complete with cozy nooks and the aroma of spices, transforms your dining experience into a sensory celebration of diverse culinary traditions.

St Andrews - Edinburgh operators

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

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+44 344 811 0141
Website
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/

Train from Leuchars to Haymarket

Average Duration
1h 9m
Estimated price
$17-40
Contact phone
+44 345 722 5333
Website
https://www.lner.co.uk/

Train from Leuchars to Haymarket

Average Duration
56m
Estimated price
$65-90
Contact phone
0344 736 9123
Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/

Train from Leuchars to Haymarket

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$35-80
Bus Show bus routes
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Dundee Seagate Bus Station to Edinburgh Bus Station

Average Duration
1h 36m
Estimated price
$12-18

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

Traveling between St Andrews 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 St Andrews to Edinburgh, covering a distance of 83.7 km in just over an hour. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options ranging from £13 to £20 for the car journey to Edinburgh from St Andrews.
Average price
£13 - £19
🚆 The train journey from St Andrews to Edinburgh takes approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes, making it a quick and convenient way to travel between the two cities. 💷 Ticket prices for the train ride from St Andrews to Edinburgh can range from £28 to £88, offering travelers different options based on their budget and preferences.
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard Services: The trains operating on this route, primarily by LNER and ScotRail, offer complimentary refreshment options in First Class, including meals, snacks, and beverages. For Economy and Business Class, there might be a trolley service providing a selection of coffee, tea, light snacks, and alcoholic beverages available for purchase. LNER's website is lner.co.uk and ScotRail's is scotrail.co.uk
Seating Options: On the LNER service, you can choose from Standard Class (Economy), First Class, and Premium First Class seats. Standard Class offers comfortable seating with access to power sockets and free Wi-Fi, while First Class provides more spacious seating, complimentary meals, and newspapers. ScotRail offers Standard Class and First Class, with the latter providing enhanced comforts and quieter carriages. Consider upgrading to First Class for a more pleasant journey if your budget allows.
Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at Edinburgh Waverley Station, expect a bustling environment. There are facilities to leave your luggage at the Left Luggage office, and restrooms are available nearby. Note that showers are not available at the station, but it's easy to find cafes and eateries within the station if you wish to grab a bite before heading out. After disembarking, you can also access a detailed map of the station layout for easy navigation.
Fastest Way to City Center: The quickest way to get from Edinburgh Waverley to the city center is via the tram. The tram stops are conveniently located outside the station. You can take Tram Line 1 towards York Place for a quick journey. Alternatively, numerous buses also operate from the station, including Lothian Buses number 3, 5, or 33, offering a direct link to various city center destinations.
🚌 The journey by bus from St Andrews to Edinburgh takes approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore both cities in a day. 💸 The prices for a bus ticket between Edinburgh and St Andrews can vary, typically ranging from £39 to £50, offering flexibility for budget-conscious travelers.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your bus ticket in advance through operators like Stagecoach East Scotland or Citylink (stagecoachbus.com) and (citylink.co.uk) for better prices, as the fare ranges from £38 to £48.
• Bring along snacks, as the bus journey takes nearly 2 hours, and while there might be short breaks, food options on board can be limited.
• Upon arriving at Edinburgh Bus Station, familiarize yourself with the layout by checking the station map available online at edinburgh.gov.uk as it can help you efficiently navigate to your next destination in the city.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from St Andrews to Edinburgh.

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The distance between St Andrews and Edinburgh is approximately 49.9 km by air or 83.8 km by road. The typical travel time by bus and train is around 2 hours and 19 minutes, while driving by car takes about 1 hour and 4 minutes. Alternatively, taking a bus directly from St Andrews to Edinburgh usually takes around 1 hour and 58 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from St Andrews to Edinburgh is by bus, which costs £6-£9 and takes 1h 58m. This is a great choice for travelers on a budget. However, if time is of the essence, driving is the fastest option, taking only 1h 4m. Although it is a bit more expensive, costing between £13-£20, it can save you almost an hour compared to taking the bus.
The prices of a bus ride from St Andrews to Edinburgh range from £6 to £9.
To travel from St Andrews to Edinburgh without public transportation, you can choose to drive. The distance between the two cities is around 83.7 km, and it typically takes around 1 hour and 4 minutes to reach Edinburgh by car. The cost of the journey can vary, with prices for a car ride ranging from £13 to £20.
If you don't have a car, the best way to travel from St Andrews to Edinburgh is by bus. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes. Bus tickets usually cost between £6 and £9.
Yes, there is a direct link between St Andrews and Edinburgh. Stagecoach East Scotland operates a bus service that departs from St Andrews Bus Station and arrives at Edinburgh Princes Street. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes and buses operate hourly, seven days a week.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Edinburgh. With over 1382 hotels to choose from, visitors can find a range of budget-friendly to luxurious accommodations. Prices start at £33, allowing travelers to find a suitable option within their budget.
Yes, it is possible to travel from St Andrews to Edinburgh by bicycle. The distance of the route is approximately 84 kilometers. The travel time will depend on your cycling speed and the route you take, but it can range anywhere from 3 to 5 hours.

Trips to Edinburgh