Belfast, County Antrim to Edinburgh, Edinburgh from $44: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Belfast to Edinburgh: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$44 - Bus and Ferry, BusBest price
230.1 kmDistance
1h 37m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Belfast 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.
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| Type | Mo 06/01 | Tu 07/01 | We 08/01 | Th 09/01 | Fr 10/01 | Sa 11/01 | Su 12/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $62 | $63 | $63 | $62 | $63 | $63 | $63 |
| Fly | $37 | $35 | $36 | $35 | $39 | $35 | $36 |
Traveling From Belfast to Edinburgh
Traveling from Belfast to Edinburgh offers a fascinating contrast between Belfast’s vibrant maritime history and the stunning architecture and cultural richness of Scotland’s capital city.
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 lined with pubs and shops.
New Town
• Showcases Georgian architecture and elegant streets.
• Features upscale boutiques and vibrant cafes.
Leith
• Authentic waterfront district with trendy restaurants.
• Offers scenic views along the Water of Leith.
Best Times To Visit Edinburgh's Attractions
Timing your visits to Edinburgh's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.
Edinburgh Castle
Visiting early in the morning or late afternoon helps avoid peak crowds.
Holyrood Palace
Weekdays are less crowded, especially in the late afternoon.
Arthur's Seat
Early mornings or weekdays offer a quieter hiking experience with stunning views.
Edinburgh Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Edinburgh experiences a temperate maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters, making spring and early autumn the best times to visit for pleasant weather. Be prepared for occasional rain, as the weather can impact outdoor plans and sightseeing.
Dining Recommendation in Edinburgh
A must-try dish in Edinburgh is haggis, often served with neeps and tatties, which showcases local ingredients and flavors distinct from Belfast’s traditional fare. The dining atmosphere here often combines history with modernity, providing a unique experience that allows you to savor traditional Scottish cuisine in charming, rustic settings.
Belfast - Edinburgh operators
Explore transport companies operating between Belfast and Edinburgh, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
aerlingus.com
Plane from Belfast City (BHD) to Edinburgh (EDI)
Average Duration
1h 37mEstimated price
$62-208Website
easyjet.com
Plane from Belfast (Aldergrove) to Edinburgh (EDI)
Average Duration
1h 37mEstimated price
$30-190Website
ryanair.com
Plane from Belfast (Aldergrove) to Edinburgh (EDI)
Average Duration
1h 37mEstimated price
$24-250Contact phone
+44 28 9066 6630Website
translink.co.uk
Bus from Belfast Europa Bus Centre to Glasgow Buchanan
Average Duration
6hEstimated price
$35-50Bus from Cairnryan Stena Terminal to Glasgow Buchanan
Average Duration
2h 5mEstimated price
$23-35Website
uk.megabus.com
Bus from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Edinburgh Bus Station
Average Duration
1h 23mEstimated price
$11-16Contact phone
+44 344 811 0141Website
scotrail.co.uk
Train from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh
Average Duration
50mEstimated price
$17-40Website
sleeper.scot
Train from Glasgow Queen Street Low Level to Edinburgh
Average Duration
55mEstimated price
$75-95Contact phone
+44 844 770 7070Website
stenaline.co.uk
Ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan
Average Duration
2h 22mEstimated price
0-0Belfast to Edinburgh: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Belfast 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.
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard the service operated by ScotRail, you'll find a selection of catering options including a café car that serves hot and cold beverages, light snacks, and sandwiches. Look out for local specialties, as they often feature seasonal products from Scottish producers. If you're traveling in First Class, complimentary snacks and drinks may be offered.
• The train from Belfast to Edinburgh typically features standard seating options: Economy Class provides comfortable seats with access to power points, while First Class offers larger reclining seats with extra legroom, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary refreshments. If you value comfort and quieter environments, First Class is worth considering.
• For your route, you may travel with multiple operators such as Stena Line (for the ferry portion) and ScotRail (for the train segment). You can check their schedules and book tickets via their websites: Stena Line - ">">stenaline.co.uk ScotRail - ">">scotrail.co.uk For further local transport information, the Transport for Edinburgh site ">">transportforedinburgh.com is an excellent resource.
🛫 Experience a swift and convenient journey from Belfast to Edinburgh by taking a direct flight, which only takes about 55 minutes from Belfast City Airport to Edinburgh Airport.
🎫 Aer Lingus provides flights from Belfast City Airport to Edinburgh Airport, ensuring a seamless and comfortable travel experience with a flight duration of approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes.
💸 Enjoy competitive pricing for flights between Edinburgh and Belfast, with ticket costs typically ranging from £49 to £164, offering flexibility for various budgets and travel preferences.
Departure Point
Belfast City Airport
Arrival Point
Edinburgh Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Opt for Aer Lingus for direct flights; their services often include convenient departure times and a smooth 55-minute journey, making the trip very efficient.
• Upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport, follow the clear signs to the tram station for a quick and easy connection to the city center; trams run frequently and the journey takes about 30 minutes.
• Expect taxi fares from Edinburgh Airport to the city center to cost around £25-£30, which is a convenient option if you're traveling with luggage or in a group.
🚌 It is not possible to take a direct bus from Belfast to Edinburgh. Instead, travelers will need to transfer at Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station during the journey, which takes around 7 hours and 34 minutes.
🚌 The bus services from Belfast to Edinburgh are operated by Translink UK and Megabus UK. Passengers will depart from Belfast Europa Bus Centre and arrive at Edinburgh Bus Station. The bus ticket prices typically range from £35 to £47 for this route.
Departure Point
Belfast Europa Bus Centre station
Arrival Point
Edinburgh Bus Station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Belfast to Edinburgh.
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The distance between Belfast and Edinburgh is approximately 143 miles. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: it takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes to reach Edinburgh from Belfast by taking a flight from Belfast City to Glasgow and then a train; it takes about 2 hours and 39 minutes to travel from Belfast to Edinburgh by plane; and it takes approximately 7 hours and 28 minutes to reach Edinburgh from Belfast by bus. These times may vary depending on factors such as traffic and schedules.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Belfast to Edinburgh is to take a bus and ferry combination, which typically costs between £35-£55 and takes around 7 hours and 28 minutes. However, if time is a priority, the quickest way to reach Edinburgh is by flying, with flights typically taking just 2 hours and 39 minutes, and costing between £39-£149. Considering both cost and time, the bus and ferry option tends to offer reasonable value for money, while the flight option is more suitable for those needing to reach Edinburgh quickly.
The prices for traveling from Belfast to Edinburgh by bus typically range from £38 to £51. However, it's important to note that these prices may vary depending on factors such as the time of travel, the type of bus, and any promotional offers or discounts available. It is recommended to check with different bus operators or travel websites to get the most accurate and up-to-date prices for your specific travel dates.
To travel from Belfast to Edinburgh without a car, the recommended option is to take a bus and ferry combination, followed by a train. This journey typically takes around 7 hours and 5 minutes and costs between £35 and £110. The bus and ferry portion of the trip will take you from Belfast to Cairnryan, where you will then board a train to Edinburgh. This route provides a scenic experience as you travel through different modes of transportation.
No, there is no direct link between Belfast and Edinburgh by bus. However, there are bus services available that require transfers, with a journey time of approximately 7 hours 28 minutes. The bus services depart from Belfast Europa Bus Centre and arrive at Princes Street, with transfers at Buchanan Bus Station. The bus services are operated by Translink UK and Scottish Citylink.
The flight between Belfast City Airport and Edinburgh Airport typically takes around 55 minutes, making it the quickest mode of transportation. The prices for this flight route can vary, ranging from £39 to £144. It is recommended to check with different airlines and book in advance to secure the best rates for your travel between Belfast and Edinburgh.
There are various accommodation options available near Edinburgh. With over 1382 hotels to choose from, travelers have a wide range of choices. Prices for hotels start at £33, making it suitable for different budgets. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, there is something for everyone in terms of accommodation near Edinburgh.
Trips from Belfast
- Belfast to Galway
- Belfast to Londonderry
- Belfast to Cork
- Belfast to Portrush
- Belfast to Glasgow
- Belfast to Dublin
- Belfast to Cairnryan
- Belfast to Stranraer
- Belfast to Amsterdam
- Belfast to Berlin
- Belfast to Manchester
- Belfast to Cardiff
- Belfast to Inverness
- Belfast to London
- Belfast to Liverpool
- Belfast to Krakow
- Belfast to Prague
- Belfast to Paris
- Belfast to Benidorm
- Belfast to Madrid
- Belfast to Alicante
- Belfast to Milan
- Belfast to Sligo
- Belfast to Budapest
- Belfast to Newcastle upon Tyne
- Belfast to Leeds (West Yorkshire)
- Belfast to Naples
- Belfast to Barcelona
- Belfast to Killarney
- Belfast to Venice
- Belfast to Bristol
- Belfast to Malaga
- Belfast to Southampton
- Belfast to Birmingham
- Belfast to Malta
- Belfast to New Delhi
- Belfast to Lanzarote Island
- Belfast to Abu Dhabi
- Belfast to Brisbane
- Belfast to Gortin
Trips to Edinburgh
- Aberdeen to Edinburgh
- Dublin to Edinburgh
- Fort William to Edinburgh
- Paris to Edinburgh
- Oxford to Edinburgh
- Glasgow to Edinburgh
- Amsterdam to Edinburgh
- Nottingham to Edinburgh
- Liverpool to Edinburgh
- Manchester to Edinburgh
- Inverness to Edinburgh
- Cardiff to Edinburgh
- Southampton to Edinburgh
- Birmingham to Edinburgh
- Bristol to Edinburgh
- York to Edinburgh
- Brussels to Edinburgh
- Cork to Edinburgh
- Newcastle upon Tyne to Edinburgh
- New York City to Edinburgh
- London to Edinburgh
- Stirling to Edinburgh
- Dundee to Edinburgh
- Perth to Edinburgh
- St. Andrews to Edinburgh
- Newark to Edinburgh
- Chicago to Edinburgh
- Houston to Edinburgh
- Seattle to Edinburgh
- Dallas to Edinburgh
- Leeds (West Yorkshire) to Edinburgh
- Luton (Bedfordshire) to Edinburgh
- Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) to Edinburgh
- Norwich to Edinburgh
- Durham to Edinburgh
- Peterborough to Edinburgh
- Preston (Lancashire) to Edinburgh
- San Francisco to Edinburgh
- Denver to Edinburgh
- Orlando to Edinburgh