Belfast to Edinburgh bus with National Express

Coach from Belfast to Edinburgh

Travelling by bus from Belfast in Northern Ireland to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital involves a ferry crossing from the Belfast Stena Line Terminus to Cairnryan near Stranraer. The overall journey time varies from around 7.5 hours to just under 9.5 hours including the ferry crossing which can take up to two hours 45 minutes. On most days there is one departure operated by National Express Coaches. This leaves mid-morning. On some days there is also a mid-afternoon departure. A connection is made at Glasgow Buchanan Coach Station before the route terminates at Edinburgh Elder Street Bus Station. Please note: this route involves two separate tickets so should a delay occur on the first part of the route, the connection at Glasgow is not guaranteed. There are, however, frequent buses from Glasgow to Edinburgh, a journey of just over one hour.

How long is the journey by bus from Belfast to Edinburgh?

The bus from Belfast to Edinburgh takes between 7.5 and just under 9.5 hours. The first part of the route, including the ferry crossing, takes approximately 6.5 to 8.5 hours. The final stage of the journey from Glasgow to Edinburgh takes just over one hour.

How many coaches are there from Belfast to Edinburgh?

On most days, there is just one bus from Belfast to Edinburgh. This departs in the middle of the morning. On some days, there is a further departure in the afternoon.

What is/are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Belfast to Edinburgh?

Departure bus station: Every bus from Belfast to Edinburgh departs from the Belfast Stena Line Terminus. This is located between 30 and 40 minutes by local bus from Belfast City Centre. It is close to the M2 motorway and has plenty of car parking as well as a taxi rank. Facilities at the terminal include a ticket office, wifi, toilets, a comfortable departure lounge, baby-changing facilities and accessible toilets, a coffee shop and refreshment vending machines. Assistance can be requested for wheelchair users and passengers with limited mobility. A shuttle bus is available for passengers unable to walk the short distance from the terminus to the ferry.

Arrival bus station: The bus from Belfast to Edinburgh completes its journey at Edinburgh Elder Street Bus Station. This is centrally located within the city and only a short walk from many of Edinburgh's attractions as well as its shops and theatres. The bus station is also adjacent to a tram stop with a direct link to Edinburgh Airport. Edinburgh has an extensive transport network of local buses, local trains and trams. Facilities at Elder Street Bus Station include car parking, cycle racks, a taxi rank, toilets and accessible toilets, baby-changing, luggage storage lockers, public payphones, an ATM, phone charging stations and vending machines for refreshments. Cafes and shops can also be found in the streets surrounding the station. All areas of the bus station have step-free access via lifts and ramps.

Which coach providers travel from Belfast to Edinburgh?

The bus route from Belfast to Edinburgh is operated by National Express Coaches.

 National Express Belfast to Edinburgh

National Express Coaches is British owned and one of the largest transport providers in the country. It operates one or two daily departures from Belfast to Edinburgh with a journey time of between 7.5 hours and just under 9.5 hours. Departures are mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

Belfast to Edinburgh Coach: Services on Board

National Express sells standard tickets only although specific seats can be requested. It operates an extensive fleet of modern and safe coaches with plenty of legroom and comfortable seats. Onboard facilities include air-conditioning or heating depending on the season, wifi and toilets. Large pieces of luggage are stored in the hold of the coach while inside, small bags and personal belongings can be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Folding bikes can travel in the hold. There is a charge for this service which must be pre-booked. Pets cannot travel on National Express coaches although certified and trained service animals are allowed. Many newer coaches have space for one wheelchair and a lift for access while foldable wheelchairs can travel in the hold. All wheelchairs must be pre-booked. Onboard toilets, however, are not accessible to wheelchairs. National Express has a dedicated Assisted Travel Team which is on hand to help and advise passengers with limited mobility.