- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
Cheapest price
£41
Average price
£65
Fastest journey
8 h 29 m
Average duration
8 h 49 m
Buses per day
20
Distance
395 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Birmingham to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Edinburgh will cost around £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £41.
Of the 20 buses that leave Birmingham for Edinburgh every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 395 km distance in an average of 8 h 49 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 29 m .
The slowest buses will take 9 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
NX183
NX180
NX131 · NX172 · NX598
NX181 · NX591
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX131 · NX591Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, and a train costs an average of £23.
Distance: 395 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£33 Average Price Cheapest | £77 Average Price | £70 Average Price |
9h 1m Average total duration 8h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 40m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Edinburgh coaches for today, Thursday 20 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 17:55 Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 12h30 | 6:25 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 19:00 Birmingham | 11h25 | 6:25 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 19:30 Birmingham | 12h15 | 7:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 20:00 Birmingham | 11h45 | 7:45 Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 20:00 Birmingham | 12h15 | 8:15 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
NX131 · NX172 · NX598 | 20:30 Birmingham, Coach Station | 11h10 | 7:40 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 22:15 Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 9h30 | 7:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
NX180 | 22:30 Birmingham, Coach Station | 9h35 | 8:05 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
NX181 · NX591 | 23:00 Birmingham, Coach Station | 11h25 | 10:25 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| Friday 21 August | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 0:05 Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 8h41 | 8:46 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 0:05 Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 8h40 | 8:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 0:05 Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 8h29 | 8:34 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 0:05 Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 8h57 | 9:02 Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:00 Birmingham | 10h35 | 17:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
NX183 | 7:30 Birmingham, Coach Station | 9h45 | 17:15 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
NX131 · NX591 | 9:30 Birmingham, Coach Station | 9h20 | 18:50 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:55 Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 9h55 | 20:50 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 13:40 Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 10h13 | 23:53 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 13:40 Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 10h01 | 23:41 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 13:40 Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 9h53 | 23:33 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Birmingham to Edinburgh run on average 16 times per day, taking around 8h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £21 if you book in advance.
There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 395 km distance in 8h 10m.
Distance 395 km |
Average bus duration 8h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Buses per day 16 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 8h 10m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Bus Station -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
Passengers wishing to travel the 300-mile route from Birmingham to Edinburgh can find services readily available through National Express. With four direct departures per day, with another two indirect services via Leeds or Glasgow, passengers can find themselves in the Scottish capital in as little as seven hours 45 minutes.
Coach services, whether direct or indirect, are provided solely by National Express. National Express offers the largest scheduled national coach network in the UK. Whilst onboard, passengers can utilise the WiFi and power sockets for personal items from the comfort of their chair. Passengers can bring two pieces of luggage with them, which can be stored in the hold.
The fastest service is the lunchtime departure, which arrives in Edinburgh in only seven hours 45 minutes. Services travelling through the night can take as long as 10 hours 15 minutes. Journey times vary significantly, so passengers must be sure to check they are on the best route for their needs. It is worth noting that sometimes an indirect service is quicker than a direct service.
On any given day, passengers can expect to choose from four direct departures. There is a mid-morning departure, one in the early evening and two late at night, travelling overnight. A further two indirect services are available with transfers at either Glasgow or Leeds. In some cases, an indirect service via Glasgow is the faster option.
Departure station: Passengers travelling from Birmingham to Edinburgh will depart from Birmingham Coach Station. Located near the famous Bull Ring, the station is within walking distance from both Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Moor Street stations. Station facilities include a coffee shop, charging points, parking, dining options and comfortable waiting facilities.
Arrival station:All coaches arrive at Edinburgh Elder Street Station. Located right next to the high-end shopping area Multrees Walk, the station is also within easy reach of St Andrews Square tram stop with access across the city and direct routes to the airport. Within the station, passengers will find ATMs, cycle racks, vending machines, toilets and left luggage facilities.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Edinburgh by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Birmingham to Edinburgh buses use the Birmingham, Coach Station to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. ATMs are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Bus stops are wheelchair accessible.
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Birmingham has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple fast food and cafes inside
Free Wi-Fi available within the station. ATMs are multiple ATMs available inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham.
Available at Birmingham: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham: Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities.
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1) is 4 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1). ATMs are available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1).
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1).
Available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1): Bus stop is accessible with a curbside stop.
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