- 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
£49
Average price
£83
Fastest journey
11 h 18 m
Average duration
11 h 48 m
Buses per day
17
Distance
502 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bristol to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Edinburgh will cost around £83 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £49.
To travel from Bristol to Edinburgh you need to make at least one change.
NX101 · NX180
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £30, and a train costs an average of £53.
Distance: 502 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£40 Average Price Cheapest | £102 Average Price | £77 Average Price |
12h 20m Average total duration 11h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 35m Average total duration 6h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 16m Average total duration Fastest 1h 16m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg 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 Bristol to Edinburgh coaches for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 11h55 | 20:50 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 13h26 | 22:21 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 14h06 | 23:41 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 14h18 | 23:53 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 13h58 | 23:33 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 2 changes | |
NX040 · NX594 | 14:35 Bristol, University Queens Road | 16h45 | 7:20 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 17:40 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 12h45 | 6:25 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
NX201 · NX594 | 18:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 13h20 | 7:20 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 19:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 12h56 | 8:31 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 19:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 12h10 | 7:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 19:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 12h47 | 8:22 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 2 changes | |
NX101 · NX180 | 19:40 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 12h25 | 8:05 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 20:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 12h15 | 8:15 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 20:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 15h48 | 11:48 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 20:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 15h39 | 11:39 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 20:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 11h45 | 7:45 Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 change | |
| Saturday 29 August | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:15 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 15h54 | 19:09 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:15 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 14h20 | 17:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
NX040 · NX591 | 4:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 13h50 | 18:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 Bristol to Edinburgh run on average 23 times per day, taking around 11h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £30 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 502 km distance in 11h 5m.
Distance 502 km |
Average bus duration 11h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Buses per day 23 |
Fastest bus 11h 5m |
First bus 0:25 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 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 who are looking for coaches from Bristol to Edinburgh will only find a short service of just 2 trains running per day. Only one provider operates the distance between the two locations and that is with the leading provider, National Express. Onboard these coaches, expect the use of good services and useful onboard facilities. The first running coach of the day is at 4:15 a.m. and the latest running coach of the day is at 7:00 p.m. Guests will have a duration of either 12h 40min or 14h 55min.
There are just 2 coaches running per day from Bristol to Edinburgh. One coach departs early in the morning whilst the other departs in the evening. The first running coach of the day at 4:15 a.m. has a duration of 14h 55min and an arrival time of 7:10 p.m. Whereas the last departing coach is at 7:00 p.m. has a duration of 12h 40min and an arrival time of 7:40 a.m.
Depending on what time of day that you intend to travel from Bristol to Edinburgh, you will find different durations of travel. The first running coach of the day is at 04:15 and is the journey of the day with the longest duration. With a duration of 14h 55min, expect an arrival time of 7:10 p.m. Otherwise, if you depart at 7:00 p.m. then you’ll face a duration of 12h 40min. Your arrival time will then be at 07:40 a.m. as you face an overnight coach.

Edinburgh Hiking. Source: Shutterstock
Departure bus station: Passengers should expect that a coach always departing from Bristol to reach Edinburgh will depart from Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St.) The coach station lies just 1.8 miles (2.8 km) from the city centre of Bristol. Travel the distance easily with buses like A1, 70, park& ride, and more. Otherwise, a walk will take just 10mins. At the station, you can find popular facilities like eateries, toilet facilities, money withdrawal points, and more. The operating hours of the coach station run 7 days a week from 07:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Arrival bus station: All coaches from Bristol to Edinburgh will always arrive at Edinburgh, Bus Station. This is the leading coach station in Edinburgh and it also serves all of the city. The bus station lies just 0.6 miles (0.9 km) from Edinburgh’s city centre and can be reached in just a quick walk or alternatively you can choose buses like Bus 1, Bus 16, Bus 7, or Bus 14. At the bus station, passengers can find toilet facilities, baby changing facilities, vending machines, charging points, along with much more.
Passengers who are looking for trains from Bristol to Edinburgh will find just one provider operating the journey and that is with the leading provider, National Express. National Express operates only a short service of 2 trains per day and has a duration from 12h 40min to 14h 55min, depending on what time of day that you choose to travel. A passenger will not be able to find a direct route to Edinburgh from Bristol but instead a coach that requires 1 change.
Changes will always be made at London, Victoria Coach station. One of the two operating coaches per day is an overnight coach, departing at 7:00 p.m. and arriving at 07:40 a.m. with a duration of 12h 40min. Your coach will always depart from Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough Street) and arrive at Edinburgh, Bus Station. Onboard National Express coaches, passengers will find great services from staff and good onboard amenities.
National Express are the only provider that operates from Bristol to Edinburgh. Passengers will find only 2 running coaches per day and this will always be via the destination of London, Victoria Coach Station. A passenger will not be able to choose any more or any less than 1 connecting route. The quickest duration of the coach is 12h 40min and this is if your train departs at 7:00 p.m. and arrives at 07:40 a.m. Otherwise, a passenger can choose a coach with a duration of 14h 55min if they depart at 04:15 a.m. and arrive at 7:10 p.m.
Before you even board a coach with National Express, expect to make use of the eco-friendly, e-ticket. An e-ticket can be used on any electronic device of your choosing and is extremely easy to use. They’re made even easier with the ability to store tickets in your Omio account for easy filing. Passengers onboard National Express coaches can choose from either standard or first-class tickets. Whilst they’re both a comfortable option of travel, first-class options usually tend to offer comfier seating, adequate privacy, and seats that are all equipped with a table. If you choose to bring luggage onto a National Express coach, then expect to bring no more than two medium sized suitcases. Otherwise, you can bring one large suitcase that doesn’t exceed the weight of 44 lbs (20 kg). Passengers can also bring a small piece of hand luggage, such as a handbag.

Edinburgh Old Town. Source: Shutterstock
There are some simple money-saving tips to help you save some extra money on your trip from Bristol to Edinburgh. With just a few clicks of a button, you can be facing better value of your prices for your intended trip. A passenger should always book with adequate time in advance to make sure that they’re not facing last-minute inflation of prices. Prices tend to inflate if you choose to book just days or hours beforehand. To face the best prices, consider booking either weeks or months in advance.
Otherwise, another useful money-saving tip is if you choose to be flexible with your dates. Alternating your dates of travel by just a few days, you could be facing cheaper prices of tickets. This is because certain days of the week or time of year could increase your cost price of tickets. Common times of price inflation is during weekends or during children’s school holidays.
Edinburgh is equipped with lots of exciting attractions, landmarks, and venues, that every visitor, tourist, and resident can enjoy. No matter if you’re travelling with your friends or family, you’ll find something appropriate and exciting to spend your time in the city. Enjoy some of the top attractions in Edinburgh like Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, Arthur’s Seat, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Calton Hill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Zoo, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, along with much more.
Otherwise, if you’re looking to enjoy the leading venues of the city like the top restaurants then enjoy great venues like Aizle, Scotland Meets Sardinia – Pop Up, TIMERYARD, The Kitchin, The Table, Purslane Restaurant, Number One, Forage & Chatter, Wedgwood The Restaurant, Prana Indian Grill Edinburgh, New Chapter, Fishers In The City, and more. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Edinburgh you’ll be quickly anticipating your return.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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 Bristol to Edinburgh buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bristol, University Queens Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and eateries in vicinity.
Wi-Fi is available at Bristol, University Queens Road. ATMs are aTMs available at nearby locations.
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, University Queens Road.
Available at Bristol, University Queens Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, University Queens Road: Wheelchair accessible via ramps.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need