Bristol to Edinburgh bus with National Express

Sat 29 Nov
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
Alsa
Airport Bus Express Ltd
1,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
Alsa
Airport Bus Express Ltd
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bristol to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for 01 Dec

Cheapest price

£32

Average price

£50

Fastest journey

11 h 30 m

Average duration

12 h 34 m

Buses per day

30

Distance

502 km

Cheap tickets

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 £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £32.

Fast coaches

To travel from Bristol to Edinburgh you need to make at least one change.

FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
16:0017h03
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
09:03Edinburgh, Drum Brae South
£321One-way
2 changes
National ExpressNX100 · NX183
01:0016h20
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
17:20Edinburgh, Bus Station
£331One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
17:4016h59
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
10:39Edinburgh, Drum Brae South
£331One-way
2 changes
National ExpressNX101 · NX183
09:0011h30
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
20:30Edinburgh, Bus Station
£351One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
08:4014h53
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
23:33Edinburgh, Drum Brae South
£361One-way
2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Bristol to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the flight 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 £25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. 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 £25, and a train costs an average of £52.

Distance: 502 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Flight
Train

£47

Average Price

Cheapest

£102

Average Price

£167

Average Price

12h 39m

Average total duration

12h 9m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 14m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 14m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

6h 41m

Average total duration

6h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.5 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

1.5 - 3.0kg

CO2 emissions

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

easyJet

Most popular airline

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Bristol to Edinburgh bus times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Edinburgh coaches for today, Sunday 30 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 07:55
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX100 · NX183
Delayed
21:15 01:00Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
16h20
17:20 Edinburgh, Bus Station
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus08:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
15h14
23:14 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South2 changes
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus08:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
13h35
21:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station1 change
national_expressNX040 · NX594
On time
14:20 Bristol, University Queens Road
16h30
06:50 Edinburgh, Bus Station
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus16:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
17h29
09:29 Edinburgh, St Andrew's House2 changes
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus16:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
17h03
09:03 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South2 changes
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus16:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
17h21
09:21 Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PE-PU)2 changes
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus16:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
17h15
09:15 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB)2 changes
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus17:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
13h20
06:25 Edinburgh, Bus Station1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus17:40 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
16h59
10:39 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South2 changes
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus17:40 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
17h14
10:54 Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PE-PU)2 changes
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus17:40 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
17h08
10:48 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB)2 changes
national_expressNX201 · NX594
On time
18:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
12h50
06:50 Edinburgh, Bus Station
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus19:15 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
16h26
11:41 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South2 changes
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus19:15 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
13h00
08:15 Edinburgh, Bus Station1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus19:15 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
17h09
12:24 Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PE-PU)2 changes
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus19:15 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
17h03
12:18 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB)2 changes
national_expressNX101 · NX180
On time
19:40 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
12h25
08:05 Edinburgh, Bus Station
1 change
Monday 1 December
national_expressNX100 · NX18301:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
16h20
17:20 Edinburgh, Bus Station1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus03:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
14h30
17:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus03:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
18h43
21:48 Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PE-PU)2 changes
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus03:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
18h38
21:43 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB)2 changes
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus03:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
16h32
19:37 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South2 changes
national_expressNX040 · NX59104:30 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
14h25
18:55 Edinburgh, Bus Station1 change
national_expressNX201 · NX594
On time
18:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
12h50
06:50 Edinburgh, Bus Station
1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Edinburgh by train, coach or flight

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.

Sun
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
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04 Dec
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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bristol to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Bristol to Edinburgh run on average 14 times per day, taking around 12h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £25 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 10m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
502 km
Average bus duration
12h 9m
Cheapest ticket price
£25
Buses per day
14
Fastest bus
11h 10m
First bus
00:25
Last bus
23:55
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus from Bristol to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Edinburgh with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for as low as £25. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 0m
Cheapest Price
£35
FlixBus frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 10m
Cheapest Price
£28
National Express frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 33m
Cheapest Price
£47
Megabus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

Buses from Bristol to 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.

Bristol to Edinburgh Bus Time: Daily Departures

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.

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

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

What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Bristol to Edinburgh?

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.

Which bus companies travel from Bristol to Edinburgh?

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 buses from Bristol to Edinburgh

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.

Bus from Bristol to Edinburgh: Services on Board

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

How to find cheap bus tickets from Bristol to Edinburgh?

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.

To Edinburgh by bus – travel tips

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.

FAQs: Bristol to Edinburgh coach

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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Bristol to Edinburgh can start from as little as £25 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bristol to Edinburgh is £47; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Bristol to Edinburgh is 10 h 23 min   to travel the 311 mile long journey, with around there are 8 coaches per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Bristol to Edinburgh leaves at 01: 00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Bristol to Edinburgh leaves at 23: 55.
There are 8 coaches a day from Bristol to Edinburgh which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus or Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Bristol to Edinburgh, you can count on National Express, FlixBus or Megabus for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Bristol and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
The cheapest month to travel from Bristol to Edinburgh by coach is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel to Edinburgh from Bristol including taking a train, coach or flight.
No, the coach from Bristol to Edinburgh has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Bristol to Edinburgh.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Bristol to Edinburgh.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Bristol to Edinburgh, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Bristol to Edinburgh.
    No, luggage for the coach from Bristol to Edinburgh needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Bristol to Edinburgh.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Bristol to Edinburgh.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Bristol to Edinburgh.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Bristol to Edinburgh.

    popular bus stations

    Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Edinburgh

    Bristol
    Edinburgh
    The major coach station for departures in Bristol is Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) for your trip from Bristol to Edinburgh.
    Bristol, University Queens Road
    information
    Bristol, Clifton Down
    information
    Bristol, White Tree
    information
    Bristol, Blackboy Hill
    information
    Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus)
    information
    Bristol, Airport Bus Station
    information
    Bristol, Bond Street North
    information

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