- Must visit
West Highland Museum
Town museum covering local archaeology, Jacobite history, the West Highland railway and mountain life in Lochaber.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Edinburgh to Fort William
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£22
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£58
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
3 h 28 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
3 h 48 m
Buses on 18 Sept
7
Distance
152 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Edinburgh to Fort William is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Fort William will cost around £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £22.
Fast coaches
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 7 buses from Edinburgh to Fort William, including 5 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 152 km distance in an average of 3 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 28 m .
The slowest buses will take 4 h 5 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.
8:474h19Edinburgh13:06Fort William£221One-way0 changes
4:213h28Edinburgh7:49Fort William£631One-way0 changes- 7:003h35Edinburgh10:35Fort William£631One-way0 changes
- 10:134h05Edinburgh14:18Fort William£631One-way0 changes
- 14:124h06Edinburgh18:18Fort William£631One-way0 changes
- 4:213h28Edinburgh7:49Fort William£631One-way0 changes
- 7:003h35Edinburgh10:35Fort William£631One-way0 changes
- 10:223h56Edinburgh14:18Fort William£661One-way1 change
- 14:223h56Edinburgh18:18Fort William£661One-way1 change
- 10:134h05Edinburgh14:18Fort William£631One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Edinburgh to Fort William
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Fort William among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £59 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 4h 20m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £59, while a train costs an average of £62.
Distance: 152 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£59 Average Price Cheapest | £62 Average Price | £67 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Fort William is a coach with an average price of £59.
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Fort William:
A coach is £3 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Fort William costing on average £62.
The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Fort William is by coach with an average journey time of 3h 50m.
Other travel options to Fort William take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 55m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Fort William including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £59 compared to roughly £67 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £9. The journey takes 3h 50m versus 3h 14m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Ember, Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Edinburgh to Fort William bus times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Fort William coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:21 Edinburgh | 3h28 | 7:49 Fort William | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:00 Edinburgh | 3h35 | 10:35 Fort William | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:47 Edinburgh | 4h19 | 13:06 Fort William | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:13 Edinburgh | 4h05 | 14:18 Fort William | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:22 Edinburgh | 3h56 | 14:18 Fort William | 1 change | |
| 14:12 Edinburgh | 4h06 | 18:18 Fort William | 0 changesdirect | |
| 14:22 Edinburgh | 3h56 | 18:18 Fort William | 1 change | |
| 20:25 Edinburgh | 3h28 | 23:53 Fort William | 0 changesdirect | |
 | 20:28 Edinburgh | 3h25 | 23:53 Fort William | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Fort William by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Fort William
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Edinburgh to Fort William run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £22 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 06:10, the last at 18:10. The fastest coach covers the 152 km distance in 3h 18m.
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 152 km |
Average bus duration 3h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £22 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 18m |
First bus 6:10 |
Last bus 18:10 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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: Lothian Country Buses, Ember, Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd from Edinburgh to Fort WilliamYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Fort William with Lothian Country Buses, Ember, Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd for as low as £22. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Lothian Country Buses
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Lothian Country Buses Duration
3h 25m
Cheapest Lothian Country Buses Price
£64
Lothian Country Buses frequency
1 a day
Ember
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Ember Duration
3h 26m
Cheapest Ember Price
£63
Ember frequency
4 a day
Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd Duration
3h 18m
Cheapest Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd Price
£22
Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd frequency
3 a day
Complete guide to Fort William
Things to do in Fort William
Discover the best of Fort William — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Fort William trip today.
- Recommended
The Ice Factor National Centre for Mountain Rescue
Small museum on Scotland's mountain rescue history, with equipment, stories and displays connected to Ben Nevis and Lochaber.
- Recommended
Glenfinnan Station Museum
Seasonal heritage centre at Glenfinnan Station with exhibits on the West Highland Line, local history and famous film locations.
- Must visit
Glen Nevis
Scenic glen south of town with walking and cycling routes, river views and the main access area for Ben Nevis footpaths.
- Recommended
Cow Hill Circuit
Popular long-distance walking and cycling route along a former railway, linking Fort William with countryside and lochside scenery.
- Recommended
Fort William Seafront
Promenade area beside Loch Linnhe for short walks, sunsets and views across the water towards the Ardgour hills.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A warming Highland soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Popular across the west coast and well suited to the local fishing tradition.
Haggis
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding made with sheep offal, oats and spices. A classic supper in Highland inns and restaurants.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Clapshot
A traditional side of mashed potatoes with butter and greens, often kale or cabbage. Common with Highland meat and game dishes.
The Wildcat
Well-known local café and bakery for breakfasts, soups, sandwiches and cakes. Casual, dependable stop in the town centre.
Ben Nevis Inn
Lively traditional pub serving hearty Scottish meals and local drinks. Good choice for haggis, fish dishes and an easy-going evening.
Crannog Seafood Restaurant
Relaxed modern bistro known for Highland produce, seafood and steaks. Popular central spot with a polished but informal atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the Highlands: lodging and tours can be pricey in peak season, but pub meals, buses and casual cafés are manageable versus busier UK tourist hubs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food, bakery items or a simple café meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a pub or restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £35+ per person for a higher-end dinner.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional but appreciated. In restaurants, leave 10-12.5% for good service if not included. Round up in cafés and taxis.
West Coast Motors
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- /
To the city centre
Fort William station -> Fort William town centre
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless payment is available on all West Coast Motors routes. Cash is also accepted and change is given.
- Fort William station is managed by ScotRail, and local bus pick-up/drop-off is at the station car park.
Buses from Edinburgh to Fort William
National Express Coaches serve the route for buses from Edinburgh to Fort William. The operator offers multiple and frequent services each day, with the first bus departing from Edinburgh, Elder Street Station at 6:30 a.m. and the last bus of the day departing for Fort William Bus Station at 15:35 p.m. The duration of the journey is approximately 5 hours and the service involves one change.
FAQs: Edinburgh to Fort William coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Fort William 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 Fort William, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Edinburgh to Fort William can start from as little as £22 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Edinburgh to Fort William is £59; 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 Edinburgh to Fort William is 3h 18m to travel the 152 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Edinburgh to Fort William leaves at 6:10. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Edinburgh to Fort William leaves at 18:10.
There are 2 coaches a day from Edinburgh to Fort William which require at least one change with Lothian Country Buses, Ember, Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Edinburgh to Fort William, you can count on Lothian Country Buses, Ember, Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd for the best way to get you to Fort William. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Fort William and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Fort William from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 18m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Fort William including taking a train and coach.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Edinburgh to Fort William.
No, the coach from Edinburgh to Fort William has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Edinburgh to Fort William.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Edinburgh to Fort William.
No, luggage for the coach from Edinburgh to Fort William needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Edinburgh to Fort William.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Edinburgh to Fort William.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Edinburgh to Fort William.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Edinburgh to Fort William.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Fort William
Most Edinburgh to Fort William buses use the Edinburgh, North Bridge to Fort William station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Fort William bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Edinburgh
Arrival bus stations in Fort William
Edinburgh, North Bridge
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, North Bridge from Edinburgh city centre
BusUk090 · 15m · £0.90 · every ~15 min
Uk090 · 15m · £0.90 · every ~1 min
Which Fort William station do buses from Edinburgh arrive at?
Buses from Edinburgh to Fort William arrive at Fort William. Fort William is 1 km from Fort William city centre.
Fort WilliamFort William, Fort William PH33 6AN, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Fort William from Fort William city centre
Bus521, 147, 146, 46, 47, 522, X47 · 6m · £2 · every ~6 min
592 · 11m
Fort William bus station facilities and services
Fort William has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Fort William. ATMs are available at Fort William.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Fort William.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Fort William: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Fort William: Wheelchair accessible entrances.
Most popular bus connections from Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Fort William
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Fort William and Edinburgh
Most popular bus connections
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