- Must visit
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Modern museum telling the story of Richard III through archaeology, history and the king’s Leicester burial site.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest coaches from Edinburgh to Leicester
Showing times and prices for 21 Aug
Cheapest price
£34
Average price
£37
Fastest journey
7 h 10 m
Average duration
7 h 58 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
392 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Edinburgh to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Leicester will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £34.
Fast coaches
Of the 5 buses that leave Edinburgh for Leicester every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 392 km distance in an average of 7 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 10 m .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 25 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.
NX18311:458h25Edinburgh, Bus Station20:10Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£341One-way0 changes
FlixBus23:307h10Edinburgh, Bus Station6:40Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)£341One-way0 changes- NX18021:108h10Edinburgh, Bus Station5:20Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£371One-way0 changes
- FlixBus · FlixBus22:338h07Edinburgh, Drum Brae South6:40Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)£381One-way1 change
- FlixBus8:558h00Edinburgh, Bus Station16:55Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)£441One-way0 changes
- FlixBus23:307h10Edinburgh, Bus Station6:40Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)£341One-way0 changes
- FlixBus8:558h00Edinburgh, Bus Station16:55Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)£441One-way0 changes
- FlixBus · FlixBus22:338h07Edinburgh, Drum Brae South6:40Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)£381One-way1 change
- NX18021:108h10Edinburgh, Bus Station5:20Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£371One-way0 changes
- NX18311:458h25Edinburgh, Bus Station20:10Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station£341One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Edinburgh to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 26m. 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 £22, and a train costs an average of £42.
Distance: 392 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£31 Average Price Cheapest | £82 Average Price | £36 Average Price |
8h 41m Average total duration 8h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 12m Average total duration 4h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 26m 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.
Live departures
Edinburgh to Leicester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Leicester coaches for today, Thursday 20 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 22:33 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 8h07 | 6:40 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus | 23:30 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 7h10 | 6:40 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 21 August | |||||
| FlixBus | 8:55 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 8h00 | 16:55 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX183 | 11:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 8h25 | 20:10 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX180 | 21:10 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 8h10 | 5:20 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Leicester 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.
Fri
21 Aug
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
27 Aug
Why should you book Edinburgh to Leicester coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as National Express or Megabus offer coaches services from Edinburgh to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Leicester.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Leicester.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Edinburgh to Leicester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £22 but you can travel from only £18 by flight.
There are 4 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 392 km distance in 7h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £18
Distance 392 km |
Average bus duration 8h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £22 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 7h 10m |
First bus 0:25 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £18
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus from Edinburgh to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Leicester with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for as low as £18. 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
7h 15m
Cheapest Price
£22
FlixBus frequency
3 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
8h 10m
Cheapest Price
£24
National Express frequency
3 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
8h 53m
Cheapest Price
£36
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.
Complete guide to Leicester
Things to do in Leicester
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
- Recommended
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester’s main art and history museum, with dinosaur galleries, fine art and displays on the city’s people and past.
- Recommended
Jewry Wall Museum
Museum beside Roman remains, exploring local archaeology from Roman Leicester to later city history in a compact setting.
- Recommended
St Martin's Square
Lively regenerated waterside with bars, boats, public art and an easy walk linking the city centre to the canal heritage area.
- Recommended
Victoria Park
Large central park with formal gardens, broad lawns and space to relax near the university and city centre.
- Recommended
Abbey Park
Attractive green space around abbey ruins and the River Soar, good for walks, wildlife and traces of medieval Leicester.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
Red Leicester is a crumbly orange cow’s milk cheese from Leicestershire, long linked to the county and traditionally coloured with annatto for its rich hue.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
Melton Mowbray pork pie is a hand-raised pie from Leicestershire with seasoned chopped pork and a distinctive free-form crust, traditionally eaten cold.
- Gluten-free
Stilton
Stilton is a famous English blue cheese historically traded through Leicestershire, prized for its creamy texture and strong savoury flavour on local cheeseboards.
Laguna
Popular Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile known for rich curries, tandoori dishes and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Knight & Garter
Stylish modern British restaurant and bar in St Martins Square, known for seasonal plates, cocktails and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Shivalli
Long-running vegetarian Gujarati restaurant serving thalis, snacks and sweets in a simple, busy setting loved by local families.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, often just small change.
FAQs: Edinburgh to Leicester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Leicester 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 Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Edinburgh to Leicester can start from as little as £22 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Edinburgh to Leicester is £29; 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 Leicester is 7h 15m to travel the 392 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 Leicester leaves at 0:25. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Edinburgh to Leicester leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 4 direct coaches a day from Edinburgh to Leicester with FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Edinburgh to Leicester, you can count on FlixBus, National Express, Megabus for the best way to get you to Leicester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Leicester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Leicester from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Edinburgh to Leicester is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Leicester including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Edinburgh to Leicester for coach company FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Edinburgh to Leicester:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Edinburgh to Leicester depends on the coach companies:
- Megabus
- 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.
- National Express
- 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.
- FlixBus
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus, National Express.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Edinburgh to Leicester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Edinburgh to Leicester:
- Megabus
- 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).
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Edinburgh to Leicester:
- Megabus
- 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.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Edinburgh to Leicester. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Edinburgh to Leicester with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Edinburgh to Leicester with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Edinburgh to Leicester with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Leicester
Most Edinburgh to Leicester buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda). Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Leicester 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 Leicester
Which Edinburgh station do buses to Leicester leave from?
Buses from Edinburgh to Leicester leave from Edinburgh, Bus Station. The station is from Edinburgh city centre at Elder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom.
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre
Bus10, 11 · 2m · £2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · £0.90 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · £4 · every ~38 min
Edinburgh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre
BusHop · 0m · £2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)Leicester Fosse Park, Fosse Park Ave, LE19 1HQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) from Leicester city centre
BusX6 · 21m · £2 · every ~4 min
50 · 23m · £2 · every ~10 min
104 · 32m · £0.90 · every ~10 min
18 · 44m · every ~8 min
Most popular bus connections from Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Leicester and Edinburgh
Most popular bus connections
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
