Edinburgh to Manchester bus with Megabus

Tue 17 Feb
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Megabus
FlixBus
National Express
Scottish Citylink
Alsa
1,000+ travel companies
Megabus
FlixBus
National Express
Scottish Citylink
Alsa
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Edinburgh to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 18 Feb

Cheapest price

£15

Average price

£25

Fastest journey

6 h

Average duration

6 h 59 m

Buses per day

5

Distance

282 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Edinburgh to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Edinburgh to Manchester will cost around £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £15.

Fast coaches

Of the 5 buses that leave Edinburgh for Manchester every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 282 km distance in an average of 6 h 59 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h .

The slowest buses will take 7 h 55 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.

FlixBus
09:057h55
Edinburgh
17:00Manchester
£151One-way
0 changes
FlixBus
20:076h33
Edinburgh
02:40Manchester
£201One-way
0 changes
FlixBus
07:337h47
Edinburgh
15:20Manchester
£231One-way
0 changes
FlixBus
19:596h41
Edinburgh
02:40Manchester
£251One-way
0 changes
National Express
22:006h00
Edinburgh
04:00Manchester
£411One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Edinburgh to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 39m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, and a train costs an average of £32.

Distance: 282 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£28

Average Price

Cheapest

£59

Average Price

6h 13m

Average total duration

5h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 9m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Megabus

Most popular bus company

TransPennine Express

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Edinburgh to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Manchester coaches for today, Tuesday 17 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 03:02
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus06:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station
8h45
15:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus07:15 Edinburgh, St Andrew's House
8h05
15:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus07:19 Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PU)
8h01
15:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus07:25 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH)
7h55
15:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus07:33 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South
7h47
15:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
national_expressNX183 · NX171
On time
08:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station
7h55
16:40 Manchester, Coach Station
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus09:05 Edinburgh, Bus Station
8h15
17:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
national_expressNX591 · NX170
On time
10:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station
7h35
18:10 Manchester, Coach Station
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus11:15 Edinburgh, Bus Station
8h45
20:00 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
national_expressNX183 · NX171
On time
11:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station
7h40
19:25 Manchester, Coach Station
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus19:48 Edinburgh, Bus Station
6h52
02:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus19:54 Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PU)
6h46
02:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus19:59 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH)
6h41
02:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus20:07 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South
6h33
02:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
national_expressNX183 · NX18120:30 Edinburgh, Bus Station
7h35
04:05 Manchester, Coach Station1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Manchester 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.

Tue
17 Feb
Wed
18 Feb
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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Edinburgh to Manchester run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £15 if you book in advance.

There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:06, the last at 23:56. The fastest coach covers the 282 km distance in 6h 0m.

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
282 km
Average bus duration
5h 43m
Cheapest ticket price
£15
Buses per day
13
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
6h 0m
First bus
00:06
Last bus
23:56
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: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express, Scottish Citylink from Edinburgh to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Manchester with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express, Scottish Citylink for as low as £15. 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
6h 9m
Cheapest Price
£15
FlixBus frequency
8 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
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
£39
National Express frequency
4 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
5h 30m
Cheapest Price
£34
Megabus frequency
4 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.

Scottish Citylink

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 35m
Cheapest Price
£37
Scottish Citylink frequency
2 a day

Buses from Edinburgh to Manchester: Journey Details

Manchester is an imposing and buzzing city with a wealth of Victorian architecture and some striking modern developments. It is renowned for its diverse cultural scene, the bohemian Northern Quarter and 2 very successful football teams.

 

Which coach companies go from Edinburgh to Manchester?

National Express offers 5 bus services between the Scottish capital and Manchester seven days a week.

How long is the buses from Edinburgh to Manchester?

The average journey time is 6 hours and 35 minutes. However, journeys the require a change in Leeds can take up to 8 hours and 15 minutes.

Are buses from Edinburgh to Manchester direct?

Not all buses from Edinburgh to Manchester are direct. Some connections require a change in Glasgow or Leeds. So make sure to check before purchasing.

When are the first and last buses of the day from Edinburgh to Manchester?

The earliest bus leaves Edinburgh at 9:00 a.m, with the last departure at 9:30 p.m.

Where do buses from Edinburgh to Manchester depart from and arrive to?

All buses from Edinburgh to Manchester depart from Edinburgh Bus Station. The bus station is located in the city centre, between George Street and Queen Street, adjacent to the St James shopping mall. Edinburgh Waverley train station is a 5 minute walk away. The bus station is well-served by city bus routes and the tram link to the airport. There is a taxi rank outside on North St. Andrew's Street. Night buses around Edinburgh depart from nearby Waverley Bridge.

Buses from Edinburgh to Manchester arrive at the central bus station close to Piccadilly railway station and the Piccadilly Gardens interchange, where bus and tram routes serve all areas of the city.

FAQs: Edinburgh to Manchester coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Edinburgh to Manchester can start from as little as £15 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Edinburgh to Manchester is £28; 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 Manchester is 6h 0m to travel the 282 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 Manchester leaves at 0:06. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Edinburgh to Manchester leaves at 23:56.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Edinburgh to Manchester with FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Edinburgh to Manchester, you can count on Megabus, FlixBus, National Express, Scottish Citylink for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Edinburgh , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Edinburgh, Bus Station, Edinburgh, St Andrew's House, Edinburgh, North St David Street / St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH), Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PE-PU), Edinburgh, Drum Brae South, Edinburgh, Zoo (Enterprise) . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your route in coach stations like Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Airport, Manchester, Miles Platting, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Edinburgh, Bus Station, which is located around 0 away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Manchester from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Edinburgh to Manchester is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Manchester including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Edinburgh to Manchester:
  • 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Edinburgh to Manchester for coach company Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Edinburgh to Manchester 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 Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Edinburgh to Manchester:
  • 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 Manchester:
  • 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 Manchester. 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 Manchester with the following coach company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Edinburgh to Manchester with the following coach company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Edinburgh to Manchester with the following coach company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Manchester

Edinburgh
Manchester
The major coach station for departures in Edinburgh is Edinburgh, Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Edinburgh, Bus Station for your trip from Edinburgh to Manchester.
Edinburgh, Bus StationWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-23:00
carConnection
Car connection
Elder Street
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café at the Station (in the station)
  • Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for Edinburgh, Bus Station
  • Bus: 10, 11, 12, 16, 22, 25, 26, 44 Trams: T50 Trains: Edinburgh Waverley Station
Edinburgh, St Andrew's HouseAccessibility
Amenities at bus station
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
Edinburgh, North St David Street / St Andrew Square
information
HomeCoachesCoach tickets to Manchester Edinburgh to Manchester bus

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