Edinburgh to Manchester bus with Megabus

Tue 19 May
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FlixBus
National Express
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Flibco
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Edinburgh to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 19 May

Cheapest price

£24

Average price

£32

Fastest journey

5 h 39 m

Average duration

5 h 58 m

Buses per day

13

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 £32 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £24.

Fast coaches

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

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    20:455h55
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    2:40Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    £241One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    20:555h45
    Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH)
    2:40Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    £241One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    20:505h50
    Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PU)
    2:40Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    £241One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    21:015h39
    Edinburgh, Drum Brae South
    2:40Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    £251One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    8:207h00
    Edinburgh, St Andrew's House
    15:20Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    £261One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight 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 £19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 30m. 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 £19, and a flight costs an average of £152.

Distance: 282 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Flight

£33

Average Price

Cheapest

£58

Average Price

£272

Average Price

5h 44m

Average total duration

5h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 35m

Average total duration

4h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 30m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 30m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Transpennine Express

Most popular train company

British Airways

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 Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Manchester coaches for today, Monday 18 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX183 · NX170
On time
11:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station
7h15
19:00 Manchester, Coach Station
1 change
National ExpressNX183 · NX181
On time
20:30 Edinburgh, Bus Station
7h35
4:05 Manchester, Coach Station
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus20:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station
5h55
2:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus20:50 Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PU)
5h50
2:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus20:55 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH)
5h45
2:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus21:01 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South
5h39
2:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
National ExpressNX180 · NX170
On time
21:10 Edinburgh, Bus Station
10h15
7:25 Manchester, Coach Station
1 change
Tuesday 19 May
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:20 Edinburgh, St Andrew's House
7h00
15:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:24 Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PU)
6h56
15:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:30 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH)
6h50
15:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:39 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South
6h41
15:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
National ExpressNX183 · NX170
On time
8:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station
8h20
17:05 Manchester, Coach Station
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus9:05 Edinburgh, Bus Station
7h25
16:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Manchester 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.

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Why should you book Edinburgh to Manchester coaches with Omio?

Megabus as well as FlixBus or National Express offer coaches services from Edinburgh to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs Megabus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or National Express to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Manchester.
  • 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or National Express to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Manchester.
  • 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 Manchester.

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 14 times per day, taking around 5h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 00:06, the last at 23:56. The fastest coach covers the 282 km distance in 5h 45m.

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 14m
Cheapest ticket price
£19
Buses per day
14
Fastest bus
5h 45m
First bus
0:06
Last bus
23:56
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
35 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

Bus providers: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express from Edinburgh to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Manchester with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express for as low as £19. 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
5h 45m
Cheapest Price
£19
FlixBus frequency
10 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
7h 15m
Cheapest Price
£38
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
6 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 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 £19 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Edinburgh to Manchester is £33; 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 5h 45m 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.
There are 14 coaches a day from Edinburgh to Manchester which require at least one change with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Edinburgh to Manchester, you can count on Megabus, FlixBus, National Express 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, Haymarket Station (Stop HH), Edinburgh, Drum Brae South, Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PU), Edinburgh, North St David Street / St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, Zoo (Enterprise), Ingliston, Park & Ride, Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your route in coach stations like Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Airport, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Failsworth, Oldham Road.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 5h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Edinburgh to Manchester is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Manchester including taking a train, coach and flight.
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
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