Edinburgh to Watford bus with National Express

Fri 18 Sept
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National Express
FlixBus
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Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
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Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Edinburgh to Watford

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

Cheapest price on 18 Sept

£61

Average ticket price on 18 Sept

£62

Fastest journey on 18 Sept

10 h 29 m

Average journey duration on 18 Sept

10 h 38 m

Buses on 18 Sept

5

Distance

512 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Edinburgh to Watford will cost around £62 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £61.

Fast coaches

To travel from Edinburgh to Watford you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • FlixBus
    8:5511h13
    Edinburgh
    20:08Watford
    £611One-way
    2 changes
  • FlixBus
    11:1510h30
    Edinburgh
    21:45Watford
    £611One-way
    2 changes
  • FlixBus
    20:4510h29
    Edinburgh
    7:14Watford
    £611One-way
    2 changes
  • FlixBus
    11:1510h30
    Edinburgh
    21:45Watford
    £631One-way
    3 changes
  • FlixBus
    20:4510h29
    Edinburgh
    7:14Watford
    £631One-way
    3 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Edinburgh to Watford

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Watford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of £40 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 26m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £40, while a train costs an average of £73.

Distance: 512 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

£62

Average Price

£73

Average Price

£40

Average Price

Cheapest

£130

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

10h 36m

Average total duration

10h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 59m

Average total duration

5h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 26m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 26m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

7h 5m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

easyJet

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Watford is a flight with an average price of £40.

This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Watford:

A flight is £22 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Edinburgh to Watford costing on average £62.

A flight is £33 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Watford costing on average £73.

The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Watford is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 26m.

Other travel options to Watford take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 29m.

Coach takes on average 10h 6m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Watford including taking a train, coach and flight.
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 £62 compared to roughly £130 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £68. The journey takes 10h 6m versus 7h 5m 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.

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 Watford bus times

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

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
FlixBus9:05 Edinburgh
11h03
20:08 Watford3 changes
FlixBus9:05 Edinburgh
11h03
20:08 Watford2 changes
FlixBus11:15 Edinburgh
10h30
21:45 Watford3 changes
FlixBus11:15 Edinburgh
10h30
21:45 Watford2 changes
FlixBus20:45 Edinburgh
10h01
6:46 Watford3 changes
FlixBus20:45 Edinburgh
10h01
6:46 Watford2 changes
FlixBus22:40 Edinburgh
9h57
8:37 Watford3 changes
FlixBus22:40 Edinburgh
9h57
8:37 Watford2 changes
FlixBus23:40 Edinburgh
10h27
10:07 Watford2 changes

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Watford 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
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

Why should you book Edinburgh to Watford coaches with Omio?

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

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

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

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

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

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Watford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Edinburgh to Watford run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £61 but you can travel from only £21 by flight.

The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 512 km distance in 9h 57m.

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 £21
Distance
512 km
Average bus duration
10h 6m
Cheapest ticket price
£61
Buses per day
3
Fastest bus
9h 57m
First bus
0:10
Last bus
23:40
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Tue
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £21

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Edinburgh to WatfordYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Watford with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £21. 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 FlixBus Duration
9h 57m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£61
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 National Express Duration
11h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
£35
National Express frequency
2 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.

Complete guide to Watford

Things to do in Watford

Discover the best of Watford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Watford trip today.

  • Must visit

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

A visitor attraction and working studio where tours reveal how Harry Potter films were made, with original sets and props.

  • Recommended

Watford Museum

Watford's local museum in a historic house, with exhibitions on the town's people, industry and changing streets.

Watford Palace Theatre

An arts centre with galleries, performances and cinema, making it a useful stop for contemporary local visual culture.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for southern England. Hotels can be pricey on London commuter routes, but dining and local transport are usually a little cheaper than central London.

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
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, 10% is usual for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.

FAQs: Edinburgh to Watford coach

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

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Edinburgh to Watford can start from as little as £61 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Edinburgh to Watford is £62; 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 Watford is 9h 57m to travel the 512 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 Watford leaves at 0:10. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Edinburgh to Watford leaves at 23:40.
There are 3 coaches a day from Edinburgh to Watford which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Edinburgh to Watford, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Watford. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Watford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Watford from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 57m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Edinburgh to Watford is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Watford including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Edinburgh to Watford:
  • 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 Watford for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Edinburgh to Watford depends on the coach companies:
  • 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 National Express, FlixBus.
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 Watford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Edinburgh to Watford:
  • 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 Watford:
  • 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 Watford. 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 Watford with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Edinburgh to Watford with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Edinburgh to Watford with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

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