Ipswich to Edinburgh bus with National Express

Wed 07 Oct
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
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
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest coaches from Ipswich to Edinburgh

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 07 Oct

Cheapest price on 07 Oct

£59

Average ticket price on 07 Oct

£77

Fastest journey on 07 Oct

15 h 30 m

Average journey duration on 07 Oct

15 h 48 m

Buses on 07 Oct

2

Distance

518 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Ipswich to Edinburgh will cost around £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £59.

Fast coaches

On Wed 07 Oct, we found 2 buses from Ipswich to Edinburgh, including 2 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 518 km distance in an average of 15 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 15 h 30 m .

The slowest buses will take 16 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.

  • National Express
    15:5015h30
    Ipswich
    7:20Edinburgh
    £591One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    2:3016h05
    Ipswich
    18:35Edinburgh
    £941One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Ipswich to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Ipswich to Edinburgh run on average 3 times per day, taking around 13h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £58 but you can travel from only £25 by flight.

The earliest coach runs at 02:30, the last at 22:05. The fastest coach covers the 518 km distance in 12h 30m.

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 £25
Distance
518 km
Average bus duration
13h 25m
Cheapest ticket price
£58
Buses per day
3
Fastest bus
12h 30m
First bus
2:30
Last bus
22:05
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
1 day
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 £25

Live departures

Ipswich to Edinburgh bus times

The table below shows live departures for Ipswich to Edinburgh coaches for today, Tuesday 6 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX59416:05 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
15h15
7:20 Edinburgh, Bus Station2 changes
Wednesday 7 October
National Express2:30 Ipswich
16h05
18:35 Edinburgh0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Ipswich to Edinburgh coaches with Omio?

National Express operates all coaches services from Ipswich to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ipswich to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • 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 Ipswich to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Ipswich to Edinburgh.

Bus providers: National Express from Ipswich to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Ipswich to Edinburgh with National Express for as low as £25. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

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
12h 30m
Cheapest National Express Price
£58
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.

Complete guide to Edinburgh

Things to do in Edinburgh

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

  • Must visit

National Museum of Scotland

National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.

  • Must visit

Scottish National Gallery

Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.

  • Recommended

Fruitmarket

Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£70+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips.

Best day trips from Edinburgh by bus

The most popular day trips by bus from Edinburgh are Glasgow, St Andrews, Perth, Dundee and Stirling. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Edinburgh on Omio.

A view of Glasgow

Day trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow by bus

Why visit Glasgow for the day?

Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, known for grand architecture, a strong music scene and a friendly, direct character. Its industrial past on the Clyde still shapes a city that now balances major museums, lively neighbourhoods and a clear cultural confidence.

How to get from Edinburgh to Glasgow by bus?

There are 141 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:13, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 67 km distance in 54m.

A view of St Andrews

Day trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews by bus

Why visit St Andrews for the day?

St Andrews is a small coastal town in Fife known worldwide as the home of golf and for the University of St Andrews. Medieval streets, castle and cathedral ruins, and broad beaches give it a historic yet lively character.

How to get from Edinburgh to St Andrews by bus?

The earliest coach runs at 05:30, the last at 23:04.

A view of Perth

Day trip from Edinburgh to Perth by bus

Why visit Perth for the day?

Perth is a small Scottish city on the River Tay with strong royal and civic history. Known for its elegant centre and nearby Scone Palace, it feels calm, compact and well placed for exploring central and northern Scotland.

How to get from Edinburgh to Perth by bus?

There are 13 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 51 km distance in 1h 20m.

A view of Dundee

Day trip from Edinburgh to Dundee by bus

Why visit Dundee for the day?

Dundee is a compact Scottish city on the River Tay, known for design, digital creativity and a maritime past. The waterfront and V&A Dundee give it a modern feel, while old streets and university life keep its character grounded.

How to get from Edinburgh to Dundee by bus?

There are 9 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 58 km distance in 1h 55m.

A view of Stirling

Day trip from Edinburgh to Stirling by bus

Why visit Stirling for the day?

Stirling is known for royal history, Stirling Castle and the story of William Wallace. Its compact old town and setting by the River Forth give it a lively Scottish character.

How to get from Edinburgh to Stirling by bus?

The earliest coach runs at 00:35, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 50 km distance in 1h 42m.

FAQs: Ipswich to Edinburgh coach

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

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Ipswich to Edinburgh can start from as little as £58 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Ipswich to Edinburgh is £103; 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 Ipswich to Edinburgh is 12h 30m to travel the 518 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 Ipswich to Edinburgh leaves at 2:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Ipswich to Edinburgh leaves at 22:05.
There are 3 coaches a day from Ipswich to Edinburgh which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Ipswich to Edinburgh, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Ipswich and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Ipswich , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema), Capel St Mary, Ipswich Road . When arriving in Edinburgh , you can end your route in coach stations like Edinburgh, Bus Station.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Ipswich and Edinburgh including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Ipswich to Edinburgh for coach company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Ipswich to Edinburgh:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Ipswich to Edinburgh 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company 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 Ipswich to Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Ipswich to Edinburgh:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Ipswich to Edinburgh:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Ipswich to Edinburgh.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Ipswich to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Ipswich to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Ipswich to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Ipswich and Edinburgh

Most Ipswich to Edinburgh buses use the Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Ipswich and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Ipswich
Arrival bus stations in Edinburgh

Which Ipswich station do buses to Edinburgh leave from?

Buses from Ipswich to Edinburgh leave from Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). The station is 1 km from Ipswich city centre at Cardinal Park Cinema, Ipswich IP1 1AX, UK.
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)Cardinal Park Cinema, Ipswich IP1 1AX, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) from Ipswich city centre

TRUE

Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) bus station facilities and services

Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Restaurants available near Cardinal Park Cinema.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). ATMs are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Bus stop accessible for wheelchairs.

More options for your journey from Ipswich to Edinburgh

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone