- 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.
Cheapest price
£25
Average price
£33
Fastest journey
4 h 40 m
Average duration
5 h 1 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
262 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Leeds to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leeds to Edinburgh will cost around £33 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £25.
Of the 9 buses that leave Leeds for Edinburgh 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 262 km distance in an average of 5 h 1 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .
The slowest buses will take 5 h 15 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
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX172 · NX598
NX180
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
NX591
NX183
NX180
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leeds to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 52m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, and a train costs an average of £21.
Distance: 262 km
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£28 Average Price Cheapest | £46 Average Price |
4h 48m Average total duration 4h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Leeds to Edinburgh coaches for today, Tuesday 25 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX591 | 13:35 Leeds, Coach Station | 5h00 | 18:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
NX170 · NX181 · NX591 | 23:25 Leeds, Coach Station | 11h00 | 10:25 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 changes | |
| Wednesday 26 August | |||||
NX172 · NX598 | 1:55 Leeds, Coach Station | 5h45 | 7:40 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
NX180 | 2:55 Leeds, Coach Station | 5h10 | 8:05 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 3:05 Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre) | 4h40 | 7:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre) | 6h59 | 10:09 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 change | |
NX183 | 12:15 Leeds, Coach Station | 5h00 | 17:15 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 12:20 Leeds, Coach Station | 5h15 | 17:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:20 Leeds, Coach Station | 6h49 | 19:09 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Leeds to Edinburgh run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
There are 5 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:40, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 262 km distance in 4h 40m.
Distance 262 km |
Average bus duration 4h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 4h 40m |
First bus 1:40 |
Last bus 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
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.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Bus Station -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
Buses offer a fast and comfortable way to travel the 262 kilometres between Leeds and Edinburgh with National Express operating five daily coach services. Three of the services are direct and the other two require a change of coach at Manchester. Travel time ranges from 5 hours and 10 minutes to 9 hours and 35 minutes. The first departure of the day leaves at 2:55 a.m. and the last sets off at 10:00 p.m.
Departure Station: Buses to Edinburgh depart from Leeds Coach Station located next to Leeds Bus Station behind Kirkgate Market on Dyer Street. As the city's main hub for all bus and coach transport, it offers easy access from anywhere in Leeds or beyond on buses operated through MetroLine.
Arrival Station: Buses from Leeds arrive at Edinburgh Coach Station which is centrally located on St. Andrew's Square near the main shopping strip of Princes Street. Passengers can take Edinburgh Trams from St Andrew Square, and it's a short walk to Waverley Train Station and Waverley Bridge.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leeds 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.

Most Leeds to Edinburgh buses use the Leeds, Coach Station to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. Use this guide to compare Leeds and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Leeds, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafe and snack kiosks available.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Leeds, Coach Station.
Available at Leeds, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leeds, Coach Station: Wheelchair accessible with assistive services.
Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Nearby cafes and eateries available
Wi-Fi is available at Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre). ATMs are available at Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre).
Ticket office support is available at Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre).
Available at Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leeds, York Street (Travel Centre): Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities.
Leeds - Eastgate Victoria F Bus Stop has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Leeds - Eastgate Victoria F Bus Stop. ATMs are available at Leeds - Eastgate Victoria F Bus Stop.
Ticket office support is available at Leeds - Eastgate Victoria F Bus Stop.
Available at Leeds - Eastgate Victoria F Bus Stop: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leeds - Eastgate Victoria F Bus Stop: Bus stop is wheelchair accessible.
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need