- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Margate to Edinburgh
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£75
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£76
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
12 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
14 h
Buses on 19 Sept
3
Distance
591 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Margate to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Margate to Edinburgh will cost around £76 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £75.
Fast coaches
To travel from Margate to Edinburgh you need to make at least one change.
6:5514h50Margate21:45Edinburgh£751One-way1 change- 15:4014h45Margate6:25Edinburgh£751One-way1 change
- 19:1512h25Margate7:40Edinburgh£791One-way1 change
- 19:1512h25Margate7:40Edinburgh£791One-way1 change
- 15:4014h45Margate6:25Edinburgh£751One-way1 change
- 6:5514h50Margate21:45Edinburgh£751One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Margate to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Margate to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £48 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 30m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £48, while a flight costs an average of £127.
Distance: 591 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£48 Average Price Cheapest | £110 Average Price | £127 Average Price | £120 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 48m Average total duration 13h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 37m Average total duration 6h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Margate to Edinburgh is a coach with an average price of £48.
This is compared to other travel options from Margate to Edinburgh:
A coach is £62 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Margate to Edinburgh costing on average £110.
A coach is £78 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Margate to Edinburgh costing on average £127.
The fastest way to travel from Margate to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 30m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 7m.
Coach takes on average 13h 18m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Margate and Edinburgh 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 £48 compared to roughly £120 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £72. The journey takes 13h 18m versus 8h 21m 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
Margate to Edinburgh bus times
The table below shows live departures for Margate to Edinburgh coaches for tomorrow, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:55 Margate | 14h50 | 21:45 Edinburgh | 1 change | |
| 15:40 Margate | 14h45 | 6:25 Edinburgh | 1 change | |
| 19:15 Margate | 12h25 | 7:40 Edinburgh | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Margate to Edinburgh 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 Margate to Edinburgh coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Margate to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Margate 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 Margate 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 Margate to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Margate to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Margate to Edinburgh run on average 3 times per day, taking around 13h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £48 but you can travel from only £41 by flight.
The earliest coach runs at 08:45, the last at 22:05. The fastest coach covers the 591 km distance in 13h 15m.
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 £41
Distance 591 km |
Average bus duration 13h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £48 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 13h 15m |
First bus 8:45 |
Last bus 22:05 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 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 £41
Bus providers: National Express from Margate to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Margate to Edinburgh with National Express for as low as £41. 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
15h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
£49
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 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
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.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
- Must visit
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
- Recommended
Princes Street Gardens
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
- Gluten-free
Cullen skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Haggis
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
- Vegetarian
Cranachan
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
The Kitchin
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Whiski Rooms
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
The Cafe Royal
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
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.
Bus & Tram
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.40
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Edinburgh Bus Station -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless payment works on Lothian Buses and for adult single tram tickets. Tram contactless capping is available, but Lothian bus TapTapCap does not apply on trams.
- City Day tickets are valid on Lothian Buses and on Edinburgh Trams within the city zone only. Travel to or from Edinburgh Airport needs the appropriate airport or network fare.
FAQs: Margate to Edinburgh coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Margate 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.
Cheap coach tickets from Margate to Edinburgh can start from as little as £48 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Margate to Edinburgh is £48; 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 Margate to Edinburgh is 13h 15m to travel the 591 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 Margate to Edinburgh leaves at 8:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Margate to Edinburgh leaves at 22:05.
There are 3 coaches a day from Margate 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 Margate 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 Margate and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Margate , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court, Margate, Marine Terrace, Cliftonville, Northdown Road . When arriving in Edinburgh , you can end your route in coach stations like Edinburgh, Bus Station.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cliftonville, Northdown Road, which is located around 1 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Edinburgh from Margate is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 13h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Margate to Edinburgh is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Margate and Edinburgh including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Margate to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Margate to Edinburgh for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Margate 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 Margate to Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Margate 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 Margate to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Margate to Edinburgh.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Margate to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Margate to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Margate to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Margate and Edinburgh
Most Margate to Edinburgh buses use the Margate, Marine Terrace to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Margate and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Margate
Arrival bus stations in Edinburgh
Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court from Margate city centre
Bus69 · 9m · £3 · every ~2 min
Margate, Marine TerraceMargate, Station Approach, Margate CT9 5AD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate, Marine Terrace from Margate city centre
Bus35 · 7m
944, 8 · 10m · £3 · every ~4 min
Margate, Marine Terrace bus station facilities and services
Margate, Marine Terrace has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Margate, Marine Terrace. ATMs are available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Margate, Marine Terrace: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Margate, Marine Terrace: The station is accessible for wheelchair users.
Cliftonville, Northdown RoadNorthdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate CT9, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cliftonville, Northdown Road from Margate city centre
Cliftonville, Northdown Road is 1 km from Margate city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus8A, 960 · 14m · £3 · every ~5 min
Cliftonville, Northdown Road bus station facilities and services
Cliftonville, Northdown Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road. ATMs are available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road: Accessible for persons with mobility impairments.
Which Edinburgh station do buses from Margate arrive at?
Buses from Margate to Edinburgh arrive at Edinburgh, Bus Station. Edinburgh, Bus Station is from Edinburgh city centre.
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre
Bus10, 11 · 2m · £2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · £0.90 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · £4 · every ~38 min
Edinburgh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Margate
More options for your journey from Margate to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Edinburgh and Margate
Most popular bus connections
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