Manchester to Edinburgh train

Trains from Manchester to Edinburgh

You can get trains from Manchester to Edinburgh with ease, with a range of departures throughout the day. There are in the region of 86 trains to Edinburgh from Manchester per week. Trains run from early in the morning to early evening, so there should be a departure time to suit your schedule. Journeys take about 3h 15min on average, but there are faster and slower trains as well.

Manchester to Edinburgh Train Time: Daily Departures

During the week, there are regular departures for Manchester to Edinburgh trains. Between Monday and Friday, the first train normally leaves Manchester at about 06:00, with the last train at approximately 19:00. On Saturdays, the first departure time is normally at about 06:00, with the final train leaving Manchester just after 18:00. On Sundays, the earliest departure is at around 10:00 and the last about 19:00. There are roughly 13 trains on this route on weekdays, 12 on Saturday and nine on Sundays.

How long is the journey by train from Manchester to Edinburgh?

Manchester to Edinburgh trains take an average of 3h 15min between Monday and Saturday, and about 3h30min on Sundays. There are faster trains and slower trains too, though, so it's always worth checking the timetable before you book. The fastest train is about 3h 02min on weekdays and Saturdays and around 3h 12min on Sundays. The slowest is approximately 3h 35min between Monday and Saturday and around 4h 5min on Sundays. There are both direct and indirect trains that operate this route, depending on which operator you travel with.

Trains from Manchester to Edinburgh: City Hall building in Manchester. Source: Shutterstock

What is/are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Manchester to Edinburgh?

Departure train station:Trains depart from either Manchester Oxford Road or Manchester Victoria, both of which are easily accessible from popular tourist areas. You can get to Manchester Oxford Road from places such as Manchester Art Gallery, in about 7min on the 197 bus. Manchester Victoria is about 10min from the gallery on the Green Line tram. Both Manchester Victoria and Manchester Oxford Road offers facilities including refreshment stalls, toilets and also a post box.

Arrival train station: Trains arrive into Edinburgh Waverley train station, only about a 2min walk from popular attractions such as the Scott Monument. At the train station, you can find toilets and baby changing facilities, showers, cash machines and car hire facilities.

Which train companies travel from Manchester to Edinburgh?

There are two train companies operating routes from Manchester to Edinburgh, the TransPennine Express Service and Northern Rail. In general, there are about 13 trains on weekdays, 12 on Saturdays and 9 on Sundays. The average train time is in the region of 3h 15min between Monday and Saturday and about 3h 30min on Sundays. There are both direct and indirect routes which you can choose from when you book your train.

Night trains Manchester

You cannot get a train from Manchester to Edinburgh during the night. The earliest train departs Manchester around 06:00, getting into Edinburgh after09:00, whilst the last train departs after 18:00 and arrives shortly before 22:00.

TransPennine Express Service trains from Manchester to Edinburgh

You can get about seven trains each day, between Monday and Saturday, when travelling on TransPennine Express Service's Manchester to Edinburgh trains. There are around five trains that depart on Sundays. The earliest train departure is at about 06:25 on weekdays and Saturdays, whilst it's a bit later at 10:25 on Sundays. In general, trains take in the region of 3h 15min on average and slightly longer on Sundays. The fastest service from this provider is about 3h 05min. Trains with this company are also direct, so you won't have to change along the way.

Northern Rail trains from Manchester to Edinburgh

A Northern Rail Manchester to Edinburgh train offers a slightly less frequent service. There are about six trains on weekdays, five on Saturdays and approximately four on Sundays. The earliest train to depart is at about 08:45 between Monday and Saturday, with Sunday's first departure being at approximately 10:55. Trains with this provider tend to take about 3h 30min on average most of the week. There is also a requirement to transfer along the way, most likely at Lancaster train station.

Trains from Manchester to Edinburgh: Sustainability travel

Taking a train from Manchester to Edinburgh is a more sustainable mode of transport than completing the same journey by car, bus or plane. Trains emit less CO2 into the atmosphere per passenger than the other methods of travel, making journeys by rail a great option both for the environment and your own carbon footprint. Train travel also produces less noise pollution than other modes of transport, which is great for local wildlife populations.

Train Manchester to Edinburgh: Services on Board

On trains to Edinburgh from Manchester, you have the choice between First- and Second-Class seating. On Northern Rail, you can bring two items of large luggage and a smaller item. On TransPennine Express services, you can take as much as you need as long as it fits in in the luggage racks. Bicycles can be taken on board, but spaces for them are limited, so it's best to book this well in advance. You can bring two pets free of charge too, but they must be on a lead or in a suitable pet carrier. If you are travelling with disabilities, you can get help by contacting the train operator in advance of your trip. TransPennine Express and Northern Rail will ensure that a member of staff is on hand to help once you arrive at the origin and destination train stations.

How to find cheap train tickets from Manchester to Edinburgh

You can get cheap tickets from Manchester to Edinburgh if you buy your ticket early, as prices increase the closer you get to your travel date. Be flexible too, as you might find cheaper tickets a few hours either side of your preferred travel time. Another great way to get cheap tickets is to have a railcard, such as a young person's railcard, which offers you discounts on your journeys. You can read about more cheap destinations to travel to in the OmioMagazine.

Trains from Manchester to Edinburgh: cityscape of Edinburgh. Source: Shutterstock

To Edinburgh by train—travel tips

Edinburgh is a city with lots to see and do. Begin your trip by visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia, a museum that was once a yacht belonging to the Royal family. Next up, head over to the National Museum of Scotland, where you can learn all you need to know about this country's fascinating history. Then go and visit Edinburgh Castle overlooking the city. If you go to Calton Hill, you can see the National Monument of Scotland and also get great views across the city. Inchcolm Abbey and Island is another great place to visit, with its history dating back to the 12th century. A trip to Scotland wouldn't be the same without trying some local delicacies, so head to a restaurant and order some haggis.

• Take a walk to Arthur’s Seat
• Stroll around Edinburgh Old Town
• Have some fun at the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
• Go and watch The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
• Head over to the Palace of Holyroodhouse