The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Edinburgh
Cheapest price
$143
Average price
$181
Fastest journey
3 h 13 m
Average duration
3 h 47 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
282 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Edinburgh will cost around $181 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $143.
Of the 6 trains that leave Manchester for Edinburgh every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 282 km distance in an average of 3 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 13 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 8 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.
Y00613+
W10503
C27294 · C26814
Y02356+
W10500
C26820
C26853+
Y23421
C26820
Y02356+
W10500
C26402+
C23650
C26853+
Y23421
C27294 · C26814Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Manchester to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of $30, and a flight costs an average of $122.
Distance: 282 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$85 Average Price | $53 Average Price Cheapest | $254 Average Price |
4h 16m Average total duration 3h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 16m Average total duration 5h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Manchester to Edinburgh train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Edinburgh trains for today, Wednesday, 10 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C26820 | On time 8:24 am Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 3h13 | 11:37 am Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y02356+ W10500 | On time 8:56 am Deansgate (DGT) | 3h24 | 12:20 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
C26402+ C23650 | On time 9:00 am Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h05 | 1:05 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
Y00613+ W10503 | On time 9:13 am Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 5h06 | 2:19 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
C26853+ Y23421 | On time 9:15 am Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h07 | 1:22 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
C27294 · C26814 | On time 9:24 am Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 4h08 | 1:32 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester 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.
10 Dec
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Edinburgh?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Edinburgh
Trains from Manchester to Edinburgh run on average 31 times per day, taking around 3h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $67 but you can travel from only $30 by coach.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:38, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 282 km distance in 3h 13m.
Distance 282 km |
Average train duration 3h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $67 |
Trains per day 31 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 3h 13m |
First train 00:38 |
Last train 23:51 |
Train companies: TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, LNER, CrossCountry, Northern Rail (3), first_transpennine_express from Manchester to Edinburgh trainsTransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, LNER, CrossCountry, Northern Rail (3), first_transpennine_express trains will get you between Manchester and Edinburgh from $30. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
TransPennine Express
Avanti West Coast
LNER
CrossCountry
Northern Rail (3)
first_transpennine_express
FAQs: Manchester to Edinburgh train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Edinburgh by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Manchester Piccadilly, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Edinburgh Waverley, located away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Edinburgh
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:20 - 23:40 Sunday 08:10 - 23:30
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: Free Metro shuttle bus link from station front serving Manchester City centre including Victoria Station On both sides of Whitworth Street, Deansgate and Chester Road for buses to Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham or Sale. Contact Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stops on Whitworth St.
- Metro: Metrolink G-Mex tram stop linked by footbridge from Manchester platform. 0161 228 7811
- 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Wilmslow Road.
- The Didsbury
- The Gateway
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- £0.30
- Travelodge Manchester Didsbury
- Premier Inn Manchester Didsbury
- Eleven Didsbury Park Hotel
- Located near the ticket office
- Free
- Hall 1: entrance and ticket office
- Hall 2: access to platforms
- Tram: Metrolink East Didsbury Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 42, 142, 50
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 06:20 - 19:35 Sunday 09:00 - 16:30
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category C station, From Albert Road up 20 steps to reach the ticket office, then for services to Manchester up a further 26 steps onto the platform. For Services towards Stockport from ticket office go through the underpass (29 paces) and up 26 steps onto the platform.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Onward travel information: On both sides of Albert Road for buses to Manchester, Reddish, Stockport or Droylsden. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: the bus stop for Manchester Pic is located on the station side of Stockport Road. The bus stop for Stockport is located on the opposite side of Stockport Road.
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 21:25 Saturday 06:30 - 21:25 Sunday 08:10 - 21:25
- Type of shops available: M&S Simply Food
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1, the Concourse and near the entrance from Haymarket Terrace.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Inside the station - one on platform 4 and one on platform 2 and 3
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: No
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing)
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the layby in front of the station
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: No
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing)
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from Platform 2 bus stop, adjacent to Herminston Gate
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
- Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
- Free public Wi-Fi available.
- You can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2.
- Type of shops available: Wide range of shops Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: New Street: Long Stay
- Bagel Factory
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Costa Coffee
- JD Wetherspoon
- The Pasty Shop
- The Beer House
- M&S
- Pret a Manger
- Taxi: Nearest Taxi Ranks are on Market St and Waverley Bridge outside the station.
- Accessible taxis: Taxi ranks are located on Waverley Bridge and also Market Street. Market Street can be accessed step free via available lifts.
- Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: At entrance to Public Toilets
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets,
- Old Waverley Hotel
- Jurys Inn Edinburgh
- The Scotsman Hotel
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
- Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle storage can be found in the station: by the lift at Platform 2 (37 spaces) Platform 3 (68 Spaces) and adjacent to Platform 19 (86 Spaces). Additional cycle spaces are available in New Street car park (32 spaces).
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information booths are located on the concourse.
- Bus lines: 22, 30, 33, X22, X25, X37
- Train lines: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, CrossCountry, LNER, ScotRail, Transpennine Express
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off on Waterloo Place, pick up across from Apex Hotel and drop off outside the Apex Hotel.
- Metro: No metro available.
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