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Journey Information
There are 18 intercity buses per day from Edinburgh to Brighton. Traveling by bus from Edinburgh to Brighton usually takes around 14 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest National Express bus can make the trip in 12 hours and 28 minutes.
| Distance | 376 mi (605 km) |
| Shortest duration | 12h 28m |
| Cheapest price | $65.89 |
| Most frequent service | National Express |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Edinburgh to Brighton?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Edinburgh to Brighton. National Express connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Express | 18 | 14h 42m | $76.92 |
National Express is probably the UK's best-known bus company, offering intercity services to London, Manchester, Southampton, and Edinburgh. Onboard the single and double-decker vehicles, travelers enjoy a good amount of legroom – roomier than airlines have in coach class – alongside WiFi, restrooms, and air conditioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 14 hours and 42 minutes to cover the 605 kilometers from Edinburgh to Brighton. However, the fastest bus only takes 12 hours and 28 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 8:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Edinburgh to Brighton, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 18 scheduled buses that travel from Edinburgh to Brighton every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Edinburgh to Brighton; ticket prices start at $129.37.
City Information
Edinburgh
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
As Scotland's capital, Edinburgh and its people are famed throughout history for their contribution to philosophy, literature, science, and industry, among many other areas. This incredibly diverse city promises to provide attractions and entertainment for people of all ages, budgets, and interests. Edinburgh is even ranked as the #6 city with the most historic sites per capita in Europe, and the #1 outside of Italy!
For those looking for outdoor adventure, take a walk up Arthur's Seat, one of four hill forts that date back to over 2,000 years ago. The walk to the top will allow you to embrace some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes and wildlife, and you'll be rewarded with a dramatic view of Edinburgh at the top.
On rainy days, visit the National Museum of Scotland, where each floor provides information on several fascinating eras of Scotland's history. A trip down the Royal Mile will satisfy all your tartan and souvenir needs, while the world-famous Underground Ghost Tour will give you an entirely different view of this seemingly peaceful, quaint city.
If your trip falls during the holiday season, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is guaranteed to give you the festive feeling, while world-renowned Hogmanay celebrations will ensure that you ring in the New Year with a bang.
Edinburgh is easily accessible via train, plane, and bus. Edinburgh Airport provides global access to the city, while rail services connect the city to many other major towns and cities across the UK. In addition, numerous bus companies travel to and from Edinburgh, meaning that no matter your preferred mode of transport, the city is always within reach.
Brighton
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Set between the countryside and the sea, Brighton is a colorful town that attracts visitors year-round, but especially in the summer. There are breathtaking landmarks as well as fantastic beachfront properties that ensure your Brighton vacation is as exciting or relaxing as you choose.
Two of the most iconic attractions in the city are the British Airways i360 and Royal Pavilion. The Royal Pavilion palace boasts Chinese- and Indian-inspired interiors and exteriors. The British Airways i360 offers a more modern view, serving as an observation tower and showcase of gliding engineering. Inside a glass-walled pod, you can glide 450 feet high and enjoy 360-degree views of Brighton.
Visit the Brighton Palace Pier and Sea Life Brighton for some outdoor family fun. Brighton Palace Pier offers beachfront rides and many other activities and food and drinks for the entire family to enjoy. Next door, Sea Life Brighton introduces kids to sea creatures of all types, including a shark that swims in an underwater tunnel.
Brighton is packed with fab restaurants, hip bars, and cozy pubs. What's more, Brighton is a Gold Award recipient for being one of England's most sustainable food places. Some of the top places to eat are Socialite, No. 1 Bar and Bistro, The Set Restaurant, and The Great Globalls.
There is a small Brighton City Airport, but the closest major airport is London Gatwick, located in Crawley; you can take a bus or train from Gatwick to Brighton. Brighton's train service is available on Gatwick Express, Southern, or Thameslink trains. If you prefer to take the bus, hop on National Express, which runs 40 routes in the area.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Edinburgh?
Image credit: Wendy
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Edinburgh Bus Station
Edinburgh Bus Station is a local and long-distance bus station located beneath the luxury shopping area, Multrees Walk. It is less than five minutes on foot from Waverley train station, with the primary pedestrian access on St Andrew Square. Luggage lockers, a small convenience store, café, and pay-for restrooms occupy the underground waiting lounge. Megabus and National Express operate service to destinations such as Glasgow, Aberdeen, Belfast, and York. International travelers can reach the Edinburgh Airport via the tram at St Andrew Square.
All bus stations in Edinburgh:
Edinburgh Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Brighton?
Image credit: Simon
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Black Lion Bus Stop - London Rd (Patcham)
The Black Lion Bus Stop is located along both sides of London Road in Patcham, a region in Brighton. Due to the stop's proximity to a local mansion, Patcham Place, transit maps sometimes label this stop as Patcham Place, as well. There are two small, covered waiting areas on either side of the street, so be sure to check which direction you're traveling to stand on the correct side. The stop is located on the outskirts of Brighton, so the city center is a local bus ride away, but a nearby steakhouse and inn are just steps from the bus stop. From Brighton, National Express buses depart for London, Portsmouth, Dover, and more cities throughout the United Kingdom.
Bus stations in Brighton:
Black Lion Bus Stop - London Rd (Patcham)
Withdean Park - London Rd
Preston Circus
York Place, St Peter's Church
Brighton (Preston Park)
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Need a return trip from Brighton to Edinburgh?
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