Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Edinburgh
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Trip Summary
10 trains operate daily from Manchester to Edinburgh. The train trip from Manchester to Edinburgh is usually about 3 hours and 30 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest TransPennine Express train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 8 minutes.
| Distance | 175 mi (282 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 8m |
| Lowest price | £39.85 |
| Trains per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | TransPennine Express |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Manchester to Edinburgh?
2 train services operate from Manchester to Edinburgh. TransPennine Express usually has more trains scheduled, with 6 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Rail | 4 | 3h 32m | £49.29 |
| TransPennine Express | 6 | 3h 29m | £57.63 |
Northern Rail, branded simply as 'Northern' on its trains, travels to cities such as Manchester, Blackpool, Windermere, Newcastle, and York. Complimentary WiFi is usually available in first- and standard-class carriages, plus an onboard restroom. The newer trains boast extra legroom, and all services have space for luggage at the end of carriages.
TransPennine Express train tickets from Manchester to Edinburgh start from £42, and on average cost . Daily there are 6 TransPennine Express schedules to Edinburgh. TransPennine Express in Manchester leaves from Manchester Oxford Rd Station and one other station. And in Edinburgh trains arrive at Edinburgh Waverley Station .
From Manchester to Edinburgh train travel on TransPennine Express takes 3 hours and 29 minutes. If you are looking to get to Edinburgh faster, TransPennine Express offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 8 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, TransPennine Express offers 5 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Edinburgh.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Manchester to Edinburgh
The distance between Manchester and Edinburgh is approximately 175 miles, or 282 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 8 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains departing from Manchester to Edinburgh tend to have the most passengers on Friday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Friday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Manchester at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 16:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 10 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to Edinburgh. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Edinburgh to Manchester.
City Information
Manchester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Most recognizable for its world-famous football team, Manchester is a modern, vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions that will appeal to explorers of all kinds. Often referred to as "The Capital of the North," Manchester is also known for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Visitors can relive this booming era by taking a trip to the Science and Industry Museum to see how this previously small town changed the world's ideas of industry and manufacturing forever. These days, Manchester is famous for its music and art scene, with it being the birthplace of bands like The Smiths and Oasis.
Art and music-lovers may want to visit Afflecks, a vast and eclectic emporium of all things indie and grunge, to purchase records, artwork, and memorabilia, among many other things. Manchester is also home to 15 parks and gardens, with Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens among the most popular. This park provides a beautiful setting for picnics and scenic walks, perfect for when you need an escape from the bustling city.
And if you really are only here for Man U, both Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium are stops on our itinerary to visit every premier league stadium in England.
With three large train stations—Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Victoria—Manchester is easily accessible via rail. National Express and Megabus coaches also allow access from all over the country. In addition, Manchester Airport houses three large terminals, which provide global entry to the city.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Manchester?
Main departure station: Manchester Oxford Rd Station
There are two stations in Manchester where you can board the train to Edinburgh.
All train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Oxford Rd Station
Manchester Piccadilly Station
Where is the train station in Edinburgh?
Main arrival station: Edinburgh Waverley Station
Edinburgh has one train station.
Train stations in Edinburgh:
Edinburgh Waverley Station
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Need a return trip from Edinburgh to Manchester?
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