Cheap bus tickets from Glasgow to Edinburgh
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Bus from Glasgow to Edinburgh: Journey Information
There are 120 intercity buses per day from Glasgow to Edinburgh. Traveling by bus from Glasgow to Edinburgh usually takes around one hour and 57 minutes, but the fastest National Express bus can make the trip in just one hour and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 42 mi (67 km) |
| Shortest duration | 1h 5m |
| Cheapest price | $5.82 |
| Trips per day | 100 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus |
| Bus lines | 3 |
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Glasgow to Edinburgh Bus Schedule
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Average score for buses from Glasgow to Edinburgh (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
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There are several bus options that can take you from Glasgow to Edinburgh:
- FlixBus: 61 daily buses from $6
- Megabus: 58 daily buses from $10
- National Express: 3 daily buses from $8
How much is a bus ticket from Glasgow to Edinburgh?
Bus tickets for a trip from Glasgow to Edinburgh cost $8.91 on average. This is an excellent value for the trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Glasgow to Edinburgh by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Glasgow to Edinburgh in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $9 to $23. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 13, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Edinburgh this week, bus tickets are available starting at $10.
Average bus ticket prices from Glasgow to Edinburgh by month
Traveling from Glasgow to Edinburgh by bus will cost you about the same throughout the year. In general, bus ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $11 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 18 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $2.48 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Glasgow to Edinburgh?
There are multiple buses that travel from Glasgow to Edinburgh, including FlixBus, Megabus, National Express. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 61 | 2h 31m | $11.35 |
| Megabus | 58 | 1h 28m | $10.89 |
| National Express | 3 | 1h 8m | $9.20 |
First launched in Germany in 2013, FlixBus has become one of the largest intercity bus companies in Europe. Its fleet travels through nearly every country in Europe, including the U.K. FlixBus operates an average of 61 trips from Glasgow to Edinburgh, and usually makes the trip in about 2 hours and 31 minutes. On your trip, you'll enjoy Wi-Fi and live GPS, as well as restrooms, air conditioning, and power outlets.
Founded in 2003, Megabus UK was created to provide travelers with greener, more straightforward and smarter travel. The carrier has routes all across the United Kingdom in England, Scotland, and Wales. The Megabus UK fleet, easily distinguishable by its dark blue and yellow colors, has free Wi-Fi, outlets and charging ports, onboard restrooms, and 20 kg luggage allowances on each bus.
Book National Express from Glasgow to Edinburgh from $7.96. There are 3 trips per day offered by National Express from Glasgow to Edinburgh and you can expect on average to pay $9.20 for a National Express ticket to Edinburgh. In Glasgow, National Express departs to Edinburgh from Buchanan Bus Station. In Edinburgh, National Express arrives at Edinburgh Bus Station.
An average trip on National Express from Glasgow to Edinburgh takes 1 hours and 8 minutes, while the fastest available National Express trip will get you to Edinburgh in 1 hours and 5 minutes.
On weekends, National Express offers 3 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $7.96 for a weekend trip to Edinburgh.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Glasgow to Edinburgh
There are 120 scheduled buses that travel from Glasgow to Edinburgh every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 100 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.
TRIPS PER DAY
120
DIRECT TRIPS
100
The bus takes an average of one hour and 57 minutes to cover the 42 miles from Glasgow to Edinburgh. However, the fastest bus only takes an hour and 5 minutes. You'll have just enough time for a small nap on this relatively short bus 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
42
DISTANCE (KM)
67
The first bus leaves at 1:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:59pm. To see the times for all buses from Glasgow to Edinburgh, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
1:00am
LATEST BUS
11:59pm
Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
City Information
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland. The city's name means "Dear Green Place" in Gaelic, and Glasgow earns this title as it is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the area. Beyond its impressive green spaces, it is full of historical and cultural destinations.
There are dozens of inspiring museums and galleries in the city, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum, and the Gallery of Modern Art. The Glasgow Green is a vast public park dotted with monuments right next to the People's Palace, a museum devoted to social history. In the central shopping district, Buchanan Street is your go-to for mouthwatering cuisine and retail therapy.
If you want to try some local beer, hit up The Pot Still, The Ben Nevis Bar, or The Laurieston. Be sure to visit the Clydeside Distillery, too, so you can see how the national drink of Scotland (hello, Scotch) is manufactured.
Several trains serve Glasgow, including Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, Caledonian Sleeper, London North Eastern Railway, Northern Rail, and the West Midlands Railway. In addition, Megabus and FlixBus offer bus service from Glasgow to other destinations in Scotland and beyond.
Edinburgh
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 does the bus leave from in Glasgow?
Main departure station: Buchanan Bus Station
Buchanan Bus Station is the main bus terminus in Glasgow and the biggest bus station in Scotland. The station is conveniently located near the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow Caledonian University, and the Buchanan Galleries. Transferring to other forms of travel is easy since Glasgow Queen Street Railway Station and the Cowcaddens and Buchanan Street subway stations are also within walking distance. Inside the station building, you'll find seated waiting areas, a bookshop, luggage storage, and toilets. The station is often bustling, welcoming Megabus, National Express, and Scottish Citylink services, to name a few.
All bus stations in Glasgow:
- Buchanan Bus Station
- Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station Stance 49
Where does the bus arrive in Edinburgh?
Main arrival 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
- Bus Station
- St Andrew's House
- Edinburgh N St David St
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