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London to Edinburgh bus

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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London to Edinburgh Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 39 intercity buses per day from London to Edinburgh. Traveling by bus from London to Edinburgh usually takes around 11 hours and 6 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus bus can make the trip in 7 hours and 50 minutes.

Distance332 mi (534 km)
Shortest duration7h 50m
Cheapest price$24.25
Trips per day15
Most frequent serviceNational Express
Bus lines3

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from London to Edinburgh

(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

4.8

4.0

Alexandra

February 20, 2023- Solo travel

Megabus

Pros: The trip overall was lovely. Multiple interactions with Megabus staff and everyone was friendly and helpful. I would recommend this way of getting from London to Edinburgh to just about anyone (though I'm not sure how well they can accommodate those with limited mobility). The landscape along the way is gorgeous, this is a great way of seeing some of the countryside. Cons: My only complaint would be that, as much as I'm grateful to have had bathroom facilities available on board, I do wish the rest of the bus wouldn't have smelled of those facilities throughout the trip. Tips: Please manage your expectations and be reasonable. I feel like so many of the complaints I saw before my own experience now seem like people who wanted a first class experience at bargain prices. At under $20, I was grateful for a clean, reasonably comfortable seat from point A to point B with a driver who clearly did that route often and wasn't being reckless about it. No unnecessary detours, we left on time and yes, we did arrive late but when I looked back I don't see how we could have done it faster (safely). We did encounter some construction along the route, so maybe try to factor that possibility into your journey as well.

5.0

Leanne

December 29, 2022- Vacation

Megabus

Pros: Was easy enough to organise and could take a fair amount of luggage. The chairs had chargers. Very nice touch. Cons: Pillows. Tips: Bring a pillow and blanket.

5.0

Samuel

November 17, 2022- Solo travel

National Express

Pros: Good trip. Cons: There could be a little more space between seats.

5.0

Yaismir Adriana

August 21, 2022- Vacation

Megabus

Pros: The punctual departure and the traotment received by the driver. Cons: The bus didn't have Wi-Fi. There is a need for Megabus personel at the bus station. National express team was the only available and help to create an environment of uncertainty around Megabus times and gates of departure. Tips: Be confident on the information available on the screens about times and gates of depature. Megabus doesn't have personel to attend your doubts at the gates of London Victoria station.

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How much is a bus ticket from London to Edinburgh?

Bus tickets for a trip from London to Edinburgh cost $29.63 on average. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10NDJFMAMJJASO
Taking the bus from London to Edinburgh is usually cheapest in January, when the average ticket price is only $38. If you're planning to take the bus from London to Edinburgh during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $50. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

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 23 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $35.54 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from London to Edinburgh?

There are 3 bus lines from London to Edinburgh available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 25 daily trips, National Express usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus129h 48m$48.14
Megabus59h 7m$43.65
National Express2512h 24m$46.54

  • 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 12 trips from London to Edinburgh, and usually makes the trip in about 9 hours and 48 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.

  • 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 11 hours and 6 minutes to cover the 332 miles from London to Edinburgh. However, the fastest bus only takes 7 hours and 50 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, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Edinburgh, book your ticket for the last day of the week.

The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from London to Edinburgh, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 39 scheduled buses that travel from London to Edinburgh every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 15 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from London to Edinburgh; ticket prices start at $59.95.

City Information

London

One of the most important cities in the world, London is where the traditional blends seamlessly with the modern. As a vibrant modern city, London has something for everyone. For visitors interested in the Royal Family as well as their history, check out Buckingham Palace. The palace is open all days in summer, but only on selected days in winter. The Tower of London, where the crown jewels are put on exhibition, is also a great spot to check out. For fans of history, you might not want to miss out on the famous British Museum, considered by many to be the best museum in all of London. The museum currently carries an impressive collection of 8 million historic objects from all around the world, making it an eye-opening destination for many.

London’s food scene reflects its multiculturalism. Here you can find restaurants serving cuisines from various countries around the world, from India to Malaysia. If you opt for a lavish dining experience, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, run by the famous chef himself, will be a great choice. Also don’t forget to stop by at a local pub and enjoy the beer like a true Londoner.

The city’s centers of intercity rail services are King’s Cross Station and Euston Station, from which you can take a train to other places in the UK or hop on the Eurostar train to Paris and beyond. The largest coach station in the city is Victoria Coach Station, serving big local carriers like National Express. The city’s air services are fulfilled by eight airports, of which London Heathrow Airport, located west of the city, is the busiest one.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh, UK - GBQDN-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Edinburgh, UK - GBQDN-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Edinburgh, UK - GBQDN-2

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 does the bus leave from in London?

Victoria Coach Station - GBLNNDEFLX-0

Image credit: Matt Brown

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: London Victoria

London's Victoria Coach Station has its main entrance on Buckingham Palace Road. Well-signposted but slightly hidden in an attractive art deco office block, the station welcomes around 14 million passengers each year. The arrival and departure areas are at different ends of Elizabeth Street, with the departure zone containing food concession stands, left-luggage facilities, and restrooms. As London's largest coach station, most major coach companies, including FlixBus, Megabus, and National Express, operate from Victoria Coach Station. It is a ten-minute walk to rail and Underground services at Victoria Rail Station, whose 19 platforms include express services to Gatwick Airport.

All bus stations in London:

  • London Victoria

  • 235 Finchley Rd

  • London Paddington Rail Station

  • London Marble Arch (Stop S)

  • London Mile End

  • Dunton Rd (Stop WN)

  • Elephant and Castle

  • Hammersmith Bus Station (Stop D)

  • Golders Green Bus Station

  • Dean Gardens / Bedford Rd (Stop R)

  • Bow Church Station

  • Hanwell Broadway (Stop J)

  • Ealing Broadway

  • London New Cross Gate

  • London Lewisham

Where does the bus arrive in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh Bus Station - GBQDNGBNXP-0

Image credit: Wendy

Link to image attribution

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

  • St Andrew's House

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