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Trip Summary
You can pick from 5 daily train trips between Edinburgh and Manchester. The average train journey from Edinburgh to Manchester takes 3 hours and 12 minutes, but some TransPennine Express train trips are as short as 3 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 175 mi (282 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 10m |
| Lowest price | $26.91 |
| Trains per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | TransPennine Express |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Edinburgh to Manchester?
TransPennine Express is the one and only train line which connects Edinburgh to Manchester. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| TransPennine Express | 5 | 3h 13m | $57.45 |
TransPennine Express train tickets from Edinburgh to Manchester start from $27, and on average cost . Daily there are 5 TransPennine Express schedules to Manchester. TransPennine Express in Edinburgh leaves from Edinburgh Waverley Station . And in Manchester trains arrive at Manchester Piccadilly Station and one other train station.
From Edinburgh to Manchester train travel on TransPennine Express takes 3 hours and 13 minutes. If you are looking to get to Manchester faster, TransPennine Express offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 10 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 Manchester.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Edinburgh and Manchester is approximately 175 miles, or 282 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 10 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 Edinburgh to Manchester tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. 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 Edinburgh at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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 5 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Edinburgh to Manchester.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Manchester to Edinburgh.
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.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Edinburgh?
Main departure station: Edinburgh Waverley Station
There is one train station in Edinburgh.
All train stations in Edinburgh:
Edinburgh Waverley Station
Where is the train station in Manchester?
Main arrival station: Manchester Piccadilly Station
Manchester receives travelers from Edinburgh at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Piccadilly Station
Manchester Oxford Rd Station
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