Birmingham to Edinburgh: Cheapest Travel Options

Make the leap from Birmingham to Edinburgh without breaking the bank. With National Express and Megabus, you can snag tickets for as little as £10 to £30. National Express delivers comfort with onboard conveniences, while Megabus is a beacon of affordability, especially for early birds.

Whether you’re a family seeking value, a business traveler counting on efficiency, or a solo adventurer with an eye on expenses, discover a mode of travel that aligns with your needs. From the modest cost of coaches fit for groups, to punctual trains for professional endeavors, options span wide for every traveler type.

Coach Travel

Operators: National Express, Megabus

Price Range: Between £10 and £30

Details: National Express brings onboard facilities including toilets and free Wi-Fi. Megabus is known for its extreme affordability especially when booked in advance.

Travel Time: Around 7 to 8 hours.

Why Choose Coaches? When venturing from Birmingham to Edinburgh, coaches offer the most economical fares. Ideal for budget travelers, with prices that can dip below train and air travel costs. Groups or families might benefit from Megabus offers, sometimes costing less than the price of one train ticket.

Train Travel

Operator: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast

Price Range: Around £30 to £70

Details: CrossCountry often provides direct journeys while Avanti West Coast may require transfers but offers faster services.

Travel Time: Typical journeys take 4 to 5 hours

Why Choose Trains? Trains are a stellar pick for those who value comfort and time over cost. Direct routes allow you to bypass the congestion of roads. For professionals in need of working while traveling, the stability of a train ride is unmatched compared to buses.

Rideshares

Services: BlaBlaCar, Liftshare

Price Range: Often under £20

Details: Users set ridesharing details, giving flexibility and a chance for last-minute plans.

Travel Time: Varies based on the route taken and stops.

Why Choose Rideshares? If you’re a solo traveler looking for the cheapest deal or open to meeting new people, rideshares can be the most economical. Travel times are unpredictable, but the savings can be significant, especially when splitting the cost with other passengers.

Budget Airlines

Airlines: EasyJet, Ryanair

Price Range: Around £20 to £60, not including baggage fees

Details: Flights from Birmingham International to Edinburgh Airport are frequent. Booking in advance leads to better fares.

Travel Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes, plus time for airport procedures.

Why Choose Budget Airlines? When time is of the essence and you can travel light, budget airlines can compete with ground transportation costs. Business travelers can benefit from the speed of air travel, ensuring more time at their destination for work.

Ntrip Smart Pick Saver’s 🎯

Comparing to flying, choosing National Express or Megabus for your Birmingham to Edinburgh journey means major savings with fares as low as £10. National Express offers added comfort with onboard amenities, while Megabus stands out for unbeatable budget-friendly options.

When it comes to groups, say a party of four, bus travel accumulates to between £40 and £120 total, making it an economic choice. Rideshares like BlaBlaCar however may offer an alternative at under £80 for the whole group, often making it the more wallet-friendly option for smaller groups or budget-minded travelers.