London To Edinburgh: Cheapest Travel Options

Seeking budget-friendly travel from London to Edinburgh? Consider National Express or Megabus, offering tickets from £10 to £30. For train enthusiasts, LNER and Avanti West Coast provide journeys starting at £20, complete with onboard amenities.

Explore cost-efficient travel tailored to everyone – families, solo entrepreneurs, or leisure groups. Dive into our recommended picks and find your ideal mode of transportation that aligns perfectly with your trip goals and wallet without compromising on the experience.

Bus Travel

Operators: National Express, Megabus

Price Range: Approximately £10 to £30

Details: National Express offers many daily routes, along with onboard comforts like reclining seats and power outlets. Megabus is another cost-effective option, priding itself on no-frills, low-cost fares.

Travel Time: Around 8 to 10 hours.

Why Choose Buses? Ideal for budget travelers and students, buses are the most wallet-friendly option and usually have generous luggage allowances. Perfect for those who prefer to trade time for savings and for groups seeking affordability without compromising on direct routes.

Train Travel

Operator: LNER, Avanti West Coast

Price Range: About £20 to £70

Details: LNER offers frequent services with on-trip amenities like Wi-Fi and at-seat dining. Avanti West Coast is noted for their speed and convenience, slashing travel times versus buses.

Travel Time: Approximately 4 to 6 hours.

Why Choose Trains? Ideal for families with kids and business travelers. Trains provide a balance of speed, scenery, and the ability to stretch out. It’s easier to keep children entertained on a train, and for business travelers, to work en route.

Rideshares

Operator: BlaBlaCar

Price Range: Roughly £15 to £25

Details: BlaBlaCar connects drivers with empty seats to passengers looking for a ride. It’s a community-driven way to travel, offering an informal yet personal experience.

Travel Time: About 7 to 9 hours.

Why Choose Rideshares? They offer a balance between cost and travel time, ideal for solo adventurers and budget travelers. You’ll get to meet new people and sometimes even negotiate your pickup and drop-off points.

Budget Airlines

Operators: easyJet, Ryanair

Price Range: Around £25 to £60, excluding additional fees for luggage and selected seating.

Details: easyJet and Ryanair frequently fly between London and Edinburgh, offering fast travel times and regular service; however, prices can vary widely based on how far in advance you book.

Travel Time: Roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.

Why Choose Budget Airlines? Optimal for those with rigid schedules and short time frames. Although the base fare can be low, be mindful of additional fees which can quickly add up, making this a less affordable option if traveling with multiple bags or as a family.

Understanding the various modes of travel from London to Edinburgh helps pinpoint the best value for your specific needs. Buses and rideshares shine for strict budgets, while trains appeal to those valuing their time and comfort. Meanwhile, careful planning can make budget airlines a viable option. Choose wisely and enjoy the journey from England’s bustling capital to the heart of Scotland.

Ntrip Smart Pick Saver’s 🎯

When traversing from London to Edinburgh, selecting Megabus offers notable savings with fares starting as low as £10, ideal for budget-conscious travelers. On the other hand, trains provide a quicker yet still economical journey with LNER, where tickets begin at £20. Each mode of transportation balances cost against amenities and travel duration, with buses being the most affordable and trains offering added comfort and speed.

Buses and rideshares both serve the route from London to Edinburgh. For a party of four, bus travel could cost between £40 and £120 total. In comparison, a rideshare via BlaBlaCar may range from £60 to £100 total. Splitting the cost of rideshare among four individuals might come down to £15 to £25 per person, pointing to rideshare as the more cost-effective choice for small groups seeking value and convenience.