Manchester to Edinburgh: Cheapest Travel Options

Make your journey from Manchester to Edinburgh a smooth and economical one with savvy transport picks. Hop on a bus with National Express or Megabus and snag tickets from as low as £10 to £30. For faster travel, consider the train with options like TransPennine Express and Avanti West Coast with fares between £25 and £60.

Stretch your pounds further as you plan your travel, whether you’re a family with little ones in tow, hitting the road for business, a solo adventure seeker, or a group of friends on a getaway. Find the intersection of price, convenience, and comfort tailored to your travel needs and financial plans, and join a community of smart explorers making the most of the trip up north.

Bus Travel

Operators: National Express, Megabus

Recommendation: Ideal for solo travel and small groups.

Price Range: Around £10 to £30.

Details: National Express provides frequent services with amenities like free Wi-Fi. Megabus is known for its extremely low fares, especially if booked in advance.

Travel Time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours.

Why Choose Buses? Offering unbeatable ticket prices starting from just £10, travelling from Manchester to Edinburgh by bus fits snugly into any budget. It’s a savvy choice for backpackers and travelers watching their spend, as trains can often be pricier.

Train Travel

Operator: TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast

Price Range: Roughly £25 to £60.

Details: TransPennine Express offers direct routes with onboard facilities, while Avanti West Coast provides high-speed journeys.

Travel Time: About 3 to 4 hours.

Why Choose Trains? Quicker than buses and reasonably priced if booked ahead, trains cater to those who value comfort and time. If you’re traveling for business or with family, the extra space and speed may well be worth the additional expense.

Rideshare

Operators: BlaBlaCar

Price Range: Approximately £15 to £20.

Details: BlaBlaCar connects drivers with travelers going the same way.

Travel Time: Varies based on route and stops, roughly 4 to 5 hours.

Why Choose Rideshare? Rideshare options can be not only cost-effective but also flexible. It’s a solid match for budget solo travelers or those looking to make new connections. Plus, it potentially offers door-to-door convenience.

Budget Airlines

Operators: EasyJet, Ryanair

Price Range: From about £20, excl. additional fees for baggage.

Details: EasyJet and Ryanair offer competitive fares. Beware of extra charges for luggage and choose off-peak timings for the best rates.

Travel Time: Flight time around 1 hour, but consider additional time for travel to/from airports.

Why Choose Budget Airlines? For those pressed for time, flying is the quickest option. It’s advisable for travelers who can book well in advance and travel light. The low base fare is a bonus, but remember to factor in transit to and from airports.

Please note prices and times are subject to change, and booking in advance can often secure you the most cost-effective fares.

Ntrip Smart Pick Saver’s 🎯

Travelers seeking the best deals from Manchester to Edinburgh should opt for bus services by National Express or Megabus. National Express delivers comfort and convenience, with fares as low as £10. Megabus stands out for its unbeatable bargain offers, especially with early bookings, keeping expenses between £10 and £30.

For small groups, such as a party of four, the bus journey totals roughly £40 to £120, whereas rideshares via platforms like BlaBlaCar can cost about £60 to £80. The economic calculations point toward rideshares being a smarter choice for groups, providing a more budget-friendly travel option.