York to Edinburgh: Cheapest Travel Options

York to Edinburgh, a journey brimming with charm, can be budget-friendly too. Consider Megabus or National Express for prices ranging from just £7 to £30. Convenient and wallet-friendly, these bus operators offer numerous departures, perfect for soaking in the scenic views without breaking the bank.

Ready to maximize your savings while traveling to Edinburgh? Whether you’re a family in search of comfortable travels, a business person needing efficiency, or a solo adventurer on a shoestring budget, options abound. Dive into a sea of choices, from speedy trains with CrossCountry and LNER, to sociable rideshares via BlaBlaCar, each aligning seamlessly with your travel needs and budget.

Bus Travel

Operators: Megabus, National Express

Recommendation: Travel time ranges from approximately 8 to 9 hours.

Price Range: Tickets can be found as cheap as £7 to £30.

Details: Megabus is synonymous with affordability and runs frequent services. National Express, whilst slightly pricier, offers a wider range of departure times and added comfort.

Why Choose Buses? On a tight budget, buses win hands down. For travelers who prioritize savings over speed, the Megabus and National Express services from York to Edinburgh are incredibly cost-effective, with the bonus of picturesque views along the A1.

Train Travel

Operators: CrossCountry, LNER (London North Eastern Railway)

Price Range: Roughly £13 to £70, depending on booking time and flexibility.

Details: CrossCountry offers competitive pricing for advance bookings. LNER boasts modern comforts and speedy journeys.

Travel Time: Between 2.5 and 3 hours approximately.

Why Choose Trains? For those weighing time against cost, trains present a fantastic middle-ground. With CrossCountry and LNER, you can stretch your legs, enjoy onboard services, and reach your destination quicker than bus travel. A family might find a train more comfortable, whereas someone on business could save precious time.

Rideshares

Popular Platforms: BlaBlaCar

Price Range: Usually between £10 and £20.

Details: BlaBlaCar connects drivers with passengers willing to travel the same way. It’s a social and affordable way to travel.

Travel Time: Travel times can vary, around 4 to 5 hours.

Why Choose Rideshares? Ridesharing is an economical and environmentally-friendly choice. Perfect for budget travelers and groups who relish meeting new people and don’t mind a longer journey for significant savings.

Budget Airlines

Operator Names: EasyJet, Ryanair

Price Range: Can start from as low as £23, not including transport to and from airports.

Details: EasyJet and Ryanair offer competitive fares, but be mindful of extra costs for luggage and transfers from the airport to city centers.

Travel Time: Flight time is roughly 1 hour, but including airport procedures and transfer, it’ll take longer.

Why Choose Budget Airlines? If time is more valuable than money, and you pack light, flying could be the best bet. Business travelers or those on a short break might favor the speed of flying from York to Edinburgh over other modes of transport.

Remember to book in advance and keep an eye out for seasonal deals to make the most of these budget-friendly options. With careful planning, travel from York to Edinburgh is both affordable and enjoyable.

Ntrip Smart Pick Saver’s 🎯

For the York to Edinburgh route, your top pick for value is Megabus, with fares from just £7, effortlessly beating National Express’s starting price of £30. When comparing both bus services, Megabus stands out for budget-conscious travelers, providing not only cost efficiency but also scenic journeys along the A1.

Bus deals are available for those journeying in groups. A quartet taking Megabus would spend approximately £28 in total, whereas the same group opting for rideshare with BlaBlaCar, at an average of £15 per person, would see costs accumulate to £60. Simple math reveals that bus travel with Megabus is the unequivocal winner for groups, offering substantial savings over rideshare options.