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Manchester to Edinburgh train ticket prices

For a train from Manchester to Edinburgh, Advance Tickets are available starting at €31.22*, with the average fare being €21.50. Find out about different ticket types and options by checking out our Advance Tickets, Off-Peak Train Tickets, Return Train Tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets. Explore more affordable choices in our UK cheap train ticket Guide!
Average

€21.50

From 16 Oct to 22 Oct

Cheapest

€31.22󰄽

On Mon 20 Oct

  • €65.87󰄽
    Thu16 Oct
  • €48.16󰄽
    Fri17 Oct
  • €48.51󰄽
    Sat18 Oct
  • €69.54󰄽
    Sun19 Oct
  • Mon20 Oct
  • €38.87󰄽
    Tue21 Oct
  • €31.61󰄽
    Wed22 Oct

Manchester to Edinburgh train times

Travelling from Manchester to Edinburgh, the fastest train takes 3h 8m with an average travel time of 3h 28m. 27 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 04:57 and the last at 22:15. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.

Fri

17 Oct

Sat

18 Oct

Sun

19 Oct

Mon

20 Oct

Tue

21 Oct

Wed

22 Oct

Thu

23 Oct

DepartsArrivesStatusDurationOperator

21:33

Manchester Victoria

08:09

Edinburgh (Waverley)
On time10h 36mTransPennine Express
Find tickets

22:15

Manchester Victoria

08:09

Edinburgh (Waverley)
On time9h 54mTransPennine Express
Find tickets
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Manchester to Edinburgh Train journey information

Plan your journey from Manchester to Edinburgh with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.

First train
04:57
Last train
22:15
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
175 miles (282 km)
Journey time
3h 8m
Price
From €31.22

Direct train route from Manchester to Edinburgh

The train journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh covers 175 miles (282 km), and the average duration is approximately 3h 8m. On average, 27 trains are running daily between Manchester and Edinburgh. The first train departs at 04:57, while the last train leaves at 22:15. Check the latest schedules for updates.

Departing from Manchester Piccadilly

The best and fastest train from Manchester to Edinburgh is from Manchester Piccadilly, situated in the city centre's southeast. You can reach Manchester Piccadilly by taxi, bus, car, tram, or bicycle.

In addition, Manchester Piccadilly Station offers services to London, Birmingham, Leeds, Reading and other cities. The train operators at Manchester Piccadilly include TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Northern, and Transport for Wales.

Main stops

The main stops of this route are:

  • Manchester Oxford Road
  • Bolton
  • Preston (Lancs)
  • Lancaster
  • Carlisle
  • Haymarket

The stops may change according to the time, route, and train operators.

Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley

The best and fastest train from Manchester to Edinburgh will arrive at Edinburgh (Waverley), located in a narrow valley between the old and new urban areas. The station is accessible by trains, cars, taxis, bicycles, or walking.

Edinburgh Waverley Station also provides services to Glasgow, York, Dundee, the Penzance, and other cities. The station is served by London North Eastern Railway, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Lumo, Caledonian Sleeper, and ScotRail.

In Edinburgh (Waverley), you can visit popular attractions such as the Royal Mile, Balmoral, and Edinburgh Castle, and also enjoy a play or go shopping on Princes Street.

TransPennine Express Trains from Manchester to Edinburgh

It takes less than 4h30m from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh by train. This route allows you to enjoy natural and cultural scenery, from the city to the countryside, to the mountains and historical sites, each section has a unique beauty.

TransPennine Express is the primary train operator for the route from Manchester to Edinburgh, providing services for regional and intercity railways between major cities and towns in Northern England and Scotland. It offers fast and efficient transportation across the UK, ensuring quick travel times.

Additionally, travellers can enjoy a comfortable journey with amenities such as WiFi, power sockets, and comfortable seating.

TransPennine Express Standard Class

Offering comfortable seat designs, free WiFi, Plug sockets and complimentary foods and beverages available on specific times and routes.

TransPennine Express First Class

Enjoy more spacious and comfortable seating, equipped with power outlets, free WiFi, and complimentary foods and beverages available on specific times and routes.

Travel with TransPennine Express

Taking the TransPennine Express? We will provide you with information about luggage, bicycles, children, pets, and passenger assistance.

  • Luggage: Carry up to 3 pieces of luggage: one hand luggage and two pieces maximum 30 x 70 x 90 cm.
  • Bicycles: Book space for non-foldable bikes. Foldable bikes can be placed in luggage areas or between seats.
  • Children: Adult passengers travel free with two kids under 5. Kids under 16 get 50% off tickets booked in advance.
  • Pets: Bring a maximum of two pets with four legs. Pets are not allowed to sit on tables or seats.
  • Passenger Assist: Boarding assistance, luggage handling, providing ramps, cars, chairs, and other services at the station.

Manchester to Edinburgh train travel guide

The train journey from Manchester to Edinburgh combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Manchester, you can get to Edinburgh in just 3h 8m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

1. How can I save money on Manchester to Edinburgh train tickets?

To find discounted train tickets, use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also save money. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal offers cheaper options through split tickets and discount codes. Learn more about buying cheap train tickets in the UK.

2. How do I find the best train route from Manchester to Edinburgh?

Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. Find the best train route from Manchester to Edinburgh.

3. What is the fastest train from Manchester to Edinburgh?

The fastest train journey time from Manchester to Edinburgh is 3h 8m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.

4. Are there direct trains from Manchester to Edinburgh?

No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Manchester to Edinburgh. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.

Check timetables and during the journey

Check timetables and during the journey

1. Are Manchester to Edinburgh trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?

Manchester to Edinburgh trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.

2. How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?

It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.

3. Do Manchester to Edinburgh trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

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4. How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?

Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.

Other things you might be interested

Other things you might be interested

1. Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes. Our Railcards offer discounts on UK train tickets. Students can use the 16-17 Saver or 16-25 Railcard for up to 1/3 off most fares. Seniors aged 60 and over can use the Senior Railcard for 1/3 off. Railcards can be purchased online with a choice of one-year or three-year validity. The more you travel, the more you save.

2. Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.

3. How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?

Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.

Save 1/3 with Railcards from Manchester to Edinburgh

 16-25 Railcard 16-25 Railcard

€14.34

With 16-25 Railcard

€21.50

Without
Buy 16-25 Railcard

 26-30 Railcard 26-30 Railcard

€14.34

With 26-30 Railcard

€21.50

Without
Buy 26-30 Railcard

 Family & Friends Railcard Family & Friends Railcard

€14.34

With Family & Friends Railcard

€21.50

Without
Buy Family & Friends Railcard

 Two Together Railcard Two Together Railcard

€14.34

With Two Together Railcard

€21.50

Without
Buy Two Together Railcard

 Senior Railcard Senior Railcard

€14.34

With Senior Railcard

€21.50

Without
Buy Senior Railcard
Railcards offer discounted train tickets, with various types based on age and number of travellers. Enjoy up to 1/3 off for a cheaper journey. The actual price will vary based on factors such as the train service, time, and ticket availability.

How to buy cheap Manchester to Edinburgh train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.
󰄶

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.

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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.

* Save an average of 73% by combining Advance Ticket savings of 73% with an additional 30% through split tickets. These savings apply to Advance fares booked at least one week before travel, excluding Anytime fares purchased on the day of travel. Availability may vary by route and may not be combined with other offers.