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Manchester to Edinburgh train ticket prices
£39.20
On Sun 08 Feb
Manchester to Edinburgh train timetable
Travelling from Manchester to Edinburgh, the fastest train takes 3 hours 8 minutes with an average travel time of 3 hours 54 minutes. 39 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 02:52 and the last at 23:30. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
10:24 Manchester Oxford Road | 3 hours 8 minutes, Direct | 13:32 Edinburgh (Waverley) | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
10:56 Deansgate | 3 hours 23 minutes, 1 change | 14:19 Edinburgh (Waverley) | Northern | Find tickets |
11:00 Manchester Victoria | 4 hours 10 minutes, 1 change | 15:10 Edinburgh (Waverley) | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
11:15 Manchester Victoria | 4 hours 19 minutes, 1 change | 15:34 Edinburgh (Waverley) | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
12:24 Manchester Oxford Road | 3 hours 12 minutes, Direct | 15:36 Edinburgh (Waverley) | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
Manchester to Edinburgh train tickets and times
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.
Direct train route from Manchester to Edinburgh
The train journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh covers 175 miles (282km), and the average duration is approximately 3 hours 8 minutes. On average, 39 trains are running daily between Manchester and Edinburgh. The first train departs at 02:52, while the last train leaves at 23:30. 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 3 hours 8 minutes, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Manchester to Edinburgh?
The average ticket fare from Manchester to Edinburgh is about £39.20, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.
What is the best way to travel from Manchester to Edinburgh by train?
What is the fastest train from Manchester to Edinburgh?
The fastest train journey time from Manchester to Edinburgh is 3 hours 8 minutes. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
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.
Is it worth taking a train from Manchester to Edinburgh?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Manchester to Edinburgh train timetables?
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.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Manchester to Edinburgh trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Manchester to Edinburgh are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the Manchester to Edinburgh route?
The train from Manchester to Edinburgh is operated by Avanti West Coast. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
How to buy cheap Manchester to Edinburgh train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
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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.
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