Compensation and refunds
Trainpal makes it simple to adjust your travel plans, get refunds, and request Delay Repay.
Best Price Promise
If you find trains for a cheaper price elsewhere, let us know and we'll refund the difference*
Book Cheaper Tickets
Save more with a variety of promo codes. Book on the TrainPal app with no booking fees.
Efficient Customer Service
24/7 fast customer service with prompt responses to your queries
Fast Change and Refund
Seamless rail travel with easy changes and refunds for peace of mind.
Manchester to Edinburgh train ticket prices
Travelling from Manchester to Edinburgh by train? Advance Tickets can be as low as £25.40*, with average fares of £37.42. Benefit from Off-Peak train tickets, Return train tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Average
£37.42
From 15 Sep to 21 Sep
Cheapest
£25.40
On Thu 18 Sep
Manchester to Edinburgh train times
The journey from Manchester to Edinburgh on the fastest train in 3h 8m, usually 3h 29m. Each day, 29 trains leave from Manchester, starting at 04:57 and ending at 23:40. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
Tue
16 Sep
Wed
17 Sep
Thu
18 Sep
Fri
19 Sep
Sat
20 Sep
Sun
21 Sep
Mon
22 Sep
| Departs | Arrives | Status | Duration | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
23:40 Manchester Victoria | 10:18 Edinburgh (Waverley) | On time | 10h 38m | Northern | Find tickets |
View More Trains
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
23:40
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
175 miles (282 km)
Journey time
3h 8m
Price
From £25.40
Train operators
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, 29 trains are running daily between Manchester and Edinburgh. The first train departs at 04:57, while the last train leaves at 23:40. 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
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?
Make full use of the TrainPal app or website. Our Train Journey Planner is an excellent online planning tool. Simply fill in the cities or stations you depart from and arrive at. Then check timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and see if there are food supplies or other amenities you need. You can get 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, there are no direct trains from Manchester to Edinburgh. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Check timetables and during the journey
1. Are Manchester to Edinburgh trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While Manchester to Edinburgh trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Manchester to Edinburgh is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
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?
k.train.uk.a2b.check.desc6
4. How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
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, the refund and exchange policies for train tickets vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. Advance Tickets are usually non-refundable but can sometimes be exchanged for a fee. Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets offer more generous refund and exchange options. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket or visit UK train ticket types for specific details.
3. 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
Save 1/3 with Railcards† from Manchester to Edinburgh
Family & Friends Railcard
£24.95
With Family & Friends Railcard
£37.42
Without
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.
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
More train routes
* 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.
New user welcome pack