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The journey from Manchester to Edinburgh on the fastest train in 3 hours 9 minutes, usually 4 hours 10 minutes. Each day, 38 trains leave from Manchester, starting at 08:25 and ending at 22:46. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
08:25 | 4 hours 4 minutes, 1 change | 12:29 | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
08:49 | 4 hours 21 minutes, 1 change | 13:10 | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
09:15 | 4 hours 16 minutes, 1 change | 13:31 | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
09:45 | 3 hours 54 minutes, 1 change | 13:39 | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
09:45 | 4 hours 37 minutes, 2 change | 14:22 | Northern | Find tickets |
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.
The train journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh covers 175 miles (282km), and the average duration is approximately 3 hours 9 minutes. On average, 38 trains are running daily between Manchester and Edinburgh. The first train departs at 08:25, while the last train leaves at 22:46. Check the latest schedules for updates.
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.
The main stops of this route are:
The stops may change according to the time, route, and train operators.
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.
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.
Offering comfortable seat designs, free WiFi, Plug sockets and complimentary foods and beverages available on specific times and routes.
Enjoy more spacious and comfortable seating, equipped with power outlets, free WiFi, and complimentary foods and beverages available on specific times and routes.
Taking the TransPennine Express? We will provide you with information about luggage, bicycles, children, pets, and passenger assistance.
Taking the train from Manchester to Edinburgh is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Manchester, you can arrive at Edinburgh in just 3 hours 9 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.

The fastest train journey time from Manchester to Edinburgh is 3 hours 9 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.
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

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.
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.
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
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.

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
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