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Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) train ticket prices
€7.00
On Thu 01 Jan
Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) train timetable
Travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley), the fastest train takes 3h 11m with an average travel time of 3h 34m. 28 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 02:44 and the last at 21:58. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
06:22 Manchester Piccadilly | 3 hours 19 minutes, Direct | 09:41 Edinburgh (Waverley) | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
06:33 Manchester Piccadilly | 3 hours 45 minutes, 1 change | 10:18 Edinburgh (Waverley) | Northern | Find tickets |
07:00 Manchester Piccadilly | 4 hours 33 minutes, 1 change | 11:33 Edinburgh (Waverley) | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
08:21 Manchester Piccadilly | 3 hours 16 minutes, Direct | 11:37 Edinburgh (Waverley) | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
08:50 Manchester Piccadilly | 3 hours 30 minutes, 1 change | 12:20 Edinburgh (Waverley) | Northern | Find tickets |
Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) 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.
TransPennine Express: Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh Waverley trains
The direct train from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh is perfect for business trips, city breaks, and longer escapes to the Scottish Highlands. It's a scenic journey, too - expect views of the Lake District, the Pennines, and Morecambe Bay. The train also goes through the dramatic Luna Gorge before crossing into Scotland near Carlisle.
The Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh Waverley service is run by TransPennine Express. It takes around 3 hours 15 minutes, and there are departures every 2 hours. Aside from this route, TransPennine Express also runs intercity trains across Northern England and Scotland, connecting major cities like Leeds, Liverpool and Edinburgh.
Departing from Manchester Piccadilly
Manchester Piccadilly is one of the city's biggest and most central stations, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the Greater Manchester area. One of the easiest ways of getting there is via the Metrolink - trams stop at Piccadilly and Piccadilly Gardens just outside. There are also frequent local buses to the station from all parts of town.
The main operators from Piccadilly are Northern, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast. You'll find direct trains to London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds and Edinburgh, plus regional services to places like Preston, Sheffield and Newcastle. It's also your gateway to Scotland, with regular services to Glasgow and beyond.
Main stops
The main stops on this route are Bolton, Preston (Lancs), Lancaster and Carlisle. The train also calls at Manchester Oxford Road if that station is closer to you than Piccadilly.
Arriving at Edinburgh
Edinburgh Waverley station - often just Edinburgh station - is located between the Old Town and New Town, with exits onto Princes Street for shopping and Waverley Bridge for the Royal Mile. If you're heading to Edinburgh Castle, this landmark is a short walk up the hill.
As one of the city's biggest stations, you can take trains to all of Scotland's major cities. ScotRail operates regular services to Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness, while LNER and CrossCountry run direct trains into England, including to London, Newcastle and Birmingham.
If your trip takes you beyond the city centre, hop on the tram from Princes Street. Local buses stop right outside on Waverley Bridge and take you to attractions like Arthur's Seat and the Royal Yacht Britannia.
TransPennine Express train classes
On the Manchester to Edinburgh route, you've got two choices:
- Standard Class: This gives you free Wi-Fi and power sockets at table seats for charging your devices. The seats are comfortable enough for the journey, and you can buy snacks and drinks from the onboard trolley if you're feeling peckish.
- First Class: For a bit more comfort, First Class gives you reclining seating with extra legroom, plus power sockets and USB points at every seat. You'll also get a quieter cabin (usually Coach E) and complimentary food and drinks, though this is subject to availability.
TransPennine Express train travel advice
Here's the rundown of TransPennine Express' policies on their Manchester to Edinburgh service.
- Luggage: There's space to store your bags onboard - either overhead or under your seat. Just remember to keep your bags within sight. Any unattended luggage may be removed by TransPennine Express staff.
- Bicycles: You can travel with your bike for free, but space must be booked in advance – you can do this up to 15 minutes before, although it's best to do it sooner rather than later.
- Children: Kids under 5 travel free and those aged 5-15 get 50% off fares. Consider getting the Friends & Family railcard - this lets you buy cheap train tickets for family days out.
- Pets: You can bring up to two pets for free – just keep them on a lead or in carriers. For the comfort of human passengers, four-legged passengers aren't allowed on seats or tables.
- Passenger Assistance: Reserve assistance at least 2 hours ahead by calling up or booking online. TransPennine Express staff can help with boarding and provide wheelchairs.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) train travel guide
Travelling by train from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Manchester Piccadilly, you can reach Edinburgh (Waverley) in just 3h 11m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
The average fare from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) is approximately €7.00, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
What is the best way to travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train?
What is the fastest train from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
The quickest train journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) takes 3h 11m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
Are there direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley). TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
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?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) train timetables?
While Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) 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 Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) 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.
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 Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
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.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the 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?
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.
Which train companies operate the Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) route?
The route from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) is operated by Avanti West Coast. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
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
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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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
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh (Waverley) train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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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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