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  3. Manchester to Edinburgh trains

Manchester to Edinburgh train ticket prices

For a train from Manchester to Edinburgh, Advance Tickets start at just £23.70*, with average fares around £45.91. Additionally, Off-Peak train tickets, Return train tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets are also great tips for saving money on train travel. Enjoy the cheapest and happiest journey with TrainPal. For more money-saving information, welcome to our UK cheap train ticket guide.

Manchester to Edinburgh train times

The journey from Manchester to Edinburgh on the fastest train in 3h 8m, usually 4h 5m. Each day, 47 trains leave from Manchester, starting at 04:30 and ending at 23:40. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.

Thu

31 Jul

Fri

01 Aug

Sat

02 Aug

Sun

03 Aug

Mon

04 Aug

Tue

05 Aug

Wed

06 Aug

DepartsArrivesStatusDurationOperator

14:00

Manchester Victoria

18:07

Edinburgh (Waverley)
On time4h 7mTransPennine Express
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14:24

Manchester Oxford Road

17:40

Edinburgh (Waverley)
On time3h 16mTransPennine Express
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14:56

Deansgate

18:21

Edinburgh (Waverley)
On time3h 25mNorthern
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15:00

Manchester Victoria

19:04

Edinburgh (Waverley)
On time4h 4mTransPennine Express
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15:15

Manchester Victoria

19:24

Edinburgh (Waverley)
On time4h 9mTransPennine 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
04:30
Last train
23:40
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
175 miles (282 km)
Journey time
3h 8m
Price
From £23.70

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, 47 trains are running daily between Manchester and Edinburgh. The first train departs at 04:30, 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

Travelling by train from Manchester to Edinburgh is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Manchester, you can reach Edinburgh in just 3h 8m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

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

Looking for discounted train tickets? Use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also help you save. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal provides even more savings with split tickets and discount codes. Learn more about buying cheap train tickets in the UK.

2. What is the best way to travel from Manchester to Edinburgh by train?

Use TrainPal Train Journey Planner to enter your departure and destination points for routes, schedules, and prices. Compare Manchester to Edinburgh train prices for the best deals and book in advance for discounts. The TrainPal app offers real-time updates and ticket booking options. Explore the TrainPal app and start planning your journey!

3. What is the best way to travel from Manchester to Edinburgh by train?

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

Check timetables and during the journey

1. 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.

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, in the UK, students and seniors can benefit from various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard offers students up to 1/3 off most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy similar savings. Both Railcards can be purchased online or at train stations and are valid for one year, providing great value for frequent travellers

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?

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

 16-25 Railcard 16-25 Railcard

£30.61

With 16-25 Railcard

£45.91

Without
Buy 16-25 Railcard

 26-30 Railcard 26-30 Railcard

£30.61

With 26-30 Railcard

£45.91

Without
Buy 26-30 Railcard

 Family & Friends Railcard Family & Friends Railcard

£30.61

With Family & Friends Railcard

£45.91

Without
Buy Family & Friends Railcard

 Two Together Railcard Two Together Railcard

£30.61

With Two Together Railcard

£45.91

Without
Buy Two Together Railcard

 Senior Railcard Senior Railcard

£30.61

With Senior Railcard

£45.91

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.
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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.