Bristol to Edinburgh bus with National Express

Fri, Dec 19
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National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bristol to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for Dec 26

Cheapest price

€117

Average price

€144

Fastest journey

13 h

Average duration

13 h 10 m

Buses per day

25

Distance

502 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bristol to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bristol to Edinburgh will cost around €144 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €117.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Bristol to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.

FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
05:40PM16h44
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
10:24AMEdinburgh
1171One-way
2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
05:40PM16h38
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
10:18AMEdinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB)
1171One-way
2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
05:40PM16h52
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
10:32AMEdinburgh, St Andrew's House
1171One-way
2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
08:40AM15h06
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
11:46PMEdinburgh
1181One-way
2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
08:40AM15h01
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
11:41PMEdinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB)
1181One-way
2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Bristol to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €27, and a train costs an average of €57.

Distance: 502 km

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Flight
Train

€51

Average price

Cheapest

€111

Average price

€181

Average price

12h 39m

Average total duration

12h 9m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 14m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 14m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

6h 41m

Average total duration

6h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.5 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

1.5 - 3.0kg

CO2 emissions

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

easyJet

Most popular airline

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Bristol to Edinburgh bus times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Edinburgh buses for today, Thursday, December 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 7:04 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbus7:55 AM Bristol
14h38
10:33 PM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect
national_express8:00 AM Bristol
11h30
7:30 PM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbus4:35 PM Bristol
15h25
8:00 AM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect
national_express6:45 PM Bristol
12h20
7:05 AM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect
Friday, December 26
national_expressNX040 · NX5914:45 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
14h10
6:55 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Edinburgh by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bristol to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Bristol to Edinburgh run on average 14 times per day, taking around 12h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €27 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 502 km distance in 11h 10m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
502 km
Average bus duration
12h 9m
Cheapest ticket price
€27
Buses per day
14
Fastest bus
11h 10m
First bus
00:25
Last bus
23:55
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus from Bristol to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Edinburgh with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for as low as €27. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 0m
Cheapest Price
€38
FlixBus frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 10m
Cheapest Price
€30
National Express frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 33m
Cheapest Price
€52
Megabus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

FAQs: Bus from Bristol to Edinburgh

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Edinburgh by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The first coach from Bristol to Edinburgh leaves at 06: 00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Bristol to Edinburgh leaves at 22: 00.
When taking a coach from Bristol to Edinburgh, you can count on Megabus, FlixBus or National Express for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Bristol and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.

When departing from Bristol, you have various coach station options to start your journey from including Bristol, Airport Bus Station, Bristol, Airport and Bristol, Station Approach (Temple Meads - Stop T1). When arriving in Edinburgh, you can end your route in coach stations like Edinburgh, Bus Station, Edinburgh, Barnton Junction and Edinburgh, North Bridge.

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Bristol, Airport Bus Station, which is located around 8.9 miles (14.4 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0.4 miles (687 m) away from the city centre.

The cheapest month to travel from Bristol to Edinburgh by coach is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Edinburgh including taking a coach or flight.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Bristol to Edinburgh

Bristol
Edinburgh
The major bus station for departures in Bristol is Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) for your trip from Bristol to Edinburgh.
Bristol, Airport Bus Station
information
Bristol, University Queens Road
information
HomeBusesBus tickets to EdinburghBristol to Edinburgh bus

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