Edinburgh to Manchester train with TransPennine Express

Fri, Dec 19
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TransPennine Express
Avanti West Coast
LNER
CrossCountry
Caledonian Sleeper
1,000+ travel companies
TransPennine Express
Avanti West Coast
LNER
CrossCountry
Caledonian Sleeper
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Dec 20

Cheapest price

€71

Average price

€81

Fastest journey

3 h 11 m

Average duration

3 h 38 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

282 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Edinburgh to Manchester will cost around €81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €71.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Edinburgh for Manchester on Sat, Dec 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Dec 20 the direct trains cover the 282 km distance in an average of 3 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 11 m .

On Sat, Dec 20 the slowest trains will take 4 h 4 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Avanti West CoastW01975+Northern Rail (3)G92093
08:52AM3h41
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
12:33PMManchester Victoria (MCV)
711One-way
1 transfer
Avanti West CoastW01975+Northern Rail (3)L10924
08:52AM3h47
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
12:39PMDeansgate (DGT)
711One-way
1 transfer
Avanti West CoastW01975+Northern Rail (3)Y25416
08:52AM3h26
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
12:18PMManchester Victoria (MCV)
791One-way
1 transfer
ScotRailY39318+BusBus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central+Avanti West CoastW02494+Northern Rail (3)L07234
09:15AM4h36
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
01:51PMDeansgate (DGT)
861One-way
3 transfers
TransPennine ExpressC73802
08:11AM3h11
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
11:22AMManchester Oxford Road (MCO)
861One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Edinburgh to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 38m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €21, and a train costs an average of €40.

Distance: 282 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€69

Average price

€34

Average price

Cheapest

4h 8m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 15m

Average total duration

5h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

TransPennine Express

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Edinburgh to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Manchester trains for today, Friday, December 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 5:27 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
transpennine_expressC73804
On time
8:12 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
3h10
11:22 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0 transfersDirect
avanti_west_coastW02947+northern_railY25416
On time
8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
3h26
12:18 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV)
1 transfer
london_north_eastern_railwayC40890+transpennine_expressL36764
On time
9:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
4h09
1:09 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV)
1 transfer
cross_countryC75121+transpennine_expressL36764
On time
9:05 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
4h04
1:09 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV)
1 transfer
transpennine_expressL37269 · L37231
On time
9:08 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
4h10
1:18 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV)
1 transfer
scotrailY39319+assertis_busBus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central+avanti_west_coastL02262+northern_railL07234
On time
9:15 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
4h36
1:51 PM Deansgate (DGT)
3 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Manchester by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Fri
Dec 19
Sat
Dec 20
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Edinburgh to Manchester?

The best time to book your train from Edinburgh to Manchester is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Edinburgh to Manchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Edinburgh to Manchester per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Edinburgh to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Edinburgh to Manchester run on average 17 times per day, taking around 3h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €40 but you can travel from only €21 by bus.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 282 km distance in 3h 5m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €21
Distance
282 km
Average train duration
3h 38m
Cheapest ticket price
€40
Trains per day
17
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
3h 5m
First train
00:04
Last train
23:56
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €21

Train companies: TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, LNER, CrossCountry, Caledonian Sleeper, first_transpennine_express from Edinburgh to Manchester trainsTransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, LNER, CrossCountry, Caledonian Sleeper, first_transpennine_express trains will get you between Edinburgh and Manchester from €21. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

TransPennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 9m
Cheapest Price
€49
TransPennine Express frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 17m
Cheapest Price
€57
Avanti West Coast frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

LNER

About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 9m
Cheapest Price
€66
LNER frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 58m
Cheapest Price
€90
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Caledonian Sleeper

About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

first_transpennine_express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 3m
Cheapest Price
€86
first_transpennine_express frequency
6 a day

FAQs: Trains from Edinburgh to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Manchester by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Edinburgh to Manchester can start from as little as €27 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Edinburgh to Manchester is €51; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Edinburgh to Manchester train time is 3 h 8 min   covering the 281 km long journey, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Edinburgh to Manchester leaves at 00: 38. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Edinburgh to Manchester leaves at 23: 30.
Yes, there are 2 direct trains a day from Edinburgh to Manchester with TransPennine Express or first_transpennine_express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
Take the Edinburgh to Manchester train with TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, LNER, CrossCountry or first_transpennine_express. However, it's always good to check out all possible train providers for the route to Manchester from Edinburgh as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 30.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Edinburgh Waverley, which is located around 0.4 miles (727 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Manchester Piccadilly, located 0.5 miles (767 m) away from the city centre.

A trip to Manchester from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 8 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Edinburgh to Manchester is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Manchester including taking a train or coach.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Edinburgh to Manchester

Edinburgh
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Waverley. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Edinburgh Waverley for your trip from Edinburgh to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
  • Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free public Wi-Fi available.
Lockers
Lockers
  • You can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Wide range of shops Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: New Street: Long Stay
Dining
Dining
  • Bagel Factory
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Costa Coffee
  • JD Wetherspoon
  • The Pasty Shop
  • The Beer House
  • M&S
  • Pret a Manger
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Nearest Taxi Ranks are on Market St and Waverley Bridge outside the station.
  • Accessible taxis: Taxi ranks are located on Waverley Bridge and also Market Street. Market Street can be accessed step free via available lifts.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: At entrance to Public Toilets
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets,
Hotel
Hotel
  • Old Waverley Hotel
  • Jurys Inn Edinburgh
  • The Scotsman Hotel
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
  • Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Cycle storage can be found in the station: by the lift at Platform 2 (37 spaces) Platform 3 (68 Spaces) and adjacent to Platform 19 (86 Spaces). Additional cycle spaces are available in New Street car park (32 spaces).
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information booths are located on the concourse.
Public transit options for Edinburgh Waverley
  • Bus lines: 22, 30, 33, X22, X25, X37
  • Train lines: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, CrossCountry, LNER, ScotRail, Transpennine Express
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off on Waterloo Place, pick up across from Apex Hotel and drop off outside the Apex Hotel.
  • Metro: No metro available.
HaymarketWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 21:25 Saturday 06:30 - 21:25 Sunday 08:10 - 21:25
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: M&S Simply Food
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1, the Concourse and near the entrance from Haymarket Terrace.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Inside the station - one on platform 4 and one on platform 2 and 3
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing)
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Haymarket
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the layby in front of the station
SlatefordParkingDiningLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
  • Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing)
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transit options for Slateford
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stop on Slateford Road at Platform 2 stair exit
HomeTrainsTrain Times to ManchesterEdinburgh to Manchester train

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