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Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train
It takes an average of 3h 16m to travel from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train, over a distance of around 175 miles (281 km). There are normally 24 trains per day traveling from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley) and tickets for this journey start from $25.98 when you book in advance.
| First train | 5:22 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 8:25 pm | |
| Departure station | Manchester | |
| Arrival station | Edinburgh (Waverley) | |
| Journey time | From 3h 8m | |
| Distance | 175 miles (281 km) | |
| Frequency | 24 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $25.98 | |
| Train operators |
Traveling from Manchester to Edinburgh by train in less than 3 hours
Considering a trip to the Scottish capital and need more information about the journey by train from Manchester to Edinburgh? Look no further!
Generally, the journey from Manchester to Edinburgh takes around 3 hours and 9 minutes but can take just 2 hours and 56 minutes on the quickest services. As there are around 29 direct trains running on this route each day, you don’t need to worry about making any changes along the way.
On this route, you’ll board a TransPennine Express train at Manchester Piccadilly station. Once you’ve found your seat, you can start to take advantage of the onboard amenities, including comfortable seating, generous luggage allowance and free WiFi on most services. If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to TransPennine Express First Class and enjoy reclining seats, more legroom, power sockets and complimentary food and drink. In less than 3 hours, you’ll hop over the border and arrive at Edinburgh Waverley station.
Once you’ve exited the station, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Scottish capital. From here, you’re within walking distance of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland. If you want to explore more of Edinburgh, check out our guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh, as well as how to take the train from Edinburgh to the Highlands. You can even get the train to the castle from the TV show The Traitors from Edinburgh!
Looking to book cheap train tickets? Try traveling during Off-Peak times, because tickets are usually cheaper outside of morning/evening rush hours between Monday and Friday. To save even more, keep your eyes peeled for Advance tickets – they are normally released 12 weeks prior to the day of travel and tend to be cheaper than purchasing tickets on the departure date.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Manchester to Edinburgh! There’s no need to wait, just head to our Journey Planner at the top of the page. For more information, keep reading for train timetables where you can view first and last train times, as well as FAQs and tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
FAQs about the train journey from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley)
Want to know more about your journey from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley)? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there any direct trains from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
How far is the train ride from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
What is the best way to travel to Edinburgh (Waverley) from Manchester?
What time does the first train run from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
How late does the train from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley) run?
How many trains go from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley) per day?
When do tickets from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley) go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley)
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley) is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.