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Outbound fromManchester 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 travelling from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley) and tickets for this journey start from £19.30 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:25 | |
| 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 £19.30 | |
| Train operators |
Travelling from Manchester to Edinburgh by train
Planning to take the train from Manchester to Edinburgh? You’ve come to the right place!
The train from Manchester to Edinburgh usually takes around 3h 9m but can take just 2h 56m on the fastest services, with around 24 trains running on this popular route every day. You won’t need to worry about making any changes along the way either as direct trains are available.
TransPennine Express is the main train operator on this route. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the amenities available on board, including comfortable seating and free WiFi in Standard Class. If you want to treat yourself to First Class, you’ll also enjoy reclining seats and complimentary snacks and drinks on certain services. If your journey requires a change along the way, usually in York or Preston, you’re likely to be travelling on either a CrossCountry or Northern service.
Once your train arrives in Edinburgh, you can take in some of the iconic landmarks, such as Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, or Arthur’s Seat – which is the ideal location for sightseeing.
Hoping to snap up cheap train tickets from Manchester to Edinburgh? Travelling Off-Peak and booking in advance are some of our top tips for saving money. Also, if you have a Railcard, you’ll enjoy up to 1/3 off eligible train fares for a whole year. Ready to book your train journey to Edinburgh from Manchester? Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to start your journey today. Find out more information about how to buy cheap train tickets to Edinburgh.
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.