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TransPennine Express
Avanti West Coast

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Low prices found by our customers
Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

Trains to Edinburgh (Waverley) from Manchester

It takes an average of 3h 18m to travel from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train, over a distance of around 175 miles (281 km). There are normally 35 trains per day travelling from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley) and tickets for this journey start from £22.70 when you book in advance.

First train

05:21

Last train

20:25

Departure stationManchester
Arrival stationEdinburgh (Waverley)
Journey time

From 3h 8m

Distance

175 miles (281 km)

Frequency

35 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £22.70

Train operators

TransPennine Express

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.

What do people frequently ask 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.

How do you travel to Edinburgh (Waverley) from Manchester?

To get to Edinburgh (Waverley) from Manchester, why not take the train? With 35 trains per day and an average journey time of 3 hours and 18 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. You can also catch the bus from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley). See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train?

On average, it takes around 3 hours and 18 minutes to travel from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train, although you can get there in 3 hours and 8 minutes on the fastest services. With 35 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How much is the train ticket from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley)?

The price of a train ticket from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley) can start from as little as £22.70, depending on the time of day, route and class you book. Train tickets may also be cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day.

How fast can trains travel from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley)?

The fastest time a train can travel the 175 miles (281 km) from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley) is 3 hours and 8 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley)?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Book in advance

Train tickets from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley) start at £22.70§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

3. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

4. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

5. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

6. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley) is right for you.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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