Your driver will meet you at your address in Edinburgh.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 4 h 10 min.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Manchester.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
349 km4 h 10 min
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Edinburgh to Manchester
What is the cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Manchester?
The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Manchester is by bus or coach. Various companies offer budget-friendly fares, as low as $21 (£17) making it an economical option. Although the journey takes around five hours, it’s a cost-effective choice for those looking to save money.
How far from Edinburgh to Manchester?
There is approximately a 215-mile (347 km) distance between Edinburgh and Manchester. Depending on traffic, a car drive usually takes four to five hours, while a train ride usually takes just over three hours.
Can you fly from Edinburgh to Manchester?
There are no direct flights from Edinburgh to Manchester. Layovers are required, usually in Belfast or Birmingham. Alternatively, you could get to Aberdeen, Scotland, and catch a direct flight to Manchester Airport (MAN) from there. Train or road travel is more straightforward and time-efficient.
How to get to Edinburgh from Manchester?
To get from Edinburgh to Manchester, you can catch a train, bus, or flight. If you would like a flexible approach, you can opt to drive or use a car service like Daytrip. This way, you can make detours and travel at your leisure without being constrained by timetables or potential hold-ups.
How much does it cost to take the train from Edinburgh to Manchester?
Depending on when you go and the kind of service you select, a train ticket from Edinburgh to Manchester can cost anywhere from $31 to $120 (£25 to £95). Although first-class and last-minute tickets are more expensive, buying tickets early can save money.
How long is the train from Edinburgh to Manchester?
The direct train from Edinburgh to Manchester typically takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes. If your route includes a change at Preston, the total travel time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,600+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
Imagine yourself traveling from the enchanting Scottish capital, Edinburgh, to the energetic Manchester, where every mile offers an adventure. Start by winding through the Scottish Lowlands before leaving behind the rolling hills dotted with landmarks and entering the heart of England.
With Daytrip's optional sightseeing, you could stop at Carlisle, a city steeped in Roman history, or stroll about the beautiful Lowther Castle with its stunning gardens and grand buildings along the road.
Daytrip lets your transfer become a unique experience catered just for you. Our private car transfers provide a personal touch and are convenient and comfortable. Enjoy the independence to see the sights at your own leisure with the help of your professional driver and arrive in Manchester as quickly as 4 hours and 10 minutes. This way you can take a one-of-a-kind car trip from Edinburgh to Manchester, making every one of the 215 miles (347 km) memorable.
About Manchester
Nestled in the heart of Northern England and known as the world's first industrial city, Manchester transformed from a small market town into a significant industrial power in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its rapid growth was fueled by the textile industry, which gave rise to the first modern factory—the cotton mill.
As a leader in industrialization, Manchester was also an epicenter for political events, such as the Peterloo Massacre, which fought for worker rights. Modern Britain benefits from its political history, which has become a melting pot of progressive ideas and movements.
Manchester is also a cultural hotspot; music flows through its veins, producing legendary bands like The Smiths, Oasis, and Joy Division. This city is home to cultural institutions such as the Manchester Art Gallery and The Lowry. Sport is a cornerstone of the city's identity, with dedicated fan bases for soccer clubs such as Manchester City and Manchester United. Students from all across the world flock to the city's universities, therefore adding to its active, youthful culture.
Manchester's energetic center is home to a wide range of establishments from restaurants to pubs, stores to galleries, and museums to hotels. This lively urban playground assures you won't be let down, whatever your interests—history, culture, or just having fun.
From Edinburgh to Manchester: travel tips
These tips will enable you to maximize your experiences during your Edinburgh to Manchester transfer. They cover everything from scheduling picturesque breaks to preparing for the typically erratic British weather to picking off-peak travel hours.
Make some scenic stops
Plan picturesque breaks on road trips to maximize enjoyment. Edinburgh to Manchester attractions include Sizergh Castle, with its beautiful grounds and old buildings, and Levens Hall, with its topiary gardens and serene setting. These stops break up the route and offer adventure. Every place gives a unique view into England's rich historical and natural beauty, enhancing your trip.
### Prepare for weather surprises
The unpredictable nature of British weather means that you should prepare for unexpected changes. One minute, the sun can be bright and clear; the next, you might be trapped in an unexpected downpour. To be comfortable, whatever the weather throws at you, pack a small umbrella, a raincoat, and some additional layers.
### Travel off-peak
If your schedule allows, try traveling outside of peak times. Trains and buses are usually less busy and offer less expensive rates. Steering clear of rush hours (usually between 5:00-7:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM) can help make your travel more affordable and enjoyable.
How to get from Edinburgh to Manchester
Choices, choices. You've got a full English breakfast of options to travel from Edinburgh to Manchester. Whether you're craving the scenic route, the fastest way, or the most budget-friendly option, there’s something for everyone. Let’s break down your choices:
Train from Edinburgh to Manchester
If you fancy the scenic route, hop on a train. It winds its way through Scottish and English landscapes, keeping you glued to the window. Trains run direct from Edinburgh to Manchester, taking around 3 hours and 10 minutes, or with one change in Preston, taking around 3 hours and 30 minutes. Be aware that there are often delays with British rail services, and consider rail strikes. Strikes may delay or cancel travel. Before leaving, check train operator updates and stay updated with service notifications.
Price: range from $31 to $120 (£25 to £95) depending on travel time and service class
Duration: 3 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes
### Bus from Edinburgh to Manchester
Buses and coaches offer cheap fares and decent comfort. However, as it’s a more affordable option, the trip can take longer. Companies like Megabus and National Express offer regular services. The quickest option will take around 5 hours and 10 minutes, with the earliest bus leaving Edinburgh at 7 a.m. and the latest at 9 p.m. Fares start from $21.
Price: fares start from $21 (£17)
Duration: 5 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 55 minutes
### Flight from Edinburgh to Manchester
Flying may seem like the fastest choice, but there are no direct flights from Edinburgh to Manchester. Flights from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) usually need a change at airports in Belfast or Birmingham, or you need to go to Aberdeen, Scotland, and fly from there. This can turn what might initially appear to be a swift journey into a more lengthy and complicated one. Given these factors, driving or taking the train is easier and faster than several transfers and layovers.
Price: starting from approximately $42 (£34)
Duration: 5 to 6 hours, depending on transfers
### Private car transfer from Edinburgh to Manchester
For a truly stress-free and comfortable journey, consider a private car transfer from Edinburgh to Manchester. With Daytrip, your driver will handle all the logistics, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Why not take the opportunity to visit some sites along the way, such as the historically significant Lancaster Castle or the architecturally impressive Blackburn Cathedral? Enjoy a leisurely, personalized journey at your own pace and savor every moment of your travel.
Price: from $148 (£116) per seat
Duration: door-to-door in 4 hours and 10 minutes
### Hire a car from Edinburgh to Manchester
One convenient and versatile option is to hire a car and drive from Edinburgh to Manchester. It gives you complete control over your trip to Manchester, and, if you plan on exploring the surrounding area, say, the nearby Peak District, having a rental gives you the freedom to do so. Just don’t forget to figure out parking in advance!
Price: prices start from around $100 (£80) a day, with added costs for fuel
Duration: approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes
Things to do when you get to Manchester
From its industrial roots to its modern-day marvels, Manchester has an array of things to do to suit any traveler. Here are three things you can do to make the most of your visit:
Visit the Manchester Science and Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum in Manchester is a great place to learn about the city's industrial history. Walk through the halls where steam engines roar and marvel at the advancements in technology that shaped the modern world. Amidst the hum of machines, you will see examples of human innovation at work, from one of the first computers to state-of-the-art scientific breakthroughs.
### Explore the Northern Quarter
Head on over to the Northern Quarter if you thrive in the heart of a lively city. There is a wide variety of restaurants and pubs in the area, as well as attractive boutiques and street art. Envision yourself strolling through neighborhoods where murals and graffiti decorate every corner. Stop by a café where the ambiance is filled with the aroma of freshly made coffee and the sound of friendly chatter. Browse shops selling anything from clothing to unique, handcrafted items.
For a taste of Manchester's musical heritage, visit some of the independent record shops and Band on the Wall, where legendary bands have performed. Music here isn't just background noise—it's the soul of the city. If you want to feel genuine Northern hospitality, you should visit the Northern Quarter.
### Relax in Heaton Park
In search of an escape from the fast-paced city environment? For a little bit of nature head to Heaton Park. Covering over 600 acres, it is one of Europe's biggest public parks. Wander through well-kept gardens, relax on a boat trip over the calm lake, or find a quiet spot to read a good book. Music festivals and outdoor performances are only two of the many activities that take place in the park. Come here to reconnect with nature as you unwind and relax.
When is the best time to visit Manchester
Manchester's lively culture and rich history make it a year-round attraction. Spring and fall, with pleasant weather and fewer visitors, make the city appealing. Summer brings warm weather and is great for festivals and park picnics. Manchester is a winter paradise with Christmas markets and lights.
Manchester in spring (March to May)
Spring breathes new life into Manchester. Once the weather warms up, the gardens and parks of the city begin to blossom. Perfect for taking in the city's green parks and other outdoor activities.
Weather: mild with occasional showers
Events: St. Patrick’s Day, various music festivals
Average temperatures: highs of 55°F (13°C), lows of 41°F (5°C)
### Manchester in summer (June to August)
Summer is festival season in Manchester. Long days filled with outdoor concerts, festivals, food, and athletic activities make the city buzz. The lively nightlife, pub gardens, and outdoor dining are at their best during this season.
Weather: warm and occasionally sunny
Events: Manchester Day Parade, Parklife Festival, Manchester International Festival (biennial)
Average temperatures: highs of 68°F (20°C), lows of 54°F (12°C)
### Manchester in autumn (September to November)
Autumn brings a colorful transformation to Manchester. The city's parks display stunning autumn leaves, and the temperature is cool, making it the perfect time to see the historical and cultural landmarks.
Weather: cool with a mix of sunny and rainy days
Events: Manchester Literature Festival, Halloween celebrations
Average temperatures: highs of 59°F (15°C), lows of 45°F (7°C)
### Manchester in winter (December to February)
Christmas markets and twinkling lights make Manchester a magical place to visit in the winter. Indoor attractions and Christmas festivities are perfect throughout this season despite the chilly weather.
Weather: cold with possible frost and occasional snow
Events: Christmas markets, New Year celebrations, Chinese New Year Festival
Average temperatures: highs of 45°F (7°C), lows of 36°F (2°C)
Visit these sights on the way
Carlisle
Just shy of the Scottish border, Carlisle’s imposing medieval castle and impressive cathedral are testaments to its rich heritage. The Great Border City
Lowther Castle
This stunning country manor, which once hosted the Kings of Portugal and Italy, has been returned to life as a unique garden. The Garden Kingdom
Sizergh Castle
This historic manor is filled with beautiful Elizabethan woodwork and surrounded by the National Trust’s largest rock garden. Rockin' Inlays
Levens Hall
The tremendous topiary garden surrounding this stunning Elizabethan manor is the oldest in the world. Tip-Top Topiaries
Lancaster Castle
As the longest operating prison in Europe, this imposing medieval castle is filled with tales of persecution and punishment. The Trials of History
Blackburn Cathedral
One of England’s newest cathedrals stand on the site of one of its oldest places of worship. A Stupendous Successor
“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”
“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Daydream20046758137
“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”
“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”
“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”
“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”
“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”
“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”
“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”
“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Omar
Good to know
Children
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
