London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh bus with National Express

Thu, Apr 02
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The cheapest and fastest buses from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for Apr 02

Cheapest price

$103

Average price

$124

Fastest journey

11 h 50 m

Average duration

13 h 11 m

Buses per day

4

Distance

505 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh will cost around $124 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $103.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX737 · NX591
    07:00AM11h50
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    06:50PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    $1031One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX737 · NX598
    07:30PM12h10
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    07:40AMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    $1031One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX777 · NX183
    01:05AM16h10
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    05:15PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    $1251One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNXA8 · NX594
    06:45PM12h35
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    07:20AMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    $1671One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 17m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $44, and a train costs an average of $59.

Distance: 313 miles (505 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Flight
Train

$71

Average price

Cheapest

$88

Average price

$121

Average price

11h 56m

Average total duration

11h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 17m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 17m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

6h 5m

Average total duration

5h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

National Express

Most popular bus company

easyJet

Most popular airline

London North Eastern Railway

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:05AM
Arrival Time
05:15PM
Duration
16h10
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$113
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00AM
Arrival Time
06:50PM
Duration
11h50
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45PM
Arrival Time
07:20AM
Duration
12h35
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$107
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:50PM
Arrival Time
07:20AM
Duration
12h30
Departure days
Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$153
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:30PM
Arrival Time
07:40AM
Duration
12h10
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$86

Live departures

London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh bus times

The table below shows live departures for London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressNX777 · NX183
Delayed
8:50 AM 12:05 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
16h10
4:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX737 · NX5916:00 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
11h50
5:50 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer
national_expressNXA8 · NX594
On time
5:45 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
12h35
6:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight 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.

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Why should you book London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh run on average 4 times per day, taking around 11h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) by flight.

The earliest bus runs at 07:00, the last at 19:30. The fastest bus covers the 313 miles (505 km) distance in 11h 35m.

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
Flight from $24 (€19)
Distance
313 miles (505 km)
Average bus duration
11h 26m
Cheapest ticket price
$44 (€36)
Buses per day
4
Fastest bus
11h 35m
First bus
07:00
Last bus
19:30
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
Flight from $24 (€19)

Bus providers: National Express from London Stansted Airport to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh with National Express for as low as $24 (€19). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 35m
Cheapest Price
$44 (€36)
National Express frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

FAQs: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh can start from as little as $44 (€36) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh is $71 (€58) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh is 11h 35m to travel the 313 miles (505 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh leaves at 7:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh leaves at 7:30 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between London Stansted Airport and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Edinburgh from London Stansted Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Edinburgh including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Edinburgh are:
  • Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and housing the Crown Jewels
  • Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano providing hiking trails and a vantage point over Edinburgh
  • The Royal Mile, a historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, lined with shops and landmarks
  • Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, featuring beautiful gardens and historic architecture
  • The National Museum of Scotland, a museum showcasing Scottish history, culture, and natural history through diverse exhibits.
The best things to do in Edinburgh include:
  • Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket, a historic marketplace with pubs, shops, and street performances
  • Enjoy a ghost tour through the haunted streets and underground vaults of Edinburgh
  • Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, known for its diverse range of shows
  • Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, offering beautiful landscapes and plant collections
  • Discover the hidden gems and local art at the Stockbridge Market.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh depends on the bus companies:
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither London Stansted Airport nor Edinburgh are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Edinburgh, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Royal Mile and public transport. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers who don’t use the meter. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers near popular attractions to prevent fraud.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from London Stansted Airport to Edinburgh

London
Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Bus StationWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-23:00
carConnection
Car connection
Elder Street
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café at the Station (in the station)
  • Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for Edinburgh, Bus Station
  • Bus: 10, 11, 12, 16, 22, 25, 26, 44 Trams: T50 Trains: Edinburgh Waverley Station
Ingliston, Airport (Stance C)
information
carConnection
Car connection
Eastfield Road
Public transit options for Ingliston, Airport (Stance C)
  • Bus: 100, 200
Edinburgh, St Andrew's HouseAccessibility
Amenities at bus station
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
HomeBusesBuses in United KingdomBus tickets to EdinburghLondon Stansted Airport to Edinburgh bus

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