Travel from Manchester to Scotland

Getting to Scotland is easier than you may think. From Manchester, you can hop on a train, enjoy a scenic bus or coach journey, or venture north by car and arrive across the border into Scotland in a matter of hours.

The Forth Bridge viewed from Whitehouse Bay Beach at sunset
© Kenny Lam

By train

Edinburgh Waverley Station with Edinburgh Castle in the background

Manchester to Edinburgh

There are a variety of train routes and rail operators that travel multiple times a day from Manchester to Edinburgh. The journey takes an average of 3 hours 20 minutes and can go via the east or west coasts of England.

Manchester to Glasgow

Trains also run multiple times a day from Manchester to Glasgow. The journey takes an average of 3 hours 25 minutes and travels via the west coast of England, passing Dumfries, Carluke and Motherwell.

Onward rail travel

Once you’ve arrived in Edinburgh or Glasgow, there are plenty of other rail connections that can take you all across Scotland. From Inverness and Thurso, to Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth and more.

Find out more about rail travel in Scotland

By bus and coach

Citylink bus on Princes Street with Edinburgh Castle in the background
© Citylink

Manchester to Edinburgh

Hop on board a bus or coach and journey north from Manchester to Edinburgh. The journey takes an average of 6 hours 15 minutes, but it means you can sit back, relax and take in the changing landscapes around you.

Manchester to Glasgow

Similarly, you can travel from Manchester to Glasgow in an average of 3 hours 55 minutes by bus or coach. Travelling by bus or coach is often a more eco and budget-friendly way of travelling, and although it can take slightly longer, it’s a great way to slow down your travels and make the most of enjoying the scenery around you.

Onward bus travel

There are bus and coach operators across Scotland that can take you to all the nooks, crannies and scenic spots that are on your bucket list.

Find out more about bus and coach travel in Scotland

By car

De Solway Firth, Dumfries & Galloway
© VisitScotland / Cutmedia

From Manchester to Glasgow by car, it takes roughly 4 hours, and to Edinburgh it takes roughly 4 hours 15 minutes.

If you’re heading to Glasgow, travel via the M6 and A74 (M), heading towards Carlisle then passing the towns Lockerbie and Moffat, before reaching East Kilbride and into Glasgow.

If you’re travelling to Edinburgh, head via the M6, A74 (M) and A702, passing through Carlisle, Lockerbie and Moffat before heading east through West Linton and Carlops and into the south side of Edinburgh.

Onward car travel

Scotland’s road networks connect all of our beautiful towns, villages and cities together so you can explore until your heart’s content. There are a variety of car hire options available too, including electric cars with charging points dotted across Scotland.

Find out more about driving in Scotland

Useful information

Castlebay electric car charging point on the Isle of Barra

Travelling in Scotland

If you’re travelling around Scotland, make sure to plan ahead. Booking tickets or car hire in advance is recommended - see below for route planning and live traffic updates.