Dublin to Edinburgh by train
Train service is not regularly available on this corridor.
Consider flying instead, which connects Dublin and Edinburgh via international airports.
How to travel from Dublin to Edinburgh
There are 2 ways to travel between Dublin and Edinburgh — compare duration, price and operators below.
🚄Train
Not practical for this route.
🚌Bus
€18–45Duration: 5h
via FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, National Express
~10 kg CO2 per passenger
✈️Flight
Not practical for this route.
🚗Car
€42–77Duration: 3h 54m
~60 kg CO2 per passenger
Where they are on the map
Travel tips for this route
- At 350 km this is a comfortable weekend trip — train or flight both work.
- This route crosses from Ireland into United Kingdom. Check passport/ID requirements with your operator before booking.
- Long-distance coaches (FlixBus and similar) are typically 30–50% cheaper than train, but 2–3× slower.
Dublin to Edinburgh — every option in detail
Dublin to Edinburgh by bus
Long-distance coaches connect Dublin and Edinburgh with a typical journey of 5h. Buses are usually the slowest mode for this corridor but consistently the cheapest.
Operators include FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, National Express.
Fares start from around €18 when booked in advance, rising to €45 for last-minute travel.
Most modern coaches offer Wi-Fi, USB charging and reclining seats. Overnight services exist on longer corridors and can save a hotel night.
Dublin to Edinburgh by flight
Flight is not a typical choice for this 350 km route.
Dublin to Edinburgh by car
The driving distance from Dublin to Edinburgh is approximately 403 km. At motorway speeds, plan on around 3h 54m of driving plus stops.
Fuel-only running cost is in the €42–77 range for a typical car. Toll roads may apply, especially in France, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland — budget extra accordingly.
Crossing the Ireland–United Kingdom border by car is straightforward within the Schengen Area; check current rules with the operator or border authority if either country is outside it.
Climate footprint: approximately 60 kg CO₂ per passenger assuming 1.5 occupants per car.
About this route
The distance between Dublin and Edinburgh is approximately 350 kilometres. Long-distance coaches offer a budget-friendly alternative on this route. Estimates below reflect typical operator schedules and fare ranges; book in advance for the best prices.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to travel from Dublin to Edinburgh?+
The fastest way is by car, taking around 3h 54m on average. Slower options (such as bus or car) can take 2–3× longer depending on the route.
What is the cheapest way to get from Dublin to Edinburgh?+
Bus is typically the cheapest option, with fares starting around €18. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead usually gives the best prices.
How far is Dublin from Edinburgh?+
The straight-line distance is approximately 350 kilometres (217 miles). The actual travel distance by road or rail is usually 10–25% longer.
Is there a bus from Dublin to Edinburgh?+
Yes. Long-distance coach operators run this route with fares from around €18. Journey time is approximately 5h.
Trips from Dublin
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