Cardiff to Edinburgh bus with National Express

Fri, Dec 26
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National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for Jan 02

Cheapest price

€61

Average price

€73

Fastest journey

13 h 35 m

Average duration

14 h 11 m

Buses per day

8

Distance

497 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Edinburgh will cost around €73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €61.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.

National ExpressNX509 · NX591
03:15AM15h40
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
06:55PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
611One-way
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
07:10AM14h25
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
09:35PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
631One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX509 · NX594
04:45PM14h35
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
07:20AMEdinburgh, Bus Station
681One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX216 · NX100 · NX183
10:10PM19h10
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
05:20PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
691One-way
2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
05:15PM15h00
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
08:15AMEdinburgh, Bus Station
741One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Cardiff to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €37, and a train costs an average of €87.

Distance: 497 km

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight

€58

Average price

Cheapest

€215

Average price

€190

Average price

13h 48m

Average total duration

13h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 55m

Average total duration

6h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 19m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 19m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

Azul

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cardiff to Edinburgh bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Edinburgh buses for today, Thursday, January 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 8:29 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express4:10 PM Cardiff
14h55
7:05 AM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect
national_express4:20 PM Cardiff
14h45
7:05 AM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect
national_express9:10 PM Cardiff
19h10
4:20 PM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect
Friday, January 2
national_expressNX509 · NX5913:15 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
15h40
6:55 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer
national_expressNX202 · NX101 · NX1836:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
13h35
8:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station2 transfers
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus7:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
14h25
9:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Edinburgh by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 13h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €37 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 02:45, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 497 km distance in 11h 50m.

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
Distance
497 km
Average bus duration
13h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
€37
Buses per day
6
Fastest bus
11h 50m
First bus
02:45
Last bus
23:40
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

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus from Cardiff to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Edinburgh with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for as low as €37. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 10m
Cheapest Price
€43
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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 50m
Cheapest Price
€37
National Express frequency
4 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.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 45m
Cheapest Price
€28
Megabus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to Edinburgh

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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
The first coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh leaves at 16: 10. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh leaves at 20: 50.
For the best Cardiff to Edinburgh coach to purchase, you can travel safely and comfortably with National Express, Megabus or FlixBus. However, it's always good to check all possible coach companies with services to Edinburgh from Cardiff to compare what amenities they may offer.

When departing from Cardiff, you have various coach station options to start your trip from including Cardiff, University, Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) and Cardiff, Millennium Stadium. When arriving in Edinburgh, you can end your journey in coach stations like Edinburgh, Bus Station, Edinburgh, Barnton Junction and Edinburgh, North Bridge.

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, University, which is located around 1.1 miles (1.8 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0.4 miles (687 m) away from the city centre.

The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel to Edinburgh from Cardiff including taking a coach or flight.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Edinburgh

Cardiff
Edinburgh
The major bus station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens for your trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
information
Cardiff, University
information
HomeBusesBus tickets to EdinburghCardiff to Edinburgh bus

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