The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Edinburgh
Cheapest price
€49
Average price
€57
Fastest journey
13 h 55 m
Average duration
14 h 18 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
497 km
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 €57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €49.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
NX509 · NX594
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX509 · NX591
NX509 · NX598
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX509 · NX594
NX509 · NX598
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusTravel 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 |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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, Sunday, November 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX509 · NX591 | Delayed 2:53 PM 3:20 AMCardiff, University | 15h35 | 6:55 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 14h25 | 9:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 14h10 | 6:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX509 · NX594 | On time 4:55 PM Cardiff, University | 13h55 | 6:50 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 15h00 | 8:15 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX216 · NX100 · NX183 | On time 10:15 PM Cardiff, University | 19h05 | 5:20 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
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.
Nov 16
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Edinburgh
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.
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 |
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
National Express
Megabus
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.

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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Edinburgh
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Sandwich Shop (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 10, 11, 12, 16, 22, 25, 26, 44 Trams: T50 Trains: Edinburgh Waverley Station
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh
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