Cardiff to Edinburgh bus with National Express

Sun, Aug 16
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Megabus
Cardiff Bus
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for Aug 16

Cheapest price

€103

Average price

€123

Fastest journey

13 h 5 m

Average duration

13 h 52 m

Buses per day

9

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 €123 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 Cardiff to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX509 · NX594
    4:45 PM14h35
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    7:20 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    €1031One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    1:40 AM15h55
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    5:35 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    €1081One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    4:15 PM14h10
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    6:25 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    €1141One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    6:05 AM14h45
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    8:50 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    €1151One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    5:25 PM14h20
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    7:45 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    €1191One-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 €32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. 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 €32, and a flight costs an average of €92.

Distance: 497 km

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight

€54

Average price

Cheapest

€158

Average price

€202

Average price

13h 48m

Average total duration

13h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 1m

Average total duration

6h 31m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 20m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 20m

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

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Loganair

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, Saturday, August 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
14h10
6:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX509 · NX5944:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
14h35
7:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus5:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
14h20
7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
13h35
8:15 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
13h05
7:45 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus1:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
15h55
5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX509 · NX5913:15 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
15h20
6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:05 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
14h45
8:50 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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Why should you book Cardiff to Edinburgh buses with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus, Megabus, Cardiff Bus and more offer buses services from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, Megabus or Cardiff Bus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
  • 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, Megabus or Cardiff Bus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Edinburgh.

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 7 times per day, taking around 13h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €32 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 01:40, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 497 km distance in 12h 5m.

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
€32
Buses per day
7
Fastest bus
12h 5m
First bus
1:40 AM
Last bus
11:40 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
21 days
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, Cardiff Bus from Cardiff to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Edinburgh with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Cardiff Bus for as low as €32. 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 5m
Cheapest Price
€32
FlixBus frequency
1 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.
Learn more about FlixBus

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
12h 5m
Cheapest Price
€40
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.
Learn more about National Express

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.

Cardiff Bus

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 27m
Cheapest Price
€84
Cardiff Bus frequency
1 a day

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
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh can start from as little as €32 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Edinburgh is €54; 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 coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh is 12h 5m to travel the 497 km long trip. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh leaves at 1:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh leaves at 11:40 PM.
There are 7 coaches a day from Cardiff to Edinburgh which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Cardiff Bus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Cardiff Bus for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Cardiff , you have various coach station options to start your trip from including Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, University, Newport, Queensway, Cardiff, Millennium Stadium, Weston-super-Mare, Regent St (Interchange), Weston-super-Mare, Diamond Batch Car Park Stop (Worle Station), Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent) . When arriving in Edinburgh , you can end your trip in coach stations like Edinburgh, Bus Station .Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Edinburgh from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 12h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cardiff and Edinburgh including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh for coach company National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Edinburgh depends on the coach companies:
  • Megabus
    • 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.
  • 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.
  • FlixBus
    • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Edinburgh:
  • Megabus
    • 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).
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Edinburgh:
  • Megabus
    • 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.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Edinburgh

Most Cardiff to Edinburgh buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Edinburgh

Which Cardiff station do buses to Edinburgh leave from?

Buses from Cardiff to Edinburgh leave from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. The station is 1 km from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK.
Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre

Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · €2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cardiff, Sophia Gardens bus station facilities and services

Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre

TRUE

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) bus station facilities and services

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.

Cardiff, University
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · €1 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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Tickets and more information for coaches to Edinburgh

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