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The cheapest and fastest buses from Edinburgh to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for Jul 07
Cheapest price
€48
Average price
€71
Fastest journey
14 h 5 m
Average duration
14 h 43 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
497 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff will cost around €71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €48.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
NX183 · NX100 · NX2028:45 AM16h05Edinburgh, Bus Station12:50 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens€481One-way2 transfers- NX183 · NX100 · NX2028:45 AM16h05Edinburgh, Bus Station12:50 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens€481One-way2 transfers
- NX183 · NX100 · NX21611:45 AM18h00Edinburgh, Bus Station5:45 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens€541One-way2 transfers
- NX180 · NX101 · NX2029:10 PM14h55Edinburgh, Bus Station12:05 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens€541One-way2 transfers
FlixBus · FlixBus11:05 AM14h40Edinburgh, Bus Station1:45 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)€651One-way1 transfer
- NX598 · NX50710:05 PM14h05Edinburgh, Bus Station12:10 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens€771One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus11:05 AM14h40Edinburgh, Bus Station1:45 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)€651One-way1 transfer
- NX180 · NX101 · NX2029:10 PM14h55Edinburgh, Bus Station12:05 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens€541One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus8:45 PM14h55Edinburgh, Bus Station11:40 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)€851One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus10:40 PM15h00Edinburgh, Bus Station1:40 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)€911One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Edinburgh to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €36. 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 €36, and a flight costs an average of €91.
Distance: 497 km
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€58 Average price Cheapest | €178 Average price | €179 Average price |
12h 43m Average total duration 12h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 7m Average total duration 6h 37m 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 |
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
Edinburgh to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cardiff buses for today, Monday, July 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:45 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 14h55 | 11:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| NX598 · NX507 | On time 10:05 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 14h05 | 12:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:40 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 15h00 | 1:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 15h45 | 3:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, July 7 | |||||
| NX183 · NX100 · NX202 | 8:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 16h05 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
| NX183 · NX100 · NX202 | 8:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 16h05 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 15h40 | 12:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| NX591 · NX509 | On time 10:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 16h40 | 3:15 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 14h40 | 1:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| NX183 · NX100 · NX216 | 11:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 18h00 | 5:45 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Cardiff by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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 Edinburgh to Cardiff buses with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus or Megabus offer buses services from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
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 or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
- 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Edinburgh to Cardiff run on average 9 times per day, taking around 12h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €36 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 14h 30m.
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 12h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price €36 |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 14h 30m |
First bus 1:40 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 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 from Edinburgh to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Cardiff with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for as low as €36. 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 30m
Cheapest Price
€36
FlixBus frequency
4 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
15h 10m
Cheapest Price
€45
National Express frequency
6 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
12h 5m
Cheapest Price
€35
Megabus frequency
1 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 Edinburgh to Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Edinburgh to Cardiff can start from as little as €36 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Edinburgh to Cardiff is €58; 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 Edinburgh to Cardiff is 14h 30m 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 Edinburgh to Cardiff leaves at 1:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff leaves at 11:40 PM.
There are 9 coaches a day from Edinburgh to Cardiff which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Cardiff from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 14h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Cardiff including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff:
- 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 Edinburgh to Cardiff for coach company National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff 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 Edinburgh to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff:
- 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 Edinburgh to Cardiff:
- 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 Edinburgh to Cardiff. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Edinburgh to Cardiff
Most Edinburgh to Cardiff buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Edinburgh
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff
Which Edinburgh station do buses to Cardiff leave from?
Buses from Edinburgh to Cardiff leave from Edinburgh, Bus Station. The station is from Edinburgh city centre at Elder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom.
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre
Bus10, 11 · 2m · €2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · €1 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · €4 · every ~38 min
Edinburgh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
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, Kingsway (Stop GB)
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 21, 136, 23 · 3m · €2 · every ~20 min
Most popular bus connections from Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cardiff and Edinburgh
Most popular bus connections to Cardiff
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