4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Edinburgh
Cheapest price
€79
Average price
€259
Fastest journey
6 h 5 m
Average duration
6 h 22 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
497 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 €259 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €79.
Of the 18 trains that leave Cardiff for Edinburgh on Thu, Jul 02, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 02 the direct trains cover the 497 km distance in an average of 6 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 5 m .
On Thu, Jul 02 the slowest trains will take 6 h 27 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
W34144+
Y627305:48 AM6h32Cardiff Central (CDF)12:20 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)€791One-way1 transfer- W34291+Y634724:16 PM6h05Cardiff Central (CDF)10:21 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)€991One-way1 transfer
G010679:45 AM7h24Cardiff Central (CDF)5:09 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)€1121One-way0 transfers- W34144+
W35161+G669875:53 AM6h27Cardiff Central (CDF)12:20 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)€1861One-way2 transfers - G38947+W339417:53 AM6h26Cardiff Central (CDF)2:19 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)€2581One-way1 transfer
- W34291+Y634724:16 PM6h05Cardiff Central (CDF)10:21 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)€991One-way1 transfer
- G38950+W342869:53 AM6h25Cardiff Central (CDF)4:18 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)€2961One-way1 transfer
- G38947+W339417:53 AM6h26Cardiff Central (CDF)2:19 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)€2581One-way1 transfer
- G38953+W3429011:53 AM6h27Cardiff Central (CDF)6:20 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)€2961One-way1 transfer
- W34144+W35161+G669875:53 AM6h27Cardiff Central (CDF)12:20 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)€1861One-way2 transfers
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 train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€158 Average price | €54 Average price Cheapest | €202 Average price |
7h 1m Average total duration 6h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 48m Average total duration 13h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus 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 train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G38943+W34046+ W85168 | 4:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h17 | 11:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
| W34144+Y62730 | 5:48 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h32 | 12:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
| W34144+G66987+W35161 | 5:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h27 | 12:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
| G38945+C01369+W85177 | 6:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h46 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
| C01369+W85177+G01060+W35166 | 6:51 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h41 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 transfers | |
| W33941+G38947 | 7:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h26 | 2:19 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
| W33935+W85182+G38967 | 8:55 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h41 | 3:36 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
| G01067 | 9:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h24 | 5:09 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38950+W34286 | 9:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h25 | 4:18 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
| G38975+C01372+W85191 | 10:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h47 | 5:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
| W34290+G38953 | 11:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h27 | 6:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
| W34292+W85201+G38983 | 12:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h45 | 7:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
| G38955+W34289 | 1:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h31 | 8:24 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
| G38991+W34287+W85208 | 2:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h48 | 9:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
| G01082+W34287+W85208+G15048 | 2:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h44 | 9:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 transfers | |
| Y63472+W34291 | 4:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h05 | 10:21 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
| G00723+W34288+W85210+W35196 | 4:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h51 | 11:41 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 transfers | |
| G38999+W34288+W85210 | 4:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h46 | 11:41 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train 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 trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express or Cross Country 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 CrossCountry 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 Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express or Cross Country 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.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €41 but you can travel from only €32 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 18:52. The fastest train covers the 497 km distance in 6h 25m.
Distance 497 km |
Average train duration 6h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price €41 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 6h 25m |
First train 4:00 AM |
Last train 6:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 70 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express, Cross Country from Cardiff to Edinburgh trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express, Cross Country trains will get you between Cardiff and Edinburgh from €32. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Transpennine Express
Cross Country
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Edinburgh by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Edinburgh
Most Cardiff to Edinburgh trains use the Cardiff Central to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Ninian Park from Cardiff city centre
Ninian Park is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Ninian Park train station facilities and services
Ninian Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ninian Park.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ninian Park: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Ninian Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ninian Park: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh Waverley train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Getting to Haymarket from Edinburgh city centre
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket train station facilities and services
Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Edinburgh Park from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Park train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Edinburgh and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Edinburgh
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