4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff
Cheapest price
€77
Average price
€276
Fastest journey
5 h 52 m
Average duration
5 h 58 m
Trains per day
14
Distance
497 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 €276 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €77.
Of the 14 trains that leave Edinburgh for Cardiff on Mon, Jul 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 06 the direct trains cover the 497 km distance in an average of 5 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 52 m .
On Mon, Jul 06 the slowest trains will take 6 h 10 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.
W34268+
W448384:52 PM6h10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)11:02 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€771One-way1 transfer
G01166 · G011273:04 PM7h31Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)10:35 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€1261One-way1 transfer- W00587+G388902:52 PM6h02Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)8:54 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€1481One-way1 transfer
- G01148 · G011139:05 AM7h20Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)4:25 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€1891One-way1 transfer
- G011611:05 PM7h01Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)8:06 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€2971One-way0 transfers
- W34265+G388736:52 AM5h52Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)12:44 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€3191One-way1 transfer
- W34124+G3888512:52 PM5h54Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)6:46 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€2971One-way1 transfer
- W34060+G3888010:52 AM5h54Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)4:46 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€2971One-way1 transfer
- W00587+G388902:52 PM6h02Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)8:54 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€1481One-way1 transfer
- W34268+W448384:52 PM6h10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)11:02 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€771One-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 train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€178 Average price | €58 Average price Cheapest | €179 Average price |
7h 7m Average total duration 6h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 43m Average total duration 12h 13m 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
Edinburgh to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Monday, July 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W29862+ C01968+ W35417 | 5:50 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h46 | 1:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| W34265+G38873 | 6:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h52 | 12:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W29868 · G01107 | 7:03 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h22 | 2:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W29873 · G01109 | 8:08 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h17 | 3:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01148 · G01113 | 9:05 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h20 | 4:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W34060+G38880 | 10:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h54 | 4:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01153 · G01118 | 11:04 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h25 | 6:29 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W34124+G38885 | 12:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h54 | 6:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01161 | 1:05 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h01 | 8:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G01188 · W29908+G80073+G14944 | 2:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h37 | 8:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
| W00587+G38890 | 2:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h02 | 8:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01166 · G01127 | 3:04 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h31 | 10:35 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W34268+W44838 | 4:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h10 | 11:02 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01170+G39647 | 5:04 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h38 | 12:42 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Cardiff by train, bus, or flight
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Why should you book Edinburgh to Cardiff 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, London North Eastern Railway or Transpennine Express 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 CrossCountry 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 Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, London North Eastern Railway or Transpennine Express 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.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Edinburgh to Cardiff?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €63 but you can travel from only €36 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 18:52. The fastest train covers the 497 km distance in 5h 52m.
Distance 497 km |
Average train duration 6h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price €63 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 52m |
First train 4:00 AM |
Last train 6:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, London North Eastern Railway, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, Cross Country from Edinburgh to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, London North Eastern Railway, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, Cross Country trains will get you between Edinburgh and Cardiff from €36. 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
London North Eastern Railway
Transpennine Express
Caledonian Sleeper
Cross Country
Trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff
There are no direct trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff but it is possible to travel from the Scottish to the Welsh capital with only one change. The first departure is a Virgin trains service leaving just before 7:00 a.m. connecting at Crewe with an Arriva Trains Wales route to Cardiff. The service operates roughly every hour throughout the day until the final train in the late afternoon. Some journeys use CrossCountry services to Bristol Parkway to connect with Great Western Railway trains. Journey times range from under six hours to seven hours and 30 minutes.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff?
Departure Station: Trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff depart from Waverley station which is situated in central Edinburgh, around a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle. Bus and tram stops on Princes Street provide local connections. Night buses and airport services depart from Waverley Bridge. The station taxi rank is next to the concourse and platforms.
Arrival Station: Cardiff Central station is located south-west of the centre, connected by local buses from stops nearby on Penarth Road. Taxis are available by the main entrance.
Taking the Train from Edinburgh
Trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff depart from Waverley train station, which is centrally located in Edinburgh. There is a taxi rank located close to the station, at Waverley Bridge. Bus stops are situated outside exit 1 of the station along Princess Street. There is also a convenient tram service that operates a route to the main entrance of Waverley train station. Night bus services operate between the hours of midnight and 4:30 a.m. For those arriving by private car, there are convenient parking facilities at Waverley Bridge.
Getting into Cardiff by Train
Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a port city with plenty to offer its visitors. Cardiff's top attractions include the picturesque Cardiff Bay, the tranquil Bute Park, Llandaff Cathedral and Cardiff Castle. Trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff arrive at Cardiff Central train station, which is located at Central Square in the city centre. Just outside the main entrance is Cardiff Central bus station. For onward travel, city service routes, such as Stagecoach 122 and EST 89, call in at the bus station. There is also a taxi rank at the bus station.
FAQs: Trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Edinburgh to Cardiff
Most Edinburgh to Cardiff trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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 Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, 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 Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, 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 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.
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Edinburgh
Most popular train connections to Cardiff
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