Edinburgh to Cardiff train with CrossCountry

Thu, Nov 20
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
TransPennine Express
first_transpennine_express
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
TransPennine Express
first_transpennine_express
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Nov 20

Cheapest price

€175

Average price

€254

Fastest journey

7 h 28 m

Average duration

7 h 33 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

497 km

Cheap tickets

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 €254 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €175.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Cardiff without transferring at least 2 times.

LNERY23270+CrossCountryC23749 · C23701
05:48AM7h37
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
01:25PMCardiff Central (CDF)
1751One-way
2 transfers
LNERY23270+CrossCountryC23749+Great Western RailP08242
05:48AM7h28
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
01:16PMCardiff Central (CDF)
3321One-way
2 transfers

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 €35. 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 €35, and a train costs an average of €97.

Distance: 497 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€207

Average price

€62

Average price

Cheapest

€186

Average price

7h 11m

Average total duration

6h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

12h 54m

Average total duration

12h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 19m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 19m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Azul

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, Thursday, November 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:08 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
london_north_eastern_railwayY23270+cross_countryC23749+great_westernP08242
On time
5:48 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
7h28
1:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
london_north_eastern_railwayY23270+cross_countryC23749 · C23701
On time
5:48 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
7h37
1:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers

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

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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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Edinburgh to Cardiff?

The best time to book your train from Edinburgh to Cardiff is 6 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Edinburgh to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Edinburgh to Cardiff per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Edinburgh to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €97 but you can travel from only €35 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:08, the last at 18:52. The fastest train covers the 497 km distance in 5h 52m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €35
Distance
497 km
Average train duration
6h 41m
Cheapest ticket price
€97
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
5h 52m
First train
04:08
Last train
18:52
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €35

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express, first_transpennine_express, Cross Country from Edinburgh to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express, first_transpennine_express, Cross Country trains will get you between Edinburgh and Cardiff from €35. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 57m
Cheapest Price
€83
CrossCountry frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 52m
Cheapest Price
€77
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Transport for Wales frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

TransPennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 33m
Cheapest Price
€88
TransPennine Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

first_transpennine_express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 33m
Cheapest Price
€173
first_transpennine_express frequency
1 a day

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 58m
Cheapest Price
€442
Cross Country frequency
10 a day

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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Edinburgh to Cardiff can start from as little as €76 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Edinburgh to Cardiff is €189; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The train time to Cardiff from Edinburgh is on average 5 h 59 min   for the 497 km long journey, but the time it takes to go between Edinburgh and Cardiff by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Edinburgh to Cardiff leaves at 01: 22. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Edinburgh to Cardiff leaves at 21: 55.
There are 6 trains a day from Edinburgh to Cardiff which require at least one change with Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry or first_transpennine_express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
Take the Edinburgh to Cardiff train with Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry or first_transpennine_express. However, it's always good to check out all possible train companies for the journey to Cardiff from Edinburgh as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 21: 55.
The cheapest month for a train from Edinburgh to Cardiff is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel to Cardiff from Edinburgh including taking a train, coach or flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Edinburgh to Cardiff

Edinburgh
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Edinburgh is Haymarket. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Haymarket for your trip from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
HaymarketWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 21:25 Saturday 06:30 - 21:25 Sunday 08:10 - 21:25
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: M&S Simply Food
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1, the Concourse and near the entrance from Haymarket Terrace.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Inside the station - one on platform 4 and one on platform 2 and 3
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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
Public transit options for Haymarket
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the layby in front of the station
Edinburgh ParkWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
7 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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
Public transit options for Edinburgh Park
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from Platform 2 bus stop, adjacent to Herminston Gate
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
  • Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free public Wi-Fi available.
Lockers
Lockers
  • You can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Wide range of shops Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: New Street: Long Stay
Dining
Dining
  • Bagel Factory
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Costa Coffee
  • JD Wetherspoon
  • The Pasty Shop
  • The Beer House
  • M&S
  • Pret a Manger
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Nearest Taxi Ranks are on Market St and Waverley Bridge outside the station.
  • Accessible taxis: Taxi ranks are located on Waverley Bridge and also Market Street. Market Street can be accessed step free via available lifts.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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.
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: At entrance to Public Toilets
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets,
Hotel
Hotel
  • Old Waverley Hotel
  • Jurys Inn Edinburgh
  • The Scotsman Hotel
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
  • Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Cycle storage can be found in the station: by the lift at Platform 2 (37 spaces) Platform 3 (68 Spaces) and adjacent to Platform 19 (86 Spaces). Additional cycle spaces are available in New Street car park (32 spaces).
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information booths are located on the concourse.
Public transit options for Edinburgh Waverley
  • Bus lines: 22, 30, 33, X22, X25, X37
  • Train lines: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, CrossCountry, LNER, ScotRail, Transpennine Express
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off on Waterloo Place, pick up across from Apex Hotel and drop off outside the Apex Hotel.
  • Metro: No metro available.
SlatefordParkingDiningLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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
Public transit options for Slateford
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stop on Slateford Road at Platform 2 stair exit
Edinburgh GatewayWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:10 - 00:10 Sunday 08:40 - 00:10
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
7 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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 both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 4
  • 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: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Waiting Shelter/Room. The toilet facilities are only available during ticket office opening hours.
  • National key toilets: No
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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: Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Edinburgh Gateway
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stops outside the station

More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Cardiff

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

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