4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff
Cheapest price
€66
Average price
€178
Fastest journey
5 h 52 m
Average duration
5 h 55 m
Trains per day
15
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 €178 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €66.
Of the 15 trains that leave Edinburgh for Cardiff on Fri, Aug 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Aug 21 the direct trains cover the 497 km distance in an average of 5 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 52 m .
On Fri, Aug 21 the slowest trains will take 6 h 2 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.
G01166 · G011263:04 PM7h25Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)10:29 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€661One-way1 transfer
W34268+
W448394:52 PM6h15Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)11:07 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€981One-way1 transfer- W00587+G388892:52 PM6h02Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)8:54 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€981One-way1 transfer
- W29937 · G01160+G39636+
G800671:00 PM6h59Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)7:59 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€1121One-way3 transfers - W34265+G388736:52 AM5h52Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)12:44 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€1471One-way1 transfer
- W34265+G388736:52 AM5h52Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)12:44 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€1471One-way1 transfer
- W33933+G388778:52 AM5h52Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2:44 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€1861One-way1 transfer
- W34124+G3888512:52 PM5h54Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)6:46 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€1971One-way1 transfer
- W34060+G3888010:52 AM5h54Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)4:46 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€1971One-way1 transfer
- W00587+G388892:52 PM6h02Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)8:54 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€981One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train 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 €39. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 31m. 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 €39, and a train costs an average of €61.
Distance: 497 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€104 Average price | €57 Average price Cheapest |
7h 1m Average total duration Fastest 6h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 38m Average total duration 12h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
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, Friday, August 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W34265+G38873 | 6:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h52 | 12:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W29868+ W34622 | 7:03 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h05 | 2:08 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W33933+G38877 | 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h52 | 2:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01148+W34629 | 9:05 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h01 | 4:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W34060+G38880 | 10:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h54 | 4:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01153+W35419 | 11:04 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h02 | 6:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W34124+G38885 | 12:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h54 | 6:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G80067+W29937 · G01160+G39636 | 1:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h59 | 7:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
| G01161 | 1:05 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h01 | 8:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G80073+G01188 · W29908+G14944 | 2:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h37 | 8:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
| W00587+G38889 | 2:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h02 | 8:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01166 · G01126 | 3:04 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h25 | 10:29 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W34268+W44839 | 4:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h15 | 11:07 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01170+G39649 | 5:04 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h20 | 12:24 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 bus or train
Compare bus and train 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 trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express or London North Eastern Railway 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are bus and train 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 CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train 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 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €61 but you can travel from only €39 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 31m |
Cheapest ticket price €61 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 52m |
First train 4:00 AM |
Last train 6:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, Caledonian Sleeper, Cross Country from Edinburgh to Cardiff trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, Caledonian Sleeper, Cross Country trains will get you between Edinburgh and Cardiff from €39. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Transpennine Express
London North Eastern Railway
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 Grangetown from Cardiff city centre
Grangetown is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Grangetown train station facilities and services
Grangetown has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Grangetown.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Grangetown: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Grangetown: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Grangetown: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C. The station platforms are only accessible by stairs, 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.
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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