- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum with collections spanning natural history, science, design, fashion, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$82
Average price
$99
Fastest journey
12 h 5 m
Average duration
13 h 51 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
497 km
The best way to find a cheap bus 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 $99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $82.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
NX216 · NX100 · NX183
NX111 · NX180
NX111 · NX183
NX507 · NX594
NX509 · NX591
NX111 · NX183
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 $40. 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 $40, and a flight costs an average of $114.
Distance: 308 miles (497 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$67 Average price Cheapest | $196 Average price | $250 Average price | $179 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 48m Average total duration 13h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 1m Average total duration 6h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Edinburgh:
A bus is $129 (€104) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Edinburgh costing on average $196 (€158).
A bus is $183 (€148) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cardiff to Edinburgh costing on average $250 (€202).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 31m.
Bus takes on average 13h 18m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 15h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 14h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 12h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 14h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 14h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 14h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 14h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Edinburgh buses for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX509 · NX591 | Delayed 6:15 PM 3:15 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 15h20 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 14h10 | 6:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 14h20 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 14h05 | 8:15 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX216 · NX100 · NX183 | On time 10:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 19h05 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 15h55 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX509 · NX591 | On time 3:15 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 15h20 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 14h35 | 9:45 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · NX183 | 8:20 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 12h05 | 8:25 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX507 · NX594 | On time 3:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 15h35 | 7:20 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX216 · NX100 · NX183 | On time 10:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 19h05 | 5:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Cardiff to Edinburgh run on average 7 times per day, taking around 13h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $40 (€32) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:40, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 308 miles (497 km) distance in 12h 5m.
Distance 308 miles (497 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€32) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 12h 5m |
First bus 1:40 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
Scotland’s flagship museum with collections spanning natural history, science, design, fashion, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.
The national art gallery in central Edinburgh, known for European masters and Scottish art. Easy to combine with Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Mile.
A striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of people who shaped Scottish history and culture. Popular for both the collection and the architecture.
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street, linking the castle and Holyroodhouse through closes, courtyards, shops, and major heritage sites.
A central public garden below the castle with iconic skyline views, floral displays, and easy access to both Old and New Town sights.
One of the city’s classic viewpoints, known for panoramic views, monuments, and sunrise or sunset photography. Especially popular on social media.
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a savory pudding traditionally made with minced offal, oats, onion, and spices, served with mashed turnips and potatoes.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, closely associated with the northeast but widely loved in Edinburgh.
A hearty traditional soup made with barley, root vegetables, and usually lamb or mutton, valued as classic Scottish comfort food.
A popular gastropub by Tom Kitchin serving refined Scottish pub classics in a warm, stylish, and relaxed setting.
A long-established local favorite serving traditional Scottish dishes with local ingredients in a comfortable, accessible city-center setting.
One of Scotland’s oldest pubs, offering classic Scottish food and a historic tavern atmosphere slightly outside the city center.
Expensive by UK standards. Hotels peak in summer and festival season, while pubs and casual dining are more manageable.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not already included. Round up for taxis. Tips are optional in pubs and cafes.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh -> Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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