- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum covering science, world cultures, design, fashion, and Scottish history in one major city-centre complex.

Cheapest price
$72
Average price
$72
Fastest journey
19h 5m
Average duration
19h 5m
Buses per day
1
Distance
122 km
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 $39. 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 $39, and a flight costs an average of $112.
Distance: 308 miles (497 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$66 Average price Cheapest | $193 Average price | $246 Average price | $175 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 $127 (€104) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Edinburgh costing on average $193 (€158).
A bus is $180 (€148) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cardiff to Edinburgh costing on average $246 (€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 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 14h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 14h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 14h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 14h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $68 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Edinburgh buses for tomorrow, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 15h55 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX509 · NX591 | Delayed 4:55 AM 3:15 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 15h20 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:05 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 14h45 | 8:50 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · NX101 · NX183 | Delayed 1:05 PM 6:40 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 13h30 | 8:10 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 14h10 | 6:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX509 · NX594 | On time 4:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 14h35 | 7:20 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 | |
NX509 · NX598 | On time 5:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 14h10 | 7:40 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 | |
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 $39 (€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 $39 (€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 covering science, world cultures, design, fashion, and Scottish history in one major city-centre complex.
The principal national art gallery in central Edinburgh, known for Scottish and European masterpieces and an easy-to-visit Princes Street Gardens setting.
A striking neo-Gothic gallery dedicated to portraits of figures from Scottish history, with strong permanent displays and temporary exhibitions.
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street, linking the castle and Holyrood, lined with closes, monuments, museums, and major visitor sights.
One of Edinburgh’s essential viewpoints, known for sunrise and sunset city panoramas and its concentration of monuments.
A curving, colorful Old Town street that is heavily photographed and widely associated with Edinburgh’s most social-media-friendly streetscape.
Scotland’s national dish made from minced offal, oats, suet, and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. It is closely associated with Edinburgh and Burns Night suppers.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, often finished with milk or cream. It is a classic warming dish found in many Edinburgh pubs and restaurants.
A small double-crust meat pie, usually filled with seasoned minced lamb or mutton. It is a traditional Scottish snack commonly found in bakeries and football kiosks.
A long-established local favourite serving modern Scottish dishes with local produce in a relaxed setting. Popular for haggis, seafood, and dependable service.
A well-known gastropub by Tom Kitchin offering refined Scottish pub food in a warm neighbourhood atmosphere. Good for elevated classics and seasonal ingredients.
A reliable city-centre seafood restaurant known for Scottish mussels, oysters, and fish dishes. Casual and lively, it is a strong choice for local coastal flavours.
Edinburgh is pricey by UK standards, especially in August. Dining and hotels cost more than in many other British cities.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for pubs or takeaway, but small change is appreciated.
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.

Most Cardiff to Edinburgh buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need