- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Cheapest price
€65
Average price
€89
Fastest journey
13 h 5 m
Average duration
14 h 5 m
Buses per day
7
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 €89 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €65.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX509 · NX591Omio 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 €35. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 29m. 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 €60.
Distance: 308 miles (497 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€61 Average price Cheapest | €103 Average price | €146 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 38m Average total duration 13h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 59m Average total duration Fastest 6h 29m Onboard + 30m 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 |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 €42 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Edinburgh costing on average €103.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 29m.
Bus takes on average 13h 8m.
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 €70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €119 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:53PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 15h27 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 14h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €103 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 14h25 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price €103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 14h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 14h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €98 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 14h00 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price €103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 13h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €58 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Edinburgh buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 25. 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 | 3:20 AM Cardiff, University | 15h15 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX507 · NX594 | 3:53 PM Cardiff, University | 15h27 | 7:20 AM 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 | 6:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 13h35 | 8:15 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 13h05 | 7:45 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Cardiff to Edinburgh run on average 8 times per day, taking around 13h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €35 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 8m |
Cheapest ticket price €35 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 12h 5m |
First bus 1:40 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.
Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.
Historic spine of the Old Town linking the castle and palace, lined with closes, landmarks, performers, shops, and layered city history.
Elegant shopping boulevard in the New Town with castle views, gardens below, major monuments, and strong access to central attractions.
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park climbed for sweeping city views, sunrise walks, and one of Edinburgh's most memorable outdoor experiences.
A rich savoury pudding of sheep offal, oats, suet, onion and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. Scotland’s national dish and central to Burns Suppers.
Mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This classic Scottish side is a staple of traditional Edinburgh meals.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions in milk or cream. Strongly linked to Scotland’s fishing heritage and widely loved in Edinburgh.
Refined Scottish fine dining in the Balmoral Hotel, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
Historic oyster bar and restaurant serving Scottish seafood, shellfish and game in a lively, classic Victorian dining room.
Celebrated modern Scottish restaurant focused on local produce, creative small plates and a relaxed but high-quality neighbourhood feel.
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels surge in festival season, dining is mid-to-high, and transit is reasonable but not especially cheap for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
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, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. 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.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
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.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need