2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Edinburgh to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for Jul 15
Cheapest price
$79
Average price
$108
Fastest journey
14 h 5 m
Average duration
14 h 52 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
497 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus 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 $108 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus11:05 AM14h40Edinburgh, Bus Station1:45 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$791One-way1 transfer
NX591 · NX50910:35 AM16h40Edinburgh, Bus Station3:15 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens$851One-way1 transfer- FlixBus · FlixBus10:40 PM15h00Edinburgh, Bus Station1:40 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$951One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus8:45 PM14h55Edinburgh, Bus Station11:40 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$1161One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus9:05 AM15h40Edinburgh, Bus Station12:45 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$1181One-way1 transfer
- NX598 · NX50710:05 PM14h05Edinburgh, Bus Station12:10 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens$1241One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus11:05 AM14h40Edinburgh, Bus Station1:45 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$791One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus8:45 PM14h55Edinburgh, Bus Station11:40 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$1161One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus10:40 PM15h00Edinburgh, Bus Station1:40 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$951One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus9:05 AM15h40Edinburgh, Bus Station12:45 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$1181One-way1 transfer
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 $43. 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 $43, and a flight costs an average of $110.
Distance: 308 miles (497 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$70 Average price Cheapest | $216 Average price | $218 Average price | $175 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 43m Average total duration 12h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 7m Average total duration 6h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 32m 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $70 (€58).
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Cardiff:
A bus is $146 (€120) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Cardiff costing on average $216 (€178).
A bus is $147 (€122) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Cardiff costing on average $218 (€179).
The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Cardiff is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 20m.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 37m.
Bus takes on average 12h 13m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Cardiff including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Cardiff among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
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.
Edinburgh to Cardiff Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 16h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 15h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 15h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 18h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 15h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $81 |
Live departures
Edinburgh to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cardiff buses for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 15h40 | 12:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| NX591 · NX509 | 10:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 16h40 | 3:15 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 14h40 | 1:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:45 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 14h55 | 11:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| NX598 · NX507 | 10:05 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 14h05 | 12:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:40 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 15h00 | 1:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 15h45 | 3:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus 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.
Tue
Jul 14
Jul 14
Wed
Jul 15
Jul 15
Thu
Jul 16
Jul 16
Fri
Jul 17
Jul 17
Sat
Jul 18
Jul 18
Sun
Jul 19
Jul 19
Mon
Jul 20
Jul 20
Tue
Jul 21
Jul 21
Wed
Jul 22
Jul 22
Thu
Jul 23
Jul 23
Fri
Jul 24
Jul 24
Sat
Jul 25
Jul 25
Sun
Jul 26
Jul 26
Mon
Jul 27
Jul 27
Tue
Jul 28
Jul 28
Wed
Jul 29
Jul 29
Thu
Jul 30
Jul 30
Fri
Jul 31
Jul 31
Sat
Aug 01
Aug 01
Sun
Aug 02
Aug 02
Mon
Aug 03
Aug 03
Why should you book Edinburgh to Cardiff buses with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus or Megabus offer buses services from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Megabus 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Edinburgh to Cardiff run on average 9 times per day, taking around 12h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $43 (€36) 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 14h 30m.
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
Distance 308 miles (497 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€36) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 14h 30m |
First bus 1:40 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
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
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus from Edinburgh to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Cardiff with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for as low as $43 (€36). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 30m
Cheapest Price
$43 (€36)
FlixBus frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
15h 10m
Cheapest Price
$54 (€45)
National Express frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 5m
Cheapest Price
$42 (€35)
Megabus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
FAQs: Bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Edinburgh to Cardiff can start from as little as $43 (€36) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Edinburgh to Cardiff is $70 (€58) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff is 14h 30m to travel the 308 miles (497 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff leaves at 1:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff leaves at 11:40 PM.
There are 9 buses a day from Edinburgh to Cardiff which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Cardiff from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 14h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Cardiff including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff for bus company FlixBus, Megabus, National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Cardiff are:
- Cardiff Castle, a historic fortress with Roman and Norman roots offering guided tours and events
- St Fagans National Museum of History, an open-air museum showcasing Welsh life and culture through reconstructed buildings and exhibits
- Cardiff Bay, a vibrant waterfront area with dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions
- National Museum Cardiff, featuring art, archaeology, and natural history collections
- Bute Park, a large green space perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.
The best things to do in Cardiff include:
- Millennium Centre, a renowned arts venue hosting opera, ballet, and theater performances
- Explore the vibrant nightlife in Cardiff's city center with its array of pubs and clubs
- Take a boat tour around Cardiff Bay for scenic views and historical insights
- Visit the Cardiff International White Water for an adventurous day of rafting and kayaking
- Enjoy shopping and dining at the bustling Cardiff Market, offering local produce and unique finds.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff depends on the bus companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff with the following bus company: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff with the following bus company: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff with the following bus company: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express.
Since neither Edinburgh nor Cardiff are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Cardiff among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Cardiff, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Cardiff Central Station and popular tourist spots. Taxi scams can occur, so it’s advisable to use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps. Additionally, travelers should be aware of occasional street distractions designed to divert attention while accomplices attempt theft. Staying vigilant and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cardiff and Edinburgh
Most popular bus connections to Cardiff
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
