- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Cheapest price on Aug 29
$158
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$179
Fastest journey on Aug 29
13 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
14 h 43 m
Buses on Aug 29
5
Distance
497 km
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 $179 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $158.
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
NX591 · NX509
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX591 · NX509
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 an average ticket price of $71 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 7h 1m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $71, while a train costs an average of $129.
Distance: 308 miles (497 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$71 Average price Cheapest | $129 Average price | $180 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 38m Average total duration 12h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 1m Average total duration Fastest 6h 31m Onboard + 30m 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 |
![]() 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 Edinburgh to Cardiff:
A bus is $57 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Cardiff costing on average $129.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 31m.
Bus takes on average 12h 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 08:55AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 15h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 15h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 15h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 14h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 15h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 15h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cardiff buses for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:40 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 15h00 | 1:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 15h00 | 2:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
NX591 · NX509 | 10:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 15h10 | 1:45 AM Cardiff, University | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Edinburgh to Cardiff run on average 9 times per day, taking around 12h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $49 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 13h 30m.
Distance 308 miles (497 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 13h 30m |
First bus 1:40 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.
Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.
Revitalised waterfront district with basin views, modern landmarks, trails, and easy access to culture, public art, and waterside walks.
Large central park behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, arboretum views, sculptures, and quick escapes from the busy centre.
Victorian shopping arcade packed with independent boutiques and period detail, representing Cardiff’s famous arcade culture at its best.
A Welsh breakfast staple of seaweed cooked into a savoury puree, often served with oats or alongside bacon and cockles. It is a classic taste of Welsh coastal cooking.
Cockles gathered from the Welsh coast, commonly eaten with laverbread. They are a long-standing local delicacy linked to South Wales seaside food culture.
A traditional Welsh broth made with lamb or beef, root vegetables, and leeks. It is hearty, homely, and closely associated with Welsh family cooking.
Refined modern British dining with tasting menus in an elegant city-centre setting. It is one of Cardiff’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants.
A stylish venue known for seasonal Welsh ingredients, creative small plates, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere near the city centre.
Historic indoor market ideal for casual local food, Welsh cakes, fresh produce, and traditional snacks. It offers a lively everyday taste of Cardiff.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10%. Taxi tips are optional, often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tipping, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens) -> Cardiff Central Station
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.

Most Edinburgh to Cardiff buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Cardiff 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.
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.
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, Kingsway (Stop GB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). ATMs are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Accessible via ramped access.
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