- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in the city centre. Best known for its impressive Impressionist and Welsh art galleries.
Cheapest price
$96
Average price
$114
Fastest journey
13 h 30 m
Average duration
15 h 12 m
Buses per day
6
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 $114 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $96.
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
NX183 · NX100 · NX216
NX183 · NX100 · NX202
NX183 · NX100 · NX202
NX591 · NX509
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX591 · NX509
NX183 · NX100 · NX202
NX183 · NX100 · NX202Omio 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 $44. 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 $44, and a flight costs an average of $112.
Distance: 308 miles (497 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$72 Average price Cheapest | $220 Average price | $222 Average price | $179 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Cardiff:
A bus is $149 (€120) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Cardiff costing on average $220 (€178).
A bus is $151 (€122) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Cardiff costing on average $222 (€179).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 37m.
Bus takes on average 12h 13m.
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 National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 16h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 15h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $147 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 15h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 03:15AM | Duration 16h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 14h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 18h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 14h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 15h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cardiff buses for today, Friday, May 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | |
| Saturday, May 30 | |||||
NX591 · NX509 | On time 10:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 15h20 | 1:55 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:15 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 13h30 | 12:45 AM 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 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.
Buses from Edinburgh to Cardiff run on average 9 times per day, taking around 12h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $44 (€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.
Distance 308 miles (497 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€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 |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in the city centre. Best known for its impressive Impressionist and Welsh art galleries.
Open-air museum showing Welsh life through historic buildings moved from across Wales. One of the country’s most loved cultural attractions.
Compact city museum covering Cardiff’s growth from market town to capital, with local stories, objects, and interactive displays.
Waterside district with modern landmarks, walking routes, public art, and some of the city’s most shared photo spots.
Large central park behind Cardiff Castle, ideal for riverside walks, picnics, and easy access to historic sites.
Historic Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades that give central Cardiff much of its character. Excellent for walking and architecture lovers.
Traditional Welsh soup or stew, usually made with lamb or beef, leeks, potatoes, and root vegetables. It is one of Wales’ most iconic comfort foods.
A classic Welsh dish of toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese sauce, often flavoured with mustard or ale. It is a staple pub and cafe dish in Cardiff.
Traditional Welsh vegetarian sausages made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. They are especially associated with South Wales.
Well-known steak restaurant with an open-fire cooking style, stylish interior, and strong reputation for high-quality meat and memorable service.
Established restaurant at HMP Cardiff, known for refined dining prepared and served by trainees in a unique, professional setting.
Highly regarded neighbourhood restaurant in Llandaff serving seasonal small plates, natural wine, and modern cooking in a relaxed contemporary space.
Moderate by UK standards. Pub meals and chain cafes are reasonable, while central hotels and upscale dining cost more.
Service charge is not always included. Tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping in pubs and cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff -> Cardiff Central railway station, 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need