Edinburgh to Cardiff bus with National Express

Fri, 14 Aug
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National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Edinburgh to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 14 Aug

Cheapest price

154S$

Average price

172S$

Fastest journey

14 h 5 m

Average duration

14 h 57 m

Buses per day

6

Distance

497 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff will cost around 172S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only 154S$.

Fast coaches

To travel from Edinburgh to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.

  • National ExpressNX591 · NX509
    10:35 AM15h20
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    1:55 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
    154 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    11:05 AM14h40
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    1:45 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    157 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    8:55 AM15h50
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    12:45 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    161 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    11:30 PM15h45
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    3:15 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    183 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    8:45 PM14h55
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    11:40 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    186 S$1One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach 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 coach with prices starting from 56S$. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of 56S$, and a flight costs an average of 143S$.

Distance: 497 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Flight

91S$

Average Price

Cheapest

280S$

Average Price

282S$

Average Price

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*

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Loganair

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Edinburgh to Cardiff bus times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cardiff coaches for today, Thursday, 13 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:45 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h55
11:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h05
1:20 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:30 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
16h15
3:45 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
Friday, 14 August
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:55 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
15h50
12:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX591 · NX50910:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
15h20
1:55 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:05 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h40
1:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change

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, coach or flight

Compare train, coach 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.

Fri
14 Aug
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Why should you book Edinburgh to Cardiff coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus or Megabus offer coaches 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
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Edinburgh to Cardiff run on average 9 times per day, taking around 12h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at 56S$ if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 01:40, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 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
497 km
Average bus duration
12h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
56S$
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 - Sept
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 56S$. 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
56S$
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
71S$
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 $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 5m
Cheapest Price
54S$
Megabus frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Edinburgh to Cardiff coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Cardiff by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Edinburgh to Cardiff can start from as little as 56S$ when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Edinburgh to Cardiff is 91S$; 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 coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff is 14h 30m to travel the 497 km long trip. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff leaves at 1:40 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff leaves at 11:40 pm.
There are 9 coaches 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 coaches.
When taking a coach 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 coach companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Edinburgh , you have various coach station options to start your trip from including Edinburgh, Bus Station . When arriving in Cardiff , you can end your trip in coach stations like Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB), Cardiff, University, Newport, Queensway, Cardiff, Millennium Stadium, Weston-super-Mare, Regent St (Interchange), Weston-super-Mare, Diamond Batch Car Park Stop (Worle Station), Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent) .Passengers board the coach most frequently from Edinburgh, Bus Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), located 0 away from the city centre.
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 coach 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, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff depends on the coach companies:
  • 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 coach with coach 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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff:
  • 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 coach ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach 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 coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Cardiff

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.

Departure bus stations in Edinburgh
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff

Which Edinburgh station do buses to Cardiff leave from?

Buses from Edinburgh to Cardiff leave from Edinburgh, Bus Station. The station is from Edinburgh city centre at Elder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom.
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre

Bus10, 11 · 2m · 3S$ · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · 2S$ · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · 6S$ · every ~38 min

Edinburgh, Bus Station 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 and drink

Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.

Most popular bus connections from Edinburgh

Edinburgh to Glasgow coach

More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Cardiff

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

Return coaches from Cardiff to Edinburgh
Edinburgh to Cardiff train
HomeCoachesBuses in United KingdomEdinburgh to Cardiff bus

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