4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Edinburgh
- Cheapest price on 13 Nov
- $71
- Average ticket price on 13 Nov
- $249
- Fastest journey on 13 Nov
- 6 h 5 m
- Average journey duration on 13 Nov
- 6 h 23 m
- Trains on 13 Nov
- 27
- Distance
- 497 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Edinburgh will cost around $249 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $71.
On Fri, 13 Nov, we found 27 trains from Cardiff to Edinburgh, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 497 km distance in an average of 6 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 5 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 31 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
G38957+
W852103:51 PM 7h50 Cardiff Central (CDF) 11:41 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) $71 1 One-way 1 change- Y62730+W85177
5:48 AM 7h44 Cardiff Central (CDF) 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) $106 1 One-way 1 change - G38955+W85208
1:53 PM 7h45 Cardiff Central (CDF) 9:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) $118 1 One-way 1 change 
G00905 · G010801:45 PM 7h24 Cardiff Central (CDF) 9:09 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) $136 1 One-way 1 change- G00900 · G01073
11:45 AM 7h26 Cardiff Central (CDF) 7:11 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) $136 1 One-way 1 change
- Y63472+
W342914:16 PM 6h05 Cardiff Central (CDF) 10:21 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) $240 1 One-way 1 change - G38949+W34286
9:53 AM 6h25 Cardiff Central (CDF) 4:18 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) $359 1 One-way 1 change 
W35160+G66987+W341445:53 AM 6h27 Cardiff Central (CDF) 12:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) $374 1 One-way 2 changes- G38953+W34290
11:53 AM 6h27 Cardiff Central (CDF) 6:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) $359 1 One-way 1 change - G38955+W34289
1:53 PM 6h31 Cardiff Central (CDF) 8:24 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) $266 1 One-way 1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $68 but you can travel from only $28 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 18:52. The fastest train covers the 497 km distance in 5h 44m.
Distance 497 km |
Average train duration 6h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $68 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 44m |
First train 4:00 AM |
Last train 6:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
Live departures
Cardiff to Edinburgh train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Edinburgh trains for today, Thursday, 12 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G66712 · G01064 | On time 8:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h22 | 4:07 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| G38967+W33935+W85182 | On time 8:55 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h41 | 3:36 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
| G01067 | On time 9:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h24 | 5:09 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G38949+W34286 | On time 9:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h25 | 4:18 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| G15044+G01069 | On time 10:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h20 | 6:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| G38975+C01372+W85191 | On time 10:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h47 | 5:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
| G00947 · G01075 | On time 12:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h20 | 8:05 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| G38983+W34292+W85201 | On time 12:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h45 | 7:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
| G38955+W34289 | On time 1:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h31 | 8:24 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| G00946 · G01082 | On time 2:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h29 | 10:14 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| G38991+W34287+W85208 | Delayed 2:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h48 | 9:41 PM 9:41 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
| G38957+W85210 | On time 3:51 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h50 | 11:41 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| Friday, 13 November | |||||
| G38943+W34046+W85168 | 4:35 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h02 | 11:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
| Y62730+W34144 | 5:48 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h32 | 12:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| Y62730+W85177 | 5:48 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h44 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
| W35160+G66987+W34144 | 5:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h27 | 12:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cardiff to Edinburgh trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
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Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales, London North Eastern Railway from Cardiff to Edinburgh trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales, London North Eastern Railway trains will get you between Cardiff and Edinburgh from $28. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
Transport for Wales
London North Eastern Railway
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cardiff and Edinburgh
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
FAQs: Cardiff to Edinburgh train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Edinburgh by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Edinburgh
Most Cardiff to Edinburgh trains use the Cardiff Central to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh Waverley train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Getting to Haymarket from Edinburgh city centre
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket train station facilities and services
Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Edinburgh Park from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Park train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Edinburgh and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Edinburgh
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