Cardiff to Edinburgh train with CrossCountry

Tue, 29 Sept
+ Add return
Transpennine Express
CrossCountry
London North Eastern Railway
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
2,000+ travel companies
Transpennine Express
CrossCountry
London North Eastern Railway
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Edinburgh

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 29 Sept

Cheapest price on 29 Sept

116S$

Average ticket price on 29 Sept

278S$

Fastest journey on 29 Sept

6 h 5 m

Average journey duration on 29 Sept

6 h 23 m

Trains on 29 Sept

18

Distance

497 km

Cheap tickets

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 278S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 116S$.

Fast trains

On Tue, 29 Sept, we found 18 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 34 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.

  • Transport for WalesY63472+Avanti West CoastW34291
    4:16 PM6h05
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    10:21 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    116 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesG38953+Avanti West CoastW34290
    11:53 AM6h27
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    6:20 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    116 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG01067
    9:45 AM7h24
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    5:09 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    137 S$1One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesG38949+Transpennine ExpressW85191
    9:53 AM7h47
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    5:40 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    150 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00941 · G01069
    10:45 AM7h25
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    6:10 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    154 S$1One-way
    1 change

Live departures

Cardiff to Edinburgh train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Edinburgh trains for today, Monday, 28 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG00844 · G01060
On time
6:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h30
2:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
CrossCountryG00844 · G01060
On time
6:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h30
2:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38945+Avanti West CoastC01369+Transpennine ExpressW85177
On time
6:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h46
1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes
Transport for WalesG38947+Avanti West CoastW33941
On time
7:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h26
2:19 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38947+Transpennine ExpressW85182
On time
7:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h43
3:36 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
CrossCountryG66712 · G01064
On time
8:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h22
4:07 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38967+Avanti West CoastW33935+Transpennine ExpressW85182
On time
8:55 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h41
3:36 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes
CrossCountryG01067
On time
9:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h24
5:09 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38949+Avanti West CoastW34286
On time
9:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h25
4:18 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
CrossCountryG00941 · G01069
On time
10:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h25
6:10 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38975+Avanti West CoastC01372+Transpennine ExpressW85191
On time
10:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h47
5:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes
Transport for WalesG38953+Avanti West CoastW34290
On time
11:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h27
6:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
CrossCountryG00947 · G01075
On time
12:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h20
8:05 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38983+Avanti West CoastW34292+Transpennine ExpressW85201
On time
12:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h45
7:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes
Transport for WalesG38955+Avanti West CoastW34289
On time
1:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h31
8:24 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
CrossCountryG00946 · G01082
On time
2:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h29
10:14 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38991+Avanti West CoastW34287+Transpennine ExpressW85208
On time
2:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h48
9:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Edinburgh by coach or train

Compare coach and train 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.

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Why should you book Cardiff to Edinburgh trains with Omio?

Transpennine Express as well as CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales and more offer trains services from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
  • 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 Transpennine Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast or Transport for Wales 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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 93S$ but you can travel from only 36S$ 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.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from 36S$
Distance
497 km
Average train duration
6h 25m
Cheapest ticket price
93S$
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
5h 44m
First train
4:00 AM
Last train
6:52 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
35 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from 36S$

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 36S$. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
6h 50m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
93S$
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
5h 44m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
93S$
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
5h 49m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
181S$
Transpennine Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
5h 49m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
118S$
Transport for Wales frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

London North Eastern Railway

About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average London North Eastern Railway Duration
6h 53m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Price
453S$
London North Eastern Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
Quiet zone

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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh can start from as little as 93S$ when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cardiff to Edinburgh is 267S$; 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 train from Cardiff to Edinburgh is 5h 44m to travel the 497 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Cardiff to Edinburgh leaves at 4:00 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Cardiff to Edinburgh leaves at 6:52 pm.
Yes, there are 1 direct trains a day from Cardiff to Edinburgh with CrossCountry. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Cardiff to Edinburgh, you can count on Transpennine Express, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Edinburgh from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 44m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Edinburgh including taking a coach and train.

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.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Edinburgh
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · 3S$ · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

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.

Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EYParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre

Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · 3S$ · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min

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.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh

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

Most popular train connections to Edinburgh

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