Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) train with Avanti West Coast

Sat, Sep 19
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Transpennine Express
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Transpennine Express
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

€97

Average ticket price on Sep 19

€246

Fastest journey on Sep 19

6 h 27 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

6 h 38 m

Trains on Sep 19

10

Distance

498 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) will cost around €246 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €97.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) without transferring at least once.

  • Transport for WalesG38948+Transpennine ExpressW85183
    7:53 AM7h46
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    3:39 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    971One-way
    1 transfer
  • Transport for WalesY62761+Transpennine ExpressW85176
    5:49 AM7h44
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    1:33 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    971One-way
    1 transfer
  • Transport for WalesG38987+Avanti West CoastW33795+Transpennine ExpressW85202
    12:53 PM6h45
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    7:38 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    1971One-way
    2 transfers
  • Transport for WalesG38948+Avanti West CoastW33753
    7:53 AM6h27
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    2:20 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    2951One-way
    1 transfer
  • Transport for WalesY62761+Avanti West CoastW33563
    5:49 AM6h29
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:18 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    2951One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €75 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 34m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €75, while a train costs an average of €181.

Distance: 309 miles (498 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus
Driving

€181

Average price

€148

Average price

€75

Average price

Cheapest

€145

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 49m

Average total duration

6h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 34m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

13h 41m

Average total duration

13h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 6m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

Loganair

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) is a bus with an average price of €75.

This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB):

A bus is €73 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) costing on average €148.

A bus is €105 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) costing on average €181.

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 34m.

Other travel options to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) take longer:

Train takes on average 6h 19m.

Bus takes on average 13h 11m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 47m sooner (6h 19m by train vs 7h 6m by car). Tickets start at around €181 compared to roughly €145 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Direct services run with CrossCountry.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
CrossCountryG00947 · G01074
On time
12:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h20
8:05 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38983+Avanti West CoastW34292+Transpennine ExpressW85201
On time
12:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h45
7:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 transfers
Transport for WalesG38955+Avanti West CoastW34289
On time
1:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h31
8:24 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 transfer
CrossCountryG00946 · G01082
On time
2:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h29
10:14 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38991+Avanti West CoastW34287+Transpennine ExpressW85208
On time
2:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h48
9:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 transfers
Avanti West CoastW34287+Transpennine ExpressW85208+Great Western RailwayG15048+CrossCountryG01082
Delayed
4:07 PM 2:54 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
6h44
9:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
3 transfers
Transport for WalesY63472+Avanti West CoastW34291
On time
4:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h05
10:21 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38999+Avanti West CoastW34288+Transpennine ExpressW85210
On time
4:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h46
11:41 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 transfers
Saturday, September 19
Transport for WalesG38944+Avanti West CoastW33542+Transpennine ExpressW851674:35 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h02
11:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 transfers
Transport for WalesY62761+Avanti West CoastW335635:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h29
12:18 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 transfer
Transport for WalesY62761+Transpennine ExpressW851765:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h44
1:33 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38946+Avanti West CoastC01370+Transpennine ExpressW851766:43 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h50
1:33 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 transfers
Transport for WalesG38948+Avanti West CoastW337537:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h27
2:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38948+Transpennine ExpressW851837:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h46
3:39 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 transfer
Transpennine ExpressW85183+Transport for WalesG38971+Avanti West CoastC013718:54 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h45
3:39 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 transfers
Transport for WalesG38979+Avanti West CoastC01373+Transpennine ExpressW8519310:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h44
5:37 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) by bus or train

Compare bus 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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Sep 25

Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express, Cross Country and more offer trains services from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).

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 Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
  • 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).

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 Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €59 but you can travel from only €25 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:48, the last at 15:55. The fastest train covers the 309 miles (498 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
Bus from €25
Distance
309 miles (498 km)
Average train duration
6h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
€59
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
5h 44m
First train
4:48 AM
Last train
3:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
1 day
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
Bus from €25

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) from €25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
€59
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

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 57m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
€61
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

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
€149
Transpennine Express frequency
1 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
€95
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

FAQs: Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) 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 Waverley (EDB), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €59, while the average price is around €181.
The train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) takes 5h 44m and runs 6 per day.
The first train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) leaves at 4:48 AM.
The distance by train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) is 309 miles (498 km).
The last train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) leaves at 3:55 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
Yes, there is a direct train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB). This service operates 0 times per day, provided by CrossCountry.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) is by bus, with a cost of around €25.
Yes, the train journey from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh Waverley is scenic, offering views of the rolling hills of Wales, the picturesque Lake District, and the rugged landscapes of Southern Scotland.
A day trip from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh Waverley is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 44m with 6 trains available per day and the distance is 309 miles (498 km).
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
Since neither Cardiff Central (CDF) nor Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) include Glasgow, Newcastle, St Andrews, Leuchars, Dundee.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)

Most Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) trains use the Cardiff Central to Edinburgh Waverley station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff Central (CDF) and Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) 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 · €2 · 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.

More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)

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

Most popular trains to and from Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) and Cardiff Central (CDF)

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomTrain Times to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) train

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