Cardiff to Edinburgh train

Trains from Cardiff to Edinburgh: Journey Details

During the week, rail service from Cardiff to Edinburgh runs 3 times an hour from 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with one peak fare period occurring before 9:00 a.m. As direct journeys are not possible for this 6 to 7.5-hour journey, passengers should expect to transfer 1 to 3 times at stations such as Crewe, Lancaster, Bristol, Birmingham, and/or Preston. On the weekend, service slows slightly, with 1 to 2 trains departing per hour between 5:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, and one train departing per hour from shortly after 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Passengers should be aware that some weekend connections can take up to 8 hours to reach Edinburgh. Rail services on this route are operated by Arriva Trains Wales, First Great Western, Transpennine Express and Virgin Trains.

Return trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff are also available.

Departing Cardiff by train

Tenth most populous city in the United Kingdom, Cardiff is the capital and driving economic force of Wales. The city's extensive cultural history is evidenced in the varying architectural styles recalling Roman and Norman influences as well as exposing the impact of the industrial revolution. Points of interest include the Welsh National Museum, the Pierhead Building, and the Millennium Stadium. Visitors should also be sure to check out the Cardiff Castle in the centre of the city.

Getting into Edinburgh by train

As the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh attracts approximately 13 million visitors every year. Home to four major universities and a thriving cultural scene, it was the first city to be bestowed with the honour of UNESCO City of Literature. Visitors should be sure to check out both the Royal Mile and the church of St-Giles in the Old Town and the National Gallery of Scotland in the New Town. The city fills with artists in August for the alternative Edinburgh Festival Fringe which is an incredible cultural experience not to be missed.