- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Cheapest price
€59
Average price
€191
Fastest journey
5 h 52 m
Average duration
5 h 55 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
497 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff will cost around €191 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €59.
Of the 16 trains that leave Edinburgh for Cardiff on Thu, Aug 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 497 km distance in an average of 5 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 52 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 6 h 2 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.
W29862 · G01102
W29868 · G01107
W33933+
G38877
G01166 · G01127
G01180 · W29866+
G08175+
G39610
W33933+
G38877
W34265+
G38873
W34060+
G38880
W34124+
G38885
W00587+
G38890Trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €63 but you can travel from only €36 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 18:52. The fastest train covers the 308 miles (497 km) distance in 5h 52m.
Distance 308 miles (497 km) |
Average train duration 6h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price €63 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 52m |
First train 4:00 AM |
Last train 6:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cardiff trains for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G01180 · W29866+ G39610+ G08175 | Delayed 8:36 AM 7:00 AMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h59 | 1:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G01184 · W29877+ G08186+ G39619 | Delayed 10:36 AM 9:00 AMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h59 | 3:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G01148+ W34629 | On time 9:05 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h01 | 4:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W34060+ G38880 | On time 10:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h54 | 4:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G80055+ W29935 · G01150+ G39627 | On time 11:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h59 | 5:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G01153+ W35419 | On time 11:04 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h02 | 6:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01154 · G01119 | On time 12:05 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h21 | 7:26 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W34124+ G38885 | On time 12:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h54 | 6:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01161 | On time 1:05 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h01 | 8:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01188 · W29908+ G14944+ G80073 | Delayed 3:36 PM 2:00 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h37 | 8:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
W29909 · G01124 | On time 2:04 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h22 | 9:26 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W00587+ G38890 | On time 2:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h02 | 8:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01166 · G01127 | On time 3:04 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h31 | 10:35 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W34268+ W44838 | On time 4:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h10 | 11:02 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01170+ G39647 | On time 5:04 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h35 | 12:39 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W29862 · G01102 | 6:02 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h23 | 1:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W34265+ G38873 | 6:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h52 | 12:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G08175+ G01180 · W29866+ G39610 | 7:00 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h59 | 1:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
W29868 · G01107 | 7:03 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h22 | 2:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W29868+ W34622 | 7:03 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h05 | 2:08 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W33933+ G38877 | 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h52 | 2:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.
Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.
Revitalised waterfront district with basin views, modern landmarks, trails, and easy access to culture, public art, and waterside walks.
Large central park behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, arboretum views, sculptures, and quick escapes from the busy centre.
Victorian shopping arcade packed with independent boutiques and period detail, representing Cardiff’s famous arcade culture at its best.
A Welsh breakfast staple of seaweed cooked into a savoury puree, often served with oats or alongside bacon and cockles. It is a classic taste of Welsh coastal cooking.
Cockles gathered from the Welsh coast, commonly eaten with laverbread. They are a long-standing local delicacy linked to South Wales seaside food culture.
A traditional Welsh broth made with lamb or beef, root vegetables, and leeks. It is hearty, homely, and closely associated with Welsh family cooking.
Refined modern British dining with tasting menus in an elegant city-centre setting. It is one of Cardiff’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants.
A stylish venue known for seasonal Welsh ingredients, creative small plates, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere near the city centre.
Historic indoor market ideal for casual local food, Welsh cakes, fresh produce, and traditional snacks. It offers a lively everyday taste of Cardiff.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10%. Taxi tips are optional, often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tipping, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Edinburgh to Cardiff trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
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 storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
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.
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
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.
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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
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 options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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 options are available at Cathays.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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