- 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 on Sep 20
kr3410
Average ticket price on Sep 20
kr3410
Fastest journey on Sep 20
5 h 53 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
6 h 47 m
Trains on Sep 20
5
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 kr3410 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr3410.
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
XC087500 · XC088300 · G01165 · G01116
W33197+
G38859
W33251+
G38856
W33219+
G38853
W33256+
G38850
W33251+
G38856
W33197+
G38859
W33219+
G38853
W33256+
G38850
XC087500 · XC088300 · G01165 · G01116Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of kr730 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 32m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of kr730, while a train costs an average of kr1928.
Distance: 308 miles (497 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
kr1928 Average price | kr1763 Average price | kr730 Average price Cheapest | kr1673 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 58m Average total duration 6h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 13h 42m Average total duration 13h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Cardiff:
A bus is kr1033 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Cardiff costing on average kr1763.
A bus is kr1198 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Cardiff costing on average kr1928.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 28m.
Bus takes on average 13h 12m.
You'll arrive about 1h 4m sooner (6h 28m by train vs 7h 32m by car). Tickets start at around kr1928 compared to roughly kr1673 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 Cross Country.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33596+ G38884 | On time 12:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h54 | 6:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01167 · G01125+ G80079 | Delayed 4:42 PM 1:22 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 9h14 | 10:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W84919+ G38891 | On time 2:08 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h44 | 9:52 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W33762+ G38888 | On time 2:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h03 | 8:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W84925+ W44829 | On time 4:11 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 8h01 | 12:12 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W33654+ W44848 | On time 4:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h13 | 11:05 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
W33256+ G38850 | 10:51 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 6h05 | 4:56 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
XC087500 · XC088300 · G01165 · G01116 | 11:30 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 9h52 | 9:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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.
Trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr661 but you can travel from only kr322 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 42m.
Distance 308 miles (497 km) |
Average train duration 6h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price kr661 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 42m |
First train 4:00 AM |
Last train 6:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
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.
Grangetown is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Grangetown has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Grangetown.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Grangetown: Parking.
Available at Grangetown: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Grangetown: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C. The station platforms are only accessible by stairs, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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