- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum covering history, science, design and world cultures in a landmark Victorian building. A top all-round visit in the city.
Cheapest price
$57
Average price
$120
Fastest journey
4 h 9 m
Average duration
4 h 27 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
315 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Wales to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Wales to Edinburgh will cost around $120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.
Of the 5 trains that leave Wales for Edinburgh on Thu, Jun 18, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 18 the direct trains cover the 315 km distance in an average of 4 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 9 m .
On Thu, Jun 18 the slowest trains will take 4 h 47 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.










Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Wales to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $21, and a train costs an average of $54.
Distance: 195 miles (315 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$109 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $83 Average price | $179 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 37m Average total duration 4h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 18m Average total duration 5h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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 Wales to Edinburgh:
A bus is $54 (€44) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Wales to Edinburgh costing on average $83 (€67).
A bus is $80 (€65) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Wales to Edinburgh costing on average $109 (€88).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 7m.
Bus takes on average 5h 48m.
The journey is about 20m faster (4h 7m by train vs 4h 27m by car) and roughly $70 (€57) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($109 (€88) vs $179 (€145)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Cross Country.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Wales to Edinburgh trains for today, Wednesday, June 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:23 AM Wales | 4h47 | 12:10 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:23 AM Wales | 5h08 | 1:31 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:23 AM Wales | 4h09 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 Wales to Edinburgh run on average 18 times per day, taking around 4h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $54 (€44) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:37, the last at 19:37. The fastest train covers the 195 miles (315 km) distance in 4h 4m.
Distance 195 miles (315 km) |
Average train duration 4h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 (€44) |
Trains per day 18 |
Fastest train 4h 4m |
First train 5:37 AM |
Last train 7:37 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
Scotland’s flagship museum covering history, science, design and world cultures in a landmark Victorian building. A top all-round visit in the city.
Major national art gallery on The Mound with Scottish and European masterpieces. Central, elegant and one of Edinburgh’s classic cultural stops.
Striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of figures from Scottish history and culture. Well regarded for both the collection and the building itself.
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, courtyards, shops and major sights.
One of Edinburgh’s essential viewpoints, especially popular for sunrise and sunset photography. Famous for sweeping views over the city and Arthur’s Seat.
Ancient volcanic peak in Holyrood Park with the city’s most famous hike and outstanding panoramic views. A classic outdoor Edinburgh experience.
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a peppery savoury pudding traditionally made with oats and offal, served with mashed turnips and potatoes. It is strongly associated with Edinburgh and Burns supps
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Though from Cullen, it is a classic on Edinburgh menus and a comforting local staple
A traditional hearty soup of barley, root vegetables and usually lamb or mutton. It is a long-standing Scottish comfort food commonly found in pubs and cafes
A polished gastropub from Tom Kitchin, known for refined Scottish pub classics, seasonal produce and a warm neighbourhood atmosphere
A long-established seafood restaurant popular for Scottish mussels, fish dishes and a relaxed city-centre setting
A respected upscale seafood restaurant focused on high-quality Scottish fish and shellfish in an elegant contemporary space
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities, especially for hotels and dining in the centre during peak season.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Rounding up is common in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
Traveling between Wales and Edinburgh offers a scenic journey through the heart of the UK, with convenient train connections provided by Cross Country and London North Eastern Railway. The trains are well-equipped for comfort, making your trip enjoyable as you traverse picturesque landscapes. Whether you're heading to explore Edinburgh's historic sites or experience Wales' stunning natural beauty, these rail services ensure a smooth travel experience between 2 vibrant destinations.
The train journey from Wales to Edinburgh takes approximately 4 hours and 9 minutes, with a total of 0 direct connections available per day. Passengers will need to make at least one transfer during their trip, which may involve waiting times of up to 1 hour between trains.
The first daily train journey from Wales departs at 05:38 AM, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the scenic route. The last departure of the day is scheduled for 06:28 PM, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their day before heading back.
The cheapest ticket price for a train journey from Wales to Edinburgh is €56. This fare provides an economical option for travelers looking to explore the scenic beauty and rich culture of both regions while enjoying comfortable rail transportation.
Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century and has served as both a royal residence and military stronghold. Its significance lies in being one of Scotland's most iconic symbols, housing the Honours of Scotland—our crown jewels—and offering breathtaking views over the city. Unique features include its ancient St Margaret’s Chapel, which is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, and the One O'Clock Gun that fires daily as a tradition.
Holyrood Palace stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and serves as an official residence for Her Majesty The Queen when she visits Scotland. This magnificent palace holds great historical importance as it was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots; her tumultuous life adds intrigue to this regal site. Visitors are captivated by its stunning gardens and opulent state apartments adorned with exquisite art collections that tell stories from centuries past.
Arthur's Seat is an extinct volcano located within Holyrood Park that offers not only natural beauty but also significant archaeological interest dating back thousands of years. As one of Edinburgh’s highest points, it provides panoramic views across the city while serving as a popular hiking destination for locals and tourists alike seeking adventure amidst nature. What makes Arthur's Seat truly unique is its blend of geological wonder with rich folklore surrounding King Arthur himself—a perfect spot for those looking to connect with both history and landscape.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Wales 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.

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