Cardiff to Edinburgh from $62: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Cardiff to Edinburgh: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$62 by busBest price
500.7 kmDistance
2h 9m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
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Compare prices for your selected dates
| Type | Mo 20/01 | Tu 21/01 | We 22/01 | Th 23/01 | Fr 24/01 | Sa 25/01 | Su 26/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $28 | $24 | $27 | $31 | $35 | $39 | $44 |
| Train | $125 | $119 | $78 | $101 | $148 | $177 | $202 |
Traveling From Cardiff to Edinburgh
This journey between Cardiff and Edinburgh showcases the vibrant culture and lush landscapes of Wales contrasted with the historic charm and stunning architecture of Scotland's capital.
Best Neighbourhoods in Edinburgh
Edinburgh features diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.
Old Town
• Home to Edinburgh Castle and historical sites.
• Cobblestone streets filled with shops and eateries.
Leith
• Vibrant waterfront with excellent dining options.
• Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia nearby.
New Town
• Known for Georgian architecture and stylish boutiques.
• A hub for festivals and cultural events.
Best Times To Visit Edinburgh's Attractions
Navigating Edinburgh's attractions at the right times can significantly enhance your experience.
Edinburgh Castle
Visit early in the morning for quieter experiences and stunning views.
Holyrood Palace
Explore in the late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and enjoy the gardens.
Arthur's Seat
Hike during sunrise for fewer visitors and breathtaking scenic views.
Edinburgh Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Edinburgh experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and chilly winters, making layers a smart choice for any season. Spring and early autumn offer the most enjoyable weather for exploring, while visitors should be prepared for sudden rain showers throughout the year.
Dining Recommendation in Edinburgh
For a distinct culinary experience, try haggis at The Scottish Café & Restaurant, where traditional flavors meet a contemporary atmosphere. This dish, rich in spices and often served with neeps and tatties, offers a taste of Scottish heritage that contrasts with the unique Welsh fare found in Cardiff.
Cardiff - Edinburgh operators
Explore transport companies operating between Cardiff and Edinburgh, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
loganair.co.uk
Plane from Cardiff (CWL) to Edinburgh (EDI)
Average Duration
1h 15mEstimated price
$130-440Website
easyjet.com
Plane from Bristol (BRS) to Edinburgh (EDI)
Average Duration
1h 15mEstimated price
$40-210Contact phone
03333 211 202Website
tfw.wales
Train from Cardiff Central to Crewe
Average Duration
2h 39mEstimated price
$60-95Contact phone
00 44 345 528 0253Website
avantiwestcoast.co.uk
Train from Crewe to Edinburgh
Average Duration
3h 10mEstimated price
$110-280Contact phone
+44 3457 000 125Website
gwr.com
Train from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads
Average Duration
45mEstimated price
$22-55Contact phone
0344 736 9123Website
crosscountrytrains.co.uk
Train from Bristol Parkway to Edinburgh
Average Duration
6h 22mEstimated price
$220-700Website
uk.megabus.com
Bus from Cardiff North Road to Bristol Bond St
Average Duration
1h 40mEstimated price
$11-16Bus from Bristol to Edinburgh Bus Station
Average Duration
10hEstimated price
$50-75Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300Website
flixbus.de
Bus from Bristol to Edinburgh Bus Station
Average Duration
10hEstimated price
$50-75Cardiff to Edinburgh: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Cardiff and Edinburgh offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh spanning 627.6 km, showcasing the beauty of the British countryside along the way. With an estimated driving time of 6 hours and 39 minutes, anticipate a leisurely journey through charming towns and picturesque landscapes.
💷 Enjoy the flexibility of car travel with prices ranging from £95 to £150, providing a budget-friendly option to explore the vibrant city of Edinburgh.
🏰 Arrive in majestic Edinburgh after a scenic drive, ready to uncover its iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
Average price
£93 - £148
🚂 Starting your journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh by train involves a transfer at Crewe. The entire trip, with transfers, takes approximately 6 hours and 49 minutes.
Departure Point
Cardiff Central station
Arrival Point
Edinburgh station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh, you can expect catering services provided by operators like Great Western Railway and LNER. Great Western Railway offers a 'at-seat' service in First Class, featuring a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals. In Economy, you can purchase snacks and drinks from the onboard trolley service. LNER also provides an at-seat dining experience in First Class and a variety of snacks and drinks available for purchase in Standard Class.
• For seating options, Great Western Railway's trains typically have three classes: First Class, Business Class (which is often included in First Class on some routes), and Standard Class (Economy). First Class seats provide more room, complimentary refreshments, and quieter carriages. Standard Class offers comfortable seating but can be busier. LNER's trains also have similar seating options with First Class seats boasting wider space and complimentary meals, while Standard Class is still comfortable with the opportunity to upgrade on board.
• The main train operators for the Cardiff to Edinburgh route are Great Western Railway (GWR) and London North Eastern Railway (LNER). Visit their websites for schedules and bookings: GWR and LNER. Upon arrival in Edinburgh, you will find luggage storage available at Edinburgh Waverley station, which allows you to explore the city unencumbered. The station also features restrooms but no showers.
• After arriving at Edinburgh Waverley station, the fastest way to reach the city center is to take the tram. The tram stop is located at the station. Trams run frequently, and you can simply hop on the tram number 1 towards York Place, which will take you directly to the city center in approximately 25 minutes. Bus services, such as Lothian Buses number 100, also connect to the city center but may take longer due to traffic.
🛫 Experience a quick and convenient journey from Cardiff Airport to Edinburgh Airport with a direct flight lasting just 1 hour and 15 minutes. Loganair provides reliable flights connecting these two vibrant cities in the United Kingdom.
✈️ Enjoy a seamless travel experience as you cover the distance of 2 hours and 9 minutes from Cardiff to Edinburgh by plane.
🌍 Discover the diverse price range for flights between Edinburgh and Cardiff, offering options that cater to various budgets starting from £57 and going up to £214.
Departure Point
Cardiff Airport
Arrival Point
Edinburgh Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Direct flights from Cardiff to Edinburgh are operated by Loganair, so be sure to check their flight schedules on Loganair's website for real-time updates and to avoid unexpected delays.
• Upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport, expect a modern layout that can be navigated easily; follow the signs for baggage claim and consider using the airport's helpful information desks if you need assistance, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local transport options.
• Taxi fares from Edinburgh Airport to the city center typically range between £20 to £30, so budget for this when planning your arrival; for public transport options, check out the Lothian Buses website for schedule information and routes that connect the airport with the downtown area.
🚌 Starting from Cardiff North Road, the Megabus UK service provides a convenient option to travel to Edinburgh with a transfer in Bristol. The total journey time is approximately 12 hours and 40 minutes.
🛤️ While there is no direct bus route connecting Cardiff to Edinburgh, passengers can easily make the journey by changing buses in Bristol. The FlixBus service is another reliable option arriving at Edinburgh Bus Station.
💷 Prices for the Cardiff to Edinburgh bus tickets typically range from £49 to £72, offering an affordable and comfortable way to explore the scenic route between these two vibrant cities in the United Kingdom.
Departure Point
Cardiff North Road station
Arrival Point
Edinburgh Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Before your trip, check the schedules for both Megabus UK and FlixBus, as they operate services between Cardiff and Edinburgh; you can find the schedules at Megabus UK and FlixBus.
• Make sure to arrive at Cardiff North Road station early, as bus boarding can be hectic; familiarize yourself with the station layout using the Cardiff North Road station map to locate amenities such as restrooms and food options.
• Upon arriving at Edinburgh Bus Station, navigate the facility by using the signage directing you to local transport connections like Edinburgh Trams and buses; consider downloading the Lothian Buses app for real-time information on local transport options to your final destination.
Trips from Cardiff
- Cardiff to Dublin
- Cardiff to Bath
- Cardiff to Swansea
- Cardiff to Manchester
- Cardiff to Bristol
- Cardiff to Oxford
- Cardiff to Exeter
- Cardiff to Liverpool
- Cardiff to Glasgow
- Cardiff to Caerphilly
- Cardiff to Newcastle upon Tyne
- Cardiff to Aberdare
- Cardiff to London
- Cardiff to Port Talbot
- Cardiff to Barry
- Cardiff to Bridgend (Wales)
- Cardiff to Tenby
- Cardiff to Abergavenny
- Cardiff to Ebbw Vale
- Cardiff to Cwmbran
- Cardiff to Llanelli
- Cardiff to Gloucester
- Cardiff to Neath
- Cardiff to Benidorm
- Cardiff to Hereford
- Cardiff to Aberystwyth
- Cardiff to Plymouth
- Cardiff to Cheltenham
- Cardiff to Carmarthen
- Cardiff to Cowbridge
- Cardiff to Blackwood (Gwent)
- Cardiff to Maesteg
- Cardiff to Reading
- Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil
- Cardiff to Pontypridd
- Cardiff to Chepstow
- Cardiff to Porthcawl
- Cardiff to Belfast
- Cardiff to Newport (Gwent)
- Cardiff to Birmingham
Trips to Edinburgh
- Aberdeen to Edinburgh
- Belfast to Edinburgh
- Glasgow to Edinburgh
- Nottingham to Edinburgh
- Liverpool to Edinburgh
- Manchester to Edinburgh
- Inverness to Edinburgh
- Southampton to Edinburgh
- Birmingham to Edinburgh
- Bristol to Edinburgh
- York to Edinburgh
- Newcastle upon Tyne to Edinburgh
- Sheffield to Edinburgh
- London to Edinburgh
- Stirling to Edinburgh
- Dundee to Edinburgh
- Perth to Edinburgh
- North Berwick to Edinburgh
- Bathgate to Edinburgh
- Musselburgh to Edinburgh
- Berwick Upon Tweed to Edinburgh
- Bournemouth to Edinburgh
- Dunfermline to Edinburgh
- St Andrews to Edinburgh
- Dunbar to Edinburgh
- Galashiels to Edinburgh
- Inverkeithing to Edinburgh
- Glenrothes to Edinburgh
- Leeds (West Yorkshire) to Edinburgh
- Kirkcaldy to Edinburgh
- Luton (Bedfordshire) to Edinburgh
- Norwich to Edinburgh
- Durham to Edinburgh
- Carlisle (Cumbria) to Edinburgh
- Peterborough to Edinburgh
- Preston (Lancashire) to Edinburgh
- Exeter to Edinburgh
- Prestonpans to Edinburgh
- Lockerbie to Edinburgh
- Stansted (Kent) to Edinburgh