Edinburgh to Cardiff from $39: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Edinburgh to Cardiff: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$39 by busBest price

500.1 kmDistance

3h 5m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Edinburgh to Cardiff 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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Type	Mo 06/01	Tu 07/01	We 08/01	Th 09/01	Fr 10/01	Sa 11/01	Su 12/01
Bus	$33	$31	$38	$35	$42	$45	$35
Train	$91	$157	$84	$131	$115	$261	$289

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Traveling From Edinburgh to Cardiff

The journey from Edinburgh to Cardiff offers a fascinating contrast, where the rich historical ambiance of Scotland's capital meets the lively culture and innovations of Wales' capital city.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cardiff

Cardiff's neighborhoods offer a diverse blend of culture and vibrancy.

Cardiff Bay

• Home to stunning waterfront views.

• Great dining and nightlife options.

Roath

• Features picturesque parks and lakes.

• Boasts a vibrant arts scene.

Canton

• Known for its lively local markets.

• Diverse range of international cuisine.

Best Times To Visit Cardiff's Attractions

Knowing when to visit Cardiff's highlights can enrich your experience significantly.

Cardiff Castle

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy quieter tours.

National Museum Cardiff

Weekdays are best to explore art and history without crowds.

Cardiff Bay

Early evenings provide a serene atmosphere and beautiful sunset views.

Cardiff Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cardiff enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters, making it a year-round destination. Planning your visit between late spring and early autumn typically offers the most pleasant weather, enhancing your travel experience as outdoor attractions become more enjoyable.

Dining Recommendation in Cardiff

When in Cardiff, try the traditional Welsh dish of cawl, a hearty lamb and vegetable stew that embodies the flavors of local ingredients and Welsh hospitality. This dish offers a warming contrast to Edinburgh’s rich and often heavier fare, inviting you to savor a lighter yet equally comforting dining experience in a vibrant setting.

Edinburgh - Cardiff operators

Explore transport companies operating between Edinburgh and Cardiff, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights

Website

loganair.co.uk

Plane from Edinburgh (EDI) to Cardiff (CWL)

Average Duration

1h 15m

Estimated price

$68-274

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

00 44 345 528 0253

Website

avantiwestcoast.co.uk

Train from Edinburgh to Crewe

Average Duration

3h 10m

Estimated price

$110-280

Train from Edinburgh to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration

4h 15m

Estimated price

$160-370

Contact phone

+44 3457 000 125

Website

gwr.com

Train from Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central

Average Duration

46m

Estimated price

$22-55

Contact phone

0344 736 9123

Website

crosscountrytrains.co.uk

Train from Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central

Average Duration

1h 1m

Estimated price

$30-65

Train from Edinburgh to Newcastle

Average Duration

1h 31m

Estimated price

$75-200

Train from Edinburgh to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration

5h 4m

Estimated price

$180-550

Contact phone

03333 211 202

Website

tfw.wales

Train from Crewe to Cardiff Central

Average Duration

2h 32m

Estimated price

$60-95

Bus Show bus routes

Website

uk.megabus.com

Bus from Edinburgh Bus Station to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station

Average Duration

1h 23m

Estimated price

$11-16

Bus from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Cardiff North Road

Average Duration

9h 20m

Estimated price

$30-50

Contact phone

+49 30 300 137 300

Website

flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Edinburgh Bus Station to Glasgow

Average Duration

1h 15m

Estimated price

$9-13

Bus from Edinburgh Bus Station to Bristol

Average Duration

10h 10m

Estimated price

$50-75

Bus from Bristol to Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music

Average Duration

1h 10m

Estimated price

$8-13

Edinburgh to Cardiff: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Edinburgh and Cardiff 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 spanning 626.0 km from Edinburgh to Cardiff, experiencing the diverse landscapes of the United Kingdom along the way. The journey typically takes around 6 hours and 39 minutes, promising a memorable drive through charming towns and picturesque countryside. 💰 Budget-conscious travelers can rejoice in the flexible pricing options for driving from Edinburgh to Cardiff, ranging from £95 to £150.

Average price

£93 - £148

🚂 Embark on a scenic train journey from Edinburgh to Cardiff, with one transfer at Crewe along the way. Experience the comfort of Avanti West Coast and Transport for Wales services during the approximate 6 hours and 27 minutes trip. 🛤️ Sit back, relax, and enjoy the picturesque views of the British countryside as you travel from the capital of Scotland to the capital of Wales. 🎫 Tickets for the Edinburgh to Cardiff train range from £138 to £289, providing various options to suit your budget and schedule.

Departure Point

Edinburgh station

Arrival Point

Cardiff Central station

Useful tips for train travellers

• On the train services between Edinburgh and Cardiff, you will find catering options that vary depending on the operator. For example, LNER (London North Eastern Railway) offers a 'Shop on Board' service where you can purchase snacks, meals, and beverages. Detailed menus are available in the on-board information magazine or on the LNER website.

• The route is served by several train operators, including LNER (London North Eastern Railway), CrossCountry, and Avanti West Coast. You can choose from different seating options: Standard Class (Economy), which is typically more budget-friendly, and First Class, which offers more spacious seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, and additional refreshments. Visit the respective websites for booking and more details: LNER (lner.co.uk), CrossCountry (crosscountrytrains.co.uk), and Avanti West Coast (avantiwestcoast.co.uk).

• Upon arrival at Cardiff Central Station, be prepared to navigate a busy hub. The station offers luggage storage through a service called Excess Baggage Company, located near the ticket office. Restrooms are available throughout the station, but showers are not typically present. For quick access to the city center, take the local bus service (Cardiff Bus routes 1 or 6) or the Metro service, with trains departing roughly every 10-15 minutes. Check the Cardiff Bus website (cardiffbus.com) for schedules.

🛫 Flying from Edinburgh to Cardiff is quick and convenient, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 15 minutes with Loganair. 🛬 Arriving in Cardiff from Edinburgh by plane takes approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes, offering a comfortable journey between the two vibrant cities. 💸 Prices for flights between Edinburgh and Cardiff can range from £54 to £216, making it an affordable and efficient way to travel between these two UK destinations.

Departure Point

Edinburgh Airport

Arrival Point

Cardiff Airport

Useful tips for plane travellers

• Book your flight with Loganair for a direct connection; they often have competitive pricing and reliable service for this route.

• Upon arrival at Cardiff Airport, follow the signs for baggage claim and then head to the Transportation Hub where you'll find convenient options for taxis and car rentals.

• Expect a taxi fare of approximately £30 to £40 from Cardiff Airport to the city center; alternatively, consider pre-booking an airport shuttle service for a more economical choice.

🚏 The bus services from Edinburgh to Cardiff are operated by FlixBus, offering a convenient and affordable travel option for those seeking to explore the beautiful Welsh capital. With a total journey time of approximately 11 hours and 43 minutes, passengers can relax and enjoy the picturesque landscapes along the way. 💷 Prices for a bus ticket between Edinburgh and Cardiff typically range from £31 to £50, providing budget-friendly transportation for those looking to travel between these two vibrant cities in the United Kingdom.

Departure Point

Edinburgh Bus Station

Arrival Point

Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music station

Useful tips for bus travellers

• Before departing, check the FlixBus website for any potential delays or changes in schedule, as bus travel from Edinburgh to Cardiff requires a transfer at Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, which can influence your total travel time; visit FlixBus Edinburgh to Cardiff for real-time updates.

• During your layover at Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, take advantage of the on-site facilities; there are multiple cafes and shops where you can grab a bite or refresh your caffeine levels before continuing your journey. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the station layout, which is easily navigable, making your transfer stress-free.

• Upon arriving at Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music, navigate out of the station towards the city center by following the signs to 'Cardiff Central', where you can find further transport options; for public transit schedules, check Cardiff's transport site here: Transport for Wales.

Edinburgh to Cardiff from $39: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

How to Get from Edinburgh to Cardiff: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Compare prices for your selected dates

Traveling From Edinburgh to Cardiff

Best Neighbourhoods in Cardiff

Best Times To Visit Cardiff's Attractions

Cardiff Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation in Cardiff

Edinburgh - Cardiff operators

Edinburgh to Cardiff: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Useful tips for train travellers

Useful tips for plane travellers

Useful tips for bus travellers

Trips from Edinburgh

Trips to Cardiff

Popular routes