Cardiff to Edinburgh bus with National Express

Tue, 18 Nov
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
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Alsa
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National Express
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for 19 Nov

Cheapest price

$58

Average price

$72

Fastest journey

14 h 10 m

Average duration

14 h 39 m

Buses per day

7

Distance

497 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Edinburgh will cost around $72 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only $58.

Fast coaches

To travel from Cardiff to Edinburgh you need to make at least one change.

National ExpressNX507 · NX594
03:53PM14h57
Cardiff, University
06:50AMEdinburgh, Bus Station
$581One-way
1 change
National ExpressNX509 · NX591
03:20AM15h35
Cardiff, University
06:55PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
$651One-way
1 change
National ExpressNX216 · NX100 · NX183
10:15PM19h05
Cardiff, University
05:20PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
$701One-way
2 changes
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
04:15PM14h10
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
06:25AMEdinburgh, Bus Station
$731One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
07:10AM14h25
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
09:35PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
$731One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Cardiff to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of $46, and a train costs an average of $107.

Distance: 497 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Flight

$72

Average Price

Cheapest

$265

Average Price

$235

Average Price

13h 48m

Average total duration

13h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 55m

Average total duration

6h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 19m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 19m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

Azul

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cardiff to Edinburgh bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Edinburgh coaches for today, Tuesday, 18 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 12:32 am
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX509 · NX5913:15 am Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
15h40
6:55 pm Edinburgh, Bus Station1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus7:10 am Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
14h25
9:35 pm Edinburgh, Bus Station1 change
national_expressNX111 · NX183
Delayed
8:15 pm 8:20 amCardiff, Sophia Gardens
12h10
8:30 pm Edinburgh, Bus Station		1 change
national_expressNX507 · NX594
On time
3:45 pm Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
15h05
6:50 am Edinburgh, Bus Station		1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus4:15 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
14h10
6:25 am Edinburgh, Bus Station1 change
national_expressNX111 · NX180
Delayed
8:15 pm 5:10 pmCardiff, Sophia Gardens
14h55
8:05 am Edinburgh, Bus Station		1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus5:15 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
15h00
8:15 am Edinburgh, Bus Station1 change
national_expressNX216 · NX100 · NX18310:10 pm Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
19h10
5:20 pm Edinburgh, Bus Station2 changes

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Edinburgh by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, 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.

Tue
18 Nov
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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 13h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $46 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 02:45, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 497 km distance in 11h 50m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
497 km
Average bus duration
13h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
$46
Buses per day
6
Fastest bus
11h 50m
First bus
02:45
Last bus
23:40
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus from Cardiff to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Edinburgh with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for as low as $46. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 10m
Cheapest Price
$54
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 50m
Cheapest Price
$46
National Express frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 45m
Cheapest Price
$34
Megabus frequency
2 a day

FAQs: Cardiff to Edinburgh coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Edinburgh by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh can start from as little as $53 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Edinburgh is $86; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Cardiff to Edinburgh coach time is 13 h 15 min   covering the 497 km long trip, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh leaves at 3: 15am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh leaves at 10: 10pm.
There are 4 coaches a day from Cardiff to Edinburgh which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus or Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
Take the Cardiff to Edinburgh coach with National Express, FlixBus or Megabus. However, it's always good to check out all possible coach companies for the journey to Edinburgh from Cardiff as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel to Edinburgh from Cardiff including taking a coach, train or flight.
No, the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.

    • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
    No, luggage for the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh.

    popular bus stations

    Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Edinburgh

    Cardiff
    Edinburgh
    The major coach station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens for your trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    information
    Cardiff, Millennium Stadium
    information
    Cardiff, University
    information
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    information
    Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent)
    information

    More options for your journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh

    Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

    Return coaches from Edinburgh to Cardiff
    Cardiff to Edinburgh train
    Cardiff to Edinburgh flights
    HomeCoachesBuses in United KingdomCardiff to Edinburgh bus

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