Edinburgh to Cardiff bus with National Express

Tue, 03 Feb
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National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
Scottish Citylink
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Edinburgh to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 04 Feb

Cheapest price

$64

Average price

$79

Fastest journey

11 h 55 m

Average duration

14 h 44 m

Buses per day

5

Distance

497 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff will cost around $79 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only $64.

Fast coaches

Of the 5 buses that leave Edinburgh for Cardiff every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 497 km distance in an average of 14 h 44 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 55 m .

The slowest buses will take 18 h 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.

FlixBus
10:35AM14h15
Edinburgh
12:50AMCardiff
$641One-way
0 changes
National Express
07:45AM11h55
Edinburgh
07:40PMCardiff
$641One-way
0 changes
National Express
09:35AM15h20
Edinburgh
12:55AMCardiff
$701One-way
0 changes
National Express
10:45AM18h00
Edinburgh
04:45AMCardiff
$791One-way
0 changes
National Express
09:00PM14h10
Edinburgh
11:10AMCardiff
$1171One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Edinburgh to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $44. 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 $44, and a train costs an average of $123.

Distance: 497 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Flight

$77

Average Price

Cheapest

$261

Average Price

$233

Average Price

12h 54m

Average total duration

12h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 11m

Average total duration

6h 41m

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

CrossCountry

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

Edinburgh to Cardiff bus times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cardiff coaches for today, Tuesday, 3 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 6:52 am
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus9:05 am Edinburgh, Bus Station
15h45
12:50 am Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX591 · NX50910:35 am Edinburgh, Bus Station
16h35
3:10 am Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)1 change
national_expressNX591 · NX509
On time
10:35 am Edinburgh, Bus Station
16h30
3:05 am Cardiff, University		1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus11:15 am Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h35
1:50 am Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX183 · NX100 · NX21611:45 am Edinburgh, Bus Station
17h50
5:35 am Cardiff, University2 changes
national_expressNX183 · NX100 · NX21611:45 am Edinburgh, Bus Station
17h55
5:40 am Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)2 changes
national_expressNX598 · NX507
On time
10:05 pm Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h00
12:05 pm Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)		1 change
national_expressNX598 · NX507
On time
10:05 pm Edinburgh, Bus Station
13h55
12:00 pm Cardiff, University		1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus10:40 pm Edinburgh, Bus Station
15h35
2:15 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus11:40 pm Edinburgh, Bus Station
15h40
3:20 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

Compare train, coach 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
03 Feb
Wed
04 Feb
Thu
05 Feb
Fri
06 Feb
Sat
07 Feb
Sun
08 Feb
Mon
09 Feb
Tue
10 Feb
Wed
11 Feb
Thu
12 Feb
Fri
13 Feb
Sat
14 Feb
Sun
15 Feb
Mon
16 Feb
Tue
17 Feb
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18 Feb
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20 Feb
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23 Feb

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Edinburgh to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 12h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $44 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 55m.

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
12h 24m
Cheapest ticket price
$44
Buses per day
7
Fastest bus
11h 55m
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, Scottish Citylink from Edinburgh to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Cardiff with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Scottish Citylink for as low as $44. 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 15m
Cheapest Price
$61
FlixBus frequency
3 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 55m
Cheapest Price
$40
National Express frequency
5 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
12h 5m
Cheapest Price
$43
Megabus frequency
1 a day

Scottish Citylink

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 31m
Cheapest Price
$60
Scottish Citylink frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Edinburgh to Cardiff coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Edinburgh to Cardiff can start from as little as $44 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Edinburgh to Cardiff is $77; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff is 11h 55m to travel the 497 km long trip. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff leaves at 2:45 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff leaves at 11:40 pm.
There are 7 coaches a day from Edinburgh to Cardiff which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Scottish Citylink. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Scottish Citylink for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Cardiff from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Cardiff including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff depends on the coach companies:
  • National Express
    • 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.
  • FlixBus
    • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Cardiff

Edinburgh
Cardiff
The major coach station for departures in Edinburgh is Edinburgh, Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Edinburgh, Bus Station for your trip from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
Edinburgh, Bus StationWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
address
Address
Elder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-23:00
carConnection
Car connection
Elder Street
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café at the Station (in the station)
  • Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for Edinburgh, Bus Station
  • Bus: 10, 11, 12, 16, 22, 25, 26, 44 Trams: T50 Trains: Edinburgh Waverley Station

Most popular bus connections from Edinburgh

Edinburgh to Glasgow coach

More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Cardiff

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

Return coaches from Cardiff to Edinburgh
Edinburgh to Cardiff train
HomeCoachesBuses in United KingdomEdinburgh to Cardiff bus

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