Edinburgh to Cardiff bus with National Express

Wed, 05 Nov
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
Scottish Citylink
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
Scottish Citylink
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest coaches from Edinburgh to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 05 Nov

Cheapest price

$81

Average price

$91

Fastest journey

14 h 5 m

Average duration

14 h 40 m

Buses per day

9

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 $91 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only $81.

Fast coaches

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

National ExpressNX591 · NX509
10:35AM16h40
Edinburgh, Bus Station
03:15AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
$811One-way
1 change
National ExpressNX591 · NX509
10:35AM16h35
Edinburgh, Bus Station
03:10AMCardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
$811One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
11:15AM14h35
Edinburgh, Bus Station
01:50AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
$821One-way
1 change
National ExpressNX594 · NX507
10:00PM14h05
Edinburgh, Bus Station
12:05PMCardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
$881One-way
1 change
National ExpressNX594 · NX507
10:00PM14h10
Edinburgh, Bus Station
12:10PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
$881One-way
1 change

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 $42. 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 $42, and a train costs an average of $119.

Distance: 497 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Flight

$75

Average Price

Cheapest

$254

Average Price

$227

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

Showing buses for today, Tuesday, 4 November
Last updated at 10:35 pm
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX180 · NX101 · NX202
Delayed
8:10 am 9:10 pmEdinburgh, Bus Station
14h55
12:05 pm Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
2 changes
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
Wednesday, 5 November
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus9:05 am Edinburgh, Bus Station
15h45
12:50 am Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX591 · NX509
On time
10:35 am Edinburgh, Bus Station
16h40
3:15 am Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 change
national_expressNX591 · NX509
On time
10:35 am Edinburgh, Bus Station
16h35
3:10 am Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus11:15 am Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h35
1:50 am Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX180 · NX101 · NX2029:10 pm Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h55
12:05 pm Cardiff, Sophia Gardens2 changes
national_expressNX594 · NX507
On time
10:00 pm Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h05
12:05 pm Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
1 change
national_expressNX594 · NX507
On time
10:00 pm Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h10
12:10 pm Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

Wed
05 Nov
Thu
06 Nov
Fri
07 Nov
Sat
08 Nov
Sun
09 Nov
Mon
10 Nov
Tue
11 Nov
Wed
12 Nov
Thu
13 Nov
Fri
14 Nov
Sat
15 Nov
Sun
16 Nov
Mon
17 Nov
Tue
18 Nov
Wed
19 Nov
Thu
20 Nov
Fri
21 Nov
Sat
22 Nov
Sun
23 Nov
Mon
24 Nov
Tue
25 Nov

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 $42 if you book in advance.
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
$42
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 $42. 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
$59
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
$39
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
$42
Megabus frequency
1 a day

Scottish Citylink

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 31m
Cheapest Price
$59
Scottish Citylink frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Edinburgh to Cardiff coach

FAQs: Take the bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff with ease. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have the information you need to know so you can find the best option from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Edinburgh to Cardiff can start from as little as $40 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Edinburgh to Cardiff is $89; 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 12 h   to travel the 497 km long journey, with around there are 5 coaches per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff leaves at 7: 00am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff leaves at 11: 40pm.
There are 5 coaches a day from Edinburgh to Cardiff which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus or Scottish Citylink. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
For the route from Edinburgh to Cardiff you can take a coach with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus or Scottish Citylink. Be sure to check out all possible coach companies that offer services between Edinburgh and Cardiff on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
The cheapest month to travel from Edinburgh to Cardiff by coach is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel from Edinburgh to Cardiff including taking a train, coach or flight.
No, the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Edinburgh to Cardiff, 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 Edinburgh to Cardiff.
    No, luggage for the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff.

    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
    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

    More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Cardiff

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

    HomeCoachesBuses in United KingdomEdinburgh to Cardiff bus

    The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

    We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

    ios-badge
    android-badge
    Hand With Phone