Cardiff to Edinburgh train with Avanti West Coast

Fri, 05 Dec
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
TransPennine Express
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
1,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
TransPennine Express
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for 06 Dec

Cheapest price

$204

Average price

$270

Fastest journey

6 h 25 m

Average duration

6 h 33 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

497 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train 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 $270 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $204.

Fast trains

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

CrossCountryC23422+Avanti West CoastW10515
09:45AM6h33
Cardiff Central (CDF)
04:18PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
$2041One-way
1 change
CrossCountryC23430+Avanti West CoastW10520
11:45AM6h36
Cardiff Central (CDF)
06:21PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
$2041One-way
1 change
Transport for WalesG56052+Avanti West CoastW10520
11:53AM6h28
Cardiff Central (CDF)
06:21PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
$2281One-way
1 change
Transport for WalesG56050+Avanti West CoastW10515
09:53AM6h25
Cardiff Central (CDF)
04:18PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
$2671One-way
1 change
Transport for WalesG56071+Avanti West CoastW10510+TransPennine ExpressC26807
08:54AM6h45
Cardiff Central (CDF)
03:39PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
$3601One-way
2 changes

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 $108.

Distance: 497 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

$266

Average Price

$72

Average Price

Cheapest

$236

Average Price

6h 55m

Average total duration

6h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

13h 48m

Average total duration

13h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 19m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 19m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus 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 train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Edinburgh trains for today, Friday, 5 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:01 am
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
great_westernP08474+cross_countryC23652
On time
6:51 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h18
2:09 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
great_westernP08474+cross_countryC23652+avanti_west_coastP00490+transpennine_expressC26814
On time
6:51 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h41
1:32 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
3 changes
transport_for_walesG56049+avanti_west_coastW10503
On time
7:53 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h26
2:19 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
cross_countryC23366 · C23658
On time
8:45 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h21
4:06 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
cross_countryC23399_C236619:45 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h23
5:08 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesG56051+avanti_west_coastW10514
On time
9:53 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h25
4:18 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
cross_countryC23489 · C23666
On time
10:45 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h22
6:07 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
great_westernP08482+cross_countryC23666
On time
10:50 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h17
6:07 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
transport_for_walesG56080+avanti_west_coastP00492+transpennine_expressC26805
On time
10:53 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h47
5:40 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes
cross_countryC23429+avanti_west_coastW10518
On time
11:45 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h36
6:21 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
transport_for_walesG56053+avanti_west_coastW10518
On time
11:53 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h28
6:21 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
great_westernP08486+cross_countryC23671
On time
12:50 pm Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h15
8:05 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
transport_for_walesG56088+avanti_west_coastW10524+transpennine_expressC26796
On time
12:53 pm Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h47
7:40 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes
cross_countryC23439+avanti_west_coastW10530
On time
1:45 pm Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h39
8:24 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
transport_for_walesG56055+avanti_west_coastW10530
On time
1:53 pm Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h31
8:24 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
cross_countryC23495 · C23678
On time
2:45 pm Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h30
10:15 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
transport_for_walesG56096+avanti_west_coastW10536+transpennine_expressC26790
On time
2:50 pm Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h48
9:38 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes
great_westernP08490+cross_countryC23678+avanti_west_coastW10536+transpennine_expressC26790
On time
2:54 pm Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h44
9:38 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
3 changes
cross_countryC23452+avanti_west_coastW10541
On time
3:45 pm Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h36
10:21 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
transport_for_walesG56113+avanti_west_coastW10541
On time
4:16 pm Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h05
10:21 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
transport_for_walesG56104+avanti_west_coastW10547+transpennine_expressC26787
On time
4:53 pm Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h48
11:41 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2 changes

This is the last train 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.

Fri
05 Dec
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06 Dec
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07 Dec
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09 Dec
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10 Dec
Thu
11 Dec
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25 Dec

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh?

The best time to book your train from Cardiff to Edinburgh is 3 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cardiff to Edinburgh route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cardiff to Edinburgh per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cardiff to Edinburgh.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $108 but you can travel from only $46 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:08, the last at 18:57. The fastest train covers the 497 km distance in 6h 25m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from $46
Distance
497 km
Average train duration
6h 25m
Cheapest ticket price
$108
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
6h 25m
First train
04:08
Last train
18:57
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from $46

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, first_great_western from Cardiff to Edinburgh trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Edinburgh from $46. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 5m
Cheapest Price
$81
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 12m
Cheapest Price
$116
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

TransPennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 59m
Cheapest Price
$231
TransPennine Express frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 45m
Cheapest Price
$363
Transport for Wales frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 33m
Cheapest Price
$463
Cross Country frequency
8 a day

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 11m
Cheapest Price
$599
first_great_western frequency
9 a day

FAQs: Cardiff to Edinburgh train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Edinburgh by train. 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 train, 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 train tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh can start from as little as $104 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cardiff to Edinburgh is $315; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The train time between Cardiff and Edinburgh is on average 6 h 5 min   for the 497 km long journey, but the time it takes to go to Edinburgh from Cardiff by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Cardiff to Edinburgh leaves at 4: 33am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Cardiff to Edinburgh leaves at 4: 45pm.
There are 6 trains a day from Cardiff to Edinburgh which require at least one change with Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express, Cross Country or first_great_western. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Cardiff to Edinburgh, you can count on Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express, Cross Country or first_great_western for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Cardiff Central, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Edinburgh Waverley, located away from the city centre.

The cheapest month to travel from Cardiff to Edinburgh by train is March.
You have options as you can travel from Cardiff to Edinburgh 3 different ways: coach, train or flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Edinburgh

Cardiff
Edinburgh
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Bay. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Bay for your trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
Cardiff BayParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards.
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Bay
  • Onward travel information: There is a bus stop outside the station.
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stop close to the station entrance on Bute Street
CathaysParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Hotel
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
  • Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Cardiff Queen StreetParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: to the right of the station front
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
  • Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Edinburgh Cardiff to Edinburgh train

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