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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Edinburgh
Showing times and prices for 26 Feb
Cheapest price
£44
Average price
£58
Fastest journey
12 h 5 m
Average duration
13 h 58 m
Buses per day
9
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 £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £44.
Fast coaches
To travel from Cardiff to Edinburgh you need to make at least one change.
NX216 · NX100 · NX18322:1019h05
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens17:15Edinburgh, Bus Station
£441One-way
2 changes
FlixBus · FlixBus18:1014h05
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)08:15Edinburgh, Bus Station
£541One-way
1 change
NX507 · NX59415:4515h35
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens07:20Edinburgh, Bus Station
£541One-way
1 change
FlixBus · FlixBus07:1014h35
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)21:45Edinburgh, Bus Station
£561One-way
1 change
NX111 · NX18308:2012h05
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens20:25Edinburgh, Bus Station
£561One-way
1 change
NX111 · NX18308:2012h05
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens20:25Edinburgh, Bus Station
£561One-way
1 change
FlixBus · FlixBus18:1014h05
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)08:15Edinburgh, Bus Station
£541One-way
1 change
FlixBus · FlixBus16:1514h10
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)06:25Edinburgh, Bus Station
£621One-way
1 change
FlixBus · FlixBus07:1014h35
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)21:45Edinburgh, Bus Station
£561One-way
1 change
NX111 · NX18017:1014h55
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens08:05Edinburgh, Bus Station
£751One-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 £24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. 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 £24, and a flight costs an average of £84.
Distance: 497 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£49 Average Price Cheapest | £150 Average Price | £155 Average Price |
13h 48m Average total duration 13h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 56m Average total duration 6h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  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, Wednesday 25 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at 13:37
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX507 · NX594 | Delayed 17:25 15:45Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 15h35 | 07:20 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 14h10 | 06:25 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX111 · NX180 | 17:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 14h55 | 08:05 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 18:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 14h05 | 08:15 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX216 · NX100 · NX183 | 22:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 19h05 | 17:15 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 changes | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 01:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 15h55 | 17:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NX591 | 03:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 15h20 | 18:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 07:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 14h35 | 21:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX111 · NX183 | 08:20 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 12h05 | 20:25 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
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.
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Why should you book Cardiff to Edinburgh coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as National Express or Megabus offer coaches services from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Edinburgh run on average 7 times per day, taking around 13h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £24 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 01:40, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 497 km distance in 12h 5m.
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 £24 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 12h 5m |
First bus 01:40 |
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: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus from Cardiff to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Edinburgh with FlixBus, National Express, Megabus for as low as £24. 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 5m
Cheapest Price
£24
FlixBus frequency
1 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
12h 5m
Cheapest Price
£36
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
£25
Megabus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
Buses from Cardiff to Edinburgh
Buses from Cardiff to Edinburgh are provided by National Express. The first bus of the morning leaves Cardiff in the morning, after 7:00 a.m. There are generally around 4 services per day, with the last bus leaving after 6:00 p.m. All services have one change, and journey times may vary, with the quickest service taking around 11 hours, and the longest taking up to 14.5 hours. Buses from Cardiff to Edinburgh depart from Sophia Gardens Bus Station, which is situated just off Sophia Close in the Riverside area. Buses arrive at Edinburgh's Elder Bus Station on Elder Street, which is near St. Andrew's Square.
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.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh can start from as little as £24 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Edinburgh is £49; 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 Cardiff to Edinburgh is 12h 5m to travel the 497 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh leaves at 1:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh leaves at 23:40.
There are 7 coaches a day from Cardiff to Edinburgh which require at least one change with FlixBus, National Express, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh, you can count on FlixBus, National Express, Megabus for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Edinburgh from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 12h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cardiff and Edinburgh including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh for coach company FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Edinburgh depends on the coach companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- 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 FlixBus, National Express.
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 Cardiff to Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Edinburgh:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- 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 Cardiff to Edinburgh:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- 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 Cardiff to Edinburgh. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Edinburgh with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
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, North Road (Friary Gardens)
information
Cardiff, University
information
The major coach station for arrivals 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 to Edinburgh from Cardiff.
Edinburgh, Bus Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Car connection
Elder StreetWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
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 Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Edinburgh and Cardiff
Most popular bus connections
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