- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Cheapest price
£102
Average price
£125
Fastest journey
13 h 40 m
Average duration
14 h 28 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
497 km
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 £125 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £102.
To travel from Edinburgh to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX598 · NX507
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX598 · NX507
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 £32. 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 £32, and a flight costs an average of £82.
Distance: 497 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£52 Average Price Cheapest | £160 Average Price | £161 Average Price |
12h 43m Average total duration 12h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 7m Average total duration 6h 37m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cardiff coaches for tomorrow, Sunday 16 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:05 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 13h40 | 0:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 20:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 14h55 | 11:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
NX598 · NX507 | 22:05 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 13h55 | 12:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:15 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 14h05 | 13:20 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:30 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 15h45 | 15:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Edinburgh to Cardiff run on average 9 times per day, taking around 12h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £32 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 14h 30m.
Distance 497 km |
Average bus duration 12h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £32 |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 14h 30m |
First bus 1:40 |
Last bus 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.
Official public transport app
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) -> Cardiff Bus Interchange
National Express is the principal company which offers bus services from Edinburgh to Cardiff. The earliest bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff departs at 6:30 a.m. whilst the latest bus leaves at 9:45 p.m. After 9:00 p.m. Edinburgh to Cardiff bus fares drop considerably. The earliest bus to depart from Edinburgh (the 6:30 a.m. service) arrives in Cardiff at 5:35 p.m. taking just over 11 hours to reach its destination. Buses from Edinburgh to Cardiff (which are provided by National Express) take between 11 and 14.5 hours to reach their destination.
The majority of National Express buses from Edinburgh to Cardiff depart from the main bus and coach station in Edinburgh, which is conveniently located in the heart of the city, within easy walking distance of Prince Street. Situated in St. Andrew’s Square, Edinburgh’s coach and bus station consists both of a general store and of a small shop, which sells drinks and fresh produce. Being in the heart of the city, Edinburgh’s bus and coach station is easily accessible via public transport.
Ordinarily, buses from Edinburgh to Cardiff arrive at the central bus station in Cardiff. Like Edinburgh’s coach and bus depot, Cardiff’s central station is within easy walking distance of Cardiff's main shopping centres and attractions. Cardiff is home both to the imposing Millennium Stadium and to Cardiff Castle, which is built on the site of an ancient Roman fort.
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.

Most Edinburgh to Cardiff buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). ATMs are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Accessible via ramped access.
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