Edinburgh to Cardiff bus with National Express

Sat 14 Feb
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National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
Scottish Citylink
Alsa
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Edinburgh to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 17 Feb

Cheapest price

£45

Average price

£51

Fastest journey

13 h 55 m

Average duration

14 h 28 m

Buses per day

11

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 £51 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £45.

Fast coaches

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

National ExpressNX183 · NX100 · NX216
11:4517h50
Edinburgh, Bus Station
05:35Cardiff, University
£451One-way
2 changes
National ExpressNX183 · NX100 · NX216
11:4517h55
Edinburgh, Bus Station
05:40Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
£451One-way
2 changes
National ExpressNX591 · NX509
10:3516h35
Edinburgh, Bus Station
03:10Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
£461One-way
1 change
National ExpressNX591 · NX509
10:3516h30
Edinburgh, Bus Station
03:05Cardiff, University
£461One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
11:1514h30
Edinburgh, Bus Station
01:45Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
£481One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach, train 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 £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

£52

Average Price

Cheapest

£144

Average Price

£148

Average Price

12h 48m

Average total duration

12h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 8m

Average total duration

6h 38m

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

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, Monday 16 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 09:21
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX591 · NX509
Delayed
18:40 10:35Edinburgh, Bus Station
15h15
01:50 Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)		1 change
national_expressNX591 · NX509
Delayed
18:40 10:35Edinburgh, Bus Station
15h20
01:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens		1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus11:15 Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h30
01:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX183 · NX100 · NX216
On time
11:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station
18h00
05:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens		2 changes
national_expressNX183 · NX100 · NX21611:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station
17h55
05:40 Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)2 changes
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus20:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h55
11:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX180 · NX101 · NX202
On time
21:10 Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h55
12:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens		2 changes
national_expressNX598 · NX50722:05 Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h00
12:05 Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)1 change
national_expressNX598 · NX507
On time
22:05 Edinburgh, Bus Station
14h05
12:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens		1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus22:40 Edinburgh, Bus Station
15h00
13:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus23:40 Edinburgh, Bus Station
15h35
15:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
Tuesday 17 February
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus09:05 Edinburgh, Bus Station
15h40
00:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Cardiff 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.

Mon
16 Feb
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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 8 times per day, taking around 12h 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 13h 50m.

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 18m
Cheapest ticket price
£24
Buses per day
8
Fastest bus
13h 50m
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: 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 £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 15m
Cheapest Price
£24
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.
Learn more about FlixBus

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
13h 50m
Cheapest Price
£36
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.
Learn more about National Express

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
£32
Megabus frequency
1 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.

Scottish Citylink

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 31m
Cheapest Price
£44
Scottish Citylink frequency
1 a day

Buses from Edinburgh to Cardiff: Journey Details

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.

Taking the Bus from Edinburgh

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.

Getting into Cardiff by Bus

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.

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 £24 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Edinburgh to Cardiff is £52; 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 13h 50m 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 Edinburgh to Cardiff leaves at 1:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff leaves at 23:40.
There are 8 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 13h 50m 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 coach, train and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff for coach company National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff:
  • 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 Edinburgh to Cardiff 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 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:
  • 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 Edinburgh to Cardiff:
  • 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 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, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Edinburgh to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.

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

More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Cardiff

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

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