The cheapest and fastest coaches from Edinburgh to Cardiff
Cheapest price
£50
Average price
£55
Fastest journey
14 h
Average duration
14 h 47 m
Buses per day
8
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 £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £50.
To travel from Edinburgh to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
NX591 · NX509
NX591 · NX509
NX594 · NX507
NX594 · NX507
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX594 · NX507
NX594 · NX507
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusTravel 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 £32. 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 £32, and a train costs an average of £90.
Distance: 497 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£57 Average Price Cheapest | £192 Average Price | £172 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 |
![]() 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
Edinburgh to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cardiff coaches for today, Tuesday 18 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 09:05 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 15h45 | 00:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
NX591 · NX509 | 10:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 16h40 | 03:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
NX591 · NX509 | 10:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 16h35 | 03:10 Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:15 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 14h35 | 01:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
NX180 · NX101 · NX202 | On time 21:10 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 14h55 | 12:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 22:40 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 15h35 | 14:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:40 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 15h40 | 15:20 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 train, coach or flight
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.
18 Nov
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Cardiff
Buses from Edinburgh to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 12h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £32 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:45, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 497 km distance in 11h 55m.
Distance 497 km |
Average bus duration 12h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price £32 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 11h 55m |
First bus 02:45 |
Last bus 23:40 |
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 £32. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
Megabus
Scottish Citylink
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.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Edinburgh to Cardiff, follow these tips:
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popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Cardiff
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Sandwich Shop (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the 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
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