- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
Take a flight from Cardiff to Edinburgh and enjoy the approximately 497 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
There are 1 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 07:20, the last at 20:45. February is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 497 km |
Average flight duration 1h 21m |
Flights per day 1 |
Direct flights 1 |
First flight 7:20 |
Last flight 20:45 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Cheapest price
£163
Average price
£163
Fastest journey
1 h 25 m
Average duration
1 h 25 m
Flights per day
1
Distance
497 km
The best way to find a cheap flight 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 £163 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap flight tickets today for only £163.
Of the 1 flights that leave Cardiff for Edinburgh every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct flights cover the 497 km distance in an average of 1 h 25 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 25 m .
The slowest flights will take 1 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


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 £31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 29m. 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 £31, and a train costs an average of £54.
Distance: 497 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£93 Average Price | £55 Average Price Cheapest |
6h 59m Average total duration Fastest 6h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 38m Average total duration 13h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Edinburgh flights for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 16:35 Cardiff | 1h25 | 18:00 Edinburgh | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 19:45 Cardiff | 1h30 | 21:15 Edinburgh | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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.
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Airport -> St Andrew Square
You can travel from Cardiff to Edinburgh with one airline, which has around five flights per week. The average journey time is around 1h 20min, so you’ll be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the journey. As these flights are also all direct, there is no need for your to make a change along the way on your journey, so you'll ge to your destination quicker.
There tends to be one flight per day from Cardiff Airport to Edinburgh, with the exception of Tuesdays and Saturdays when there isn’t a flight in operation. The flights on the rest of the days during the week all depart between 11:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. With there being a regular service throughout the week, you should find there is a flight which matches your schedule.
The flight from Cardiff to Edinburgh is relatively quick, taking approximately 1h 20min from take-off to touchdown. As the journey is direct, this adds to the efficiency of the journey because you will not need to make any changes along the way.
Departure airport:The departure airport is Cardiff Airport (CWL). This can be reached by bus from the city centre with ease. The T9 bus takes around 35min to get you to the terminal building from central Edinburgh. The airport also has hotels nearby, a car park, a fast track service and food outlets. CWL Airport is also very accessible for those travelling with disabilities. Should you need special assistance, this can be arranged with your airline in advance.
Arrival airport: The arrival airport is Edinburgh Airport (EDI), which is also very closely located to the city centre. You can catch the Airlink 100 bus, for example, from the terminal and be in the centre in around 25min. At the airport you will find a range of amenities, including restaurants, gift shops and ATMs. There are also several car hire agencies for you to use too, which can be helpful for your onward journey.
Old Town Edinburgh. Source: Shutterstock
There is only one airline which travels from Cardiff to Edinburgh, so you’ll find it easy to find tickets for this trip. Loganair operates a regular service throughout the week to ensure there is an efficient travel connection between the Welsh and Scottish capitals. With the flight also being direct, you will find that it is a very convenient service, especially for business trips.
Loganair flights direct from Cardiff to Edinburgh are a great way to travel between these two cities. Offering five flights throughout the week, you’ll get to your destination in no time at all. With the flights taking around 1h 20min in total, it’s one of the fastest ways for you to complete this trip. All flights depart at a reasonable time too, at 4:20 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays, 11:40 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 12:20 p.m. on Fridays, making this a great route to fly.
Flying with Loganair from Cardiff to Edinburgh is a great experience, with there being some great services on board the airline. Whilst there isn’t the option for first class seats, all seating is comfortable and spacious on board. The fare class you pay for determines your luggage allowance too. Those who opt for the ‘Fly’ class get a 15kg hold luggage.
‘Fly Flex’ means you can bring approximately 23kg on the plane. Whilst ‘Fly Flex +’ offers up to 30kg in total. It is possible to take bikes on Loganair flights, but there is only space for two, so you will need to book this in advance. In addition all bikes will need to have deflated tyres, handlebars lowered and twisted in line with the frame and pedals removed. You can also bring pets on Loganair flights, but these will be put in the hold during the flight unless it’s an assistance dog. Should you be travelling with a disability or a mobility issue, you can also request help from the airline prior to take-off. This can be done a minimum of 48h prior to departure and is especially beneficial to those who are wheelchair users and who have reduce mobility.
It’s easy to travel from Cardiff to Edinburgh by plane, with Loganair offering a regular service throughout the week. It is also easy to find cheap fares if you know where and when to do so. One of the best ways of lowering the Cardiff to Edinburgh price is by booking in advance of your flights. With flights going on sale months in advance, you should be able to find a suitable fare in the build-up to your travel date. It is also very helpful to be flexible with your travel dates., For example, if you want to travel on a certain day, you might find that the Cardiff to Edinburgh cost of the flight is cheaper a day either side. Loganair also offer both one-way and return flight offers to students, which is a great way to save on your journey. So, if you’re a student on under 26 years if age, you can get a reduced priced ticket for your journey between these two cities.
Royal Mile Edinburgh. Source: Shutterstock
Edinburgh is a lovely city to visit which has much to offer, so it’s always a good idea to have an itinerary in place before you arrive. Begin your trip by seeing Arthur’s Seat, which is a geological site and viewing spot that gives great vistas of the city. Next head over to Royal Yacht Britannia, which was once the Queen’s former floating palace. If you want to get an understanding about the history of the country, then you can visit the National Museum of Scotland, which provides you with a great insight into the country’s past. Then go and have a wonder around Edinburgh Old Town, which is a neighbourhood with historic walking routes and impressive buildings.
A trip to Edinburgh wouldn’t be the same if you didn’t visit Edinburgh Castle, which sits on top of the hill overlooking the city. For those travelling with children, head over to the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, which is a interactive science building right in the centre of the city. For some more history, head over to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is a both a historical monument and art gallery for you to enjoy. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is also a great place to spend the afternoon, taking you away from the urban setting of the city and offering a more tranquil atmosphere.
If you’re a fan of art then you can’t visit Scotland without visiting the Scottish National Gallery, which has a range of paintings from various eras and artists. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the city centre and try out the Scottish delicacy of Haggis. Then you can walk off your meal at Holyrood Park, which brings you back to where you began your sightseeing adventure at Arthur’s Seat.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Edinburgh by flight. 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 flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Edinburgh flights use the Cardiff Airport to Edinburgh Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Edinburgh airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Cardiff Airport is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Cardiff Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in the terminal building.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Airport: Assistance, toilets.
Edinburgh Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in the terminal, offering multiple currencies.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Airport: Ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need