Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) train with CrossCountry

Fri 21 Aug
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Transpennine Express
Cross Country
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Transpennine Express
Cross Country
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)

Showing times and prices for 21 Aug

Cheapest price

£89

Average price

£261

Fastest journey

6 h 13 m

Average duration

6 h 19 m

Trains per day

22

Distance

498 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) will cost around £261 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £89.

Fast trains

Of the 22 trains that leave Cardiff Central (CDF) for Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 498 km distance in an average of 6 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 13 m .

The slowest trains will take 6 h 26 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.

  • CrossCountryG00900 · G01073
    11:457h26
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    19:11Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £891One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesG38955+Avanti West CoastW34289
    13:536h31
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    20:24Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £1331One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG01067
    9:457h24
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    17:09Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £2671One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG00941 · G01069
    10:457h25
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    18:10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £2671One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00947 · G01074
    12:457h20
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    20:05Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £2671One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 7h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £25, and a train costs an average of £55.

Distance: 498 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£107

Average Price

£46

Average Price

Cheapest

8h 22m

Average total duration

Fastest

7h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

12h 6m

Average total duration

11h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) trains for tomorrow, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Transport for WalesG38943+Avanti West CoastW34046+Transpennine ExpressW851684:33 Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h04
11:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34144+Transport for WalesY627305:48 Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h32
12:20 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
CrossCountryG66987+Avanti West CoastW34144+Great Western RailwayW351605:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h27
12:20 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
CrossCountryG00844 · G010606:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h30
14:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
Transport for WalesG38945+Avanti West CoastC01369+Transpennine ExpressW851776:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h46
13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
Transport for WalesG39024+Avanti West CoastC01369+Transpennine ExpressW851777:19 Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h13
13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
CrossCountryG01062+Avanti West CoastW33941+Great Western RailwayW351697:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h30
14:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33941+Transport for WalesG389477:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h26
14:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
CrossCountryG01064+Avanti West CoastW33935+Transpennine ExpressW85182+Great Western RailwayG150428:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h58
15:36 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)3 changes
Great Western RailwayG15042+CrossCountryG01064+Avanti West CoastW33935+Transpennine ExpressW851828:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h58
15:36 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)3 changes
CrossCountryG66712 · G010648:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h22
16:07 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
Transport for WalesG39027+Avanti West CoastW33935+Transpennine ExpressW851829:23 Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h13
15:36 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
CrossCountryG010679:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h24
17:09 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34286+Transport for WalesG389509:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h25
16:18 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
CrossCountryG00941 · G01069
On time
10:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h25
18:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
Transport for WalesG39032+Avanti West CoastC01372+Transpennine ExpressW8519111:23 Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h17
17:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
CrossCountryG00900 · G0107311:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h26
19:11 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34290+Transport for WalesG3895311:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h27
18:20 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
CrossCountryG00947 · G0107412:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h20
20:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
Transport for WalesG38983+Avanti West CoastW34292+Transpennine ExpressW8520112:55 Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h45
19:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34289+Transport for WalesG3895513:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
6h31
20:24 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
CrossCountryG00946 · G0108214:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
7h29
22:14 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) by coach or train

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.

Fri
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug

Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express, Cross Country and more offer trains services from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
  • 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) run on average 6 times per day, taking around 7h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £55 but you can travel from only £25 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:48, the last at 15:55. The fastest train covers the 498 km distance in 6h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25
Distance
498 km
Average train duration
7h 52m
Cheapest ticket price
£55
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
6h 5m
First train
4:48
Last train
15:55
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Thu
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express, Cross Country from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express, Cross Country trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) from £25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 20m
Cheapest Price
£55
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 5m
Cheapest Price
£58
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 44m
Cheapest Price
£78
Transport for Wales frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 46m
Cheapest Price
£159
Transpennine Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 24m
Cheapest Price
£405
Cross Country frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh Waverley (EDB), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £55, while the average price tends to be around £107.
The train journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) covers a distance of 498 km and takes approximately 6h 5m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) is 498 km.
The first train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) leaves at 4:48.
The last train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) departs at 15:55.
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Edinburgh Waverley (EDB). The service operates 0 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
To get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB), you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) is by coach, costing approximately £25.
Booking trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh Waverley offers scenic views, especially as it passes through the rolling hills and countryside of Wales and the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District and Southern Scotland.
A day trip from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh Waverley is not feasible, as the journey takes 6h 5m each way. The distance is 498 km and trains run 6 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff Central (CDF) and Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)

Most Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) trains use the Cardiff Central to Edinburgh Waverley station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff Central (CDF) and Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Edinburgh
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Central train station facilities and services

Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.

More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)

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

Most popular trains to and from Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) and Cardiff Central (CDF)

HomeTrainsCardiff Central (CDF) to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) train

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