- 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.
The best way to find a cheap train 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 £251 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £198.
To travel from Cardiff to Edinburgh you need to make at least one change.
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Trains from Cardiff to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £51 but you can travel from only £21 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 18:52. The fastest train covers the 497 km distance in 5h 44m.
Distance 497 km |
Average train duration 6h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £51 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 44m |
First train 4:00 |
Last train 18:52 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Edinburgh trains for today, Saturday 14 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Y62761+ W85176 | On time 5:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h44 | 13:33 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
Y62761+ W33563 | On time 5:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h29 | 12:18 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G38946+ C01370+ W85176 | On time 6:43 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h50 | 13:33 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
W35165+ G01059 | On time 6:48 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h22 | 14:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G38948+ W33753 | On time 7:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h27 | 14:20 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G66713 · G01065 | On time 8:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h22 | 16:07 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G66713 · G01065 | On time 8:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h22 | 16:07 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
W35174+ G01065 | On time 8:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h16 | 16:07 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G38971+ C01371+ W85183 | On time 8:54 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h45 | 15:39 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
G38951+ W33799 | On time 9:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h25 | 16:18 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
C42290+ G01070 | On time 10:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h49 | 18:09 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G00942 · G01070 | On time 10:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h24 | 18:09 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G38979+ C01373+ W85193 | On time 10:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h44 | 17:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
G00899 · G01072 | On time 11:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h25 | 19:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G38954+ W33797 | On time 11:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h28 | 18:21 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G38954+ W85202 | On time 11:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h45 | 19:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G00949 · G01076 | On time 12:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h21 | 20:06 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G38987+ W33795+ W85202 | On time 12:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h45 | 19:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
G38956+ W33798 | On time 13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h30 | 20:23 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G38956+ W85207 | On time 13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h48 | 21:41 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G00944 · G01081 | On time 14:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h28 | 22:13 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
G38995+ W33796+ W85207 | On time 14:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h48 | 21:41 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
G38958+ W33794 | On time 15:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h29 | 22:22 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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 Waverley -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Edinburgh.
The train service from Cardiff to Edinburgh is run by several agencies including Virgin West Coast Trains, CrossCountry, First TransPennine Express and Northern rail. Virgin trains have one change along the way at Crewe. The departure station is Cardiff Central while the arrival station is Edinburgh Waverley. They take an estimated six hours and forty-five minutes to complete the journey. First TransPennine Express trains leave Cardiff Central for Edinburgh and have one stop at Manchester Piccadilly. There is an hourly train leaving the departure station and it takes an estimated three hours and fifteen minutes to reach Edinburgh. CrossCountry trains leave Cardiff, Greyfriars Road GG to arrive at Edinburgh eight hours and thirty-five minutes later.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Edinburgh 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Edinburgh trains use the Cardiff Central to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Check train stations information for Cardiff and Edinburgh, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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