- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Cheapest price on 11 Oct
£132
Average ticket price on 11 Oct
£219
Fastest journey on 11 Oct
5 h 54 m
Average journey duration on 11 Oct
6 h 2 m
Trains on 11 Oct
4
Distance
497 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 £219 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £132.
To travel from Edinburgh to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
W33197+
G38859
W33251+
G38856
W33256+
G38850
W33219+
G38853
W33251+
G38856
W33197+
G38859
W33256+
G38850
W33219+
G38853Trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £51 but you can travel from only £25 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 18:52. The fastest train covers the 497 km distance in 5h 42m.
Distance 497 km |
Average train duration 6h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £51 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 42m |
First train 4:00 |
Last train 18:52 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday 10 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W84897+ G38875 | 6:13 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 7h32 | 13:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W33686+ G38872 | 6:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h53 | 12:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W33693+ G38876 | 8:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h52 | 14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W33398+ G38881 | 10:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h52 | 16:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W33596+ G38884 | 12:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h54 | 18:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
The most popular day trips by train from Cardiff are Bristol, Bath, Swansea, Newport and Cheltenham. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Cardiff on Omio.

Bristol is known for its maritime past, inventive culture and distinctive street art. Around the harbourside and Clifton, historic landmarks and a strong independent scene give the city an energetic but relaxed feel.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 41 km distance in 39m.

Bath is known for its Roman Baths, graceful Georgian architecture and links to Jane Austen. Its compact centre feels elegant yet lively, with historic streets, independent shops and a long-standing spa culture.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:13, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 54m.

Swansea is known for its sweeping bay, maritime past and connection to Dylan Thomas. The city mixes a practical urban centre with a waterfront feel and quick access to the Gower coast.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 55 km distance in 50m.

Newport is a South Wales city known for its industrial past, the Transporter Bridge and riverside setting on the Usk. Regenerated shopping areas and historic sites give it a practical mix of modern city life and local heritage.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 17 km distance in 10m.

Cheltenham is a Regency spa town known for elegant architecture, garden squares and a lively festival calendar. It is especially associated with jump racing and the Cheltenham Festival, balanced by a refined town-centre atmosphere.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 89 km distance in 1h 0m.
There are no direct trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff but it is possible to travel from the Scottish to the Welsh capital with only one change. The first departure is a Virgin trains service leaving just before 7:00 a.m. connecting at Crewe with an Arriva Trains Wales route to Cardiff. The service operates roughly every hour throughout the day until the final train in the late afternoon. Some journeys use CrossCountry services to Bristol Parkway to connect with Great Western Railway trains. Journey times range from under six hours to seven hours and 30 minutes.
Departure Station: Trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff depart from Waverley station which is situated in central Edinburgh, around a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle. Bus and tram stops on Princes Street provide local connections. Night buses and airport services depart from Waverley Bridge. The station taxi rank is next to the concourse and platforms.
Arrival Station: Cardiff Central station is located south-west of the centre, connected by local buses from stops nearby on Penarth Road. Taxis are available by the main entrance.
Trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff depart from Waverley train station, which is centrally located in Edinburgh. There is a taxi rank located close to the station, at Waverley Bridge. Bus stops are situated outside exit 1 of the station along Princess Street. There is also a convenient tram service that operates a route to the main entrance of Waverley train station. Night bus services operate between the hours of midnight and 4:30 a.m. For those arriving by private car, there are convenient parking facilities at Waverley Bridge.
Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a port city with plenty to offer its visitors. Cardiff's top attractions include the picturesque Cardiff Bay, the tranquil Bute Park, Llandaff Cathedral and Cardiff Castle. Trains from Edinburgh to Cardiff arrive at Cardiff Central train station, which is located at Central Square in the city centre. Just outside the main entrance is Cardiff Central bus station. For onward travel, city service routes, such as Stagecoach 122 and EST 89, call in at the bus station. There is also a taxi rank at the bus station.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Edinburgh to Cardiff trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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