Cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We partner with the top coach & train carriers to bring you the best deals.
Best Travel Options
We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Cardiff to Edinburgh Train Timetable
Trip Summary
8 trains operate daily from Cardiff to Edinburgh. The train trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh is usually about 8 hours and 15 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Arriva Trains Wales + Connections train can get you there in as little as 6 hours and 1 minutes.
| Distance | 309 mi (497 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 1m |
| Lowest price | £96.72 |
| Most frequent service | Arriva Trains Wales + Connections |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Cardiff to Edinburgh?
2 train services operate from Cardiff to Edinburgh. Arriva Trains Wales + Connections usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arriva Trains Wales + Connections | 4 | 8h 38m | £187.68 |
| Great Western Railway + Connections | 4 | 7h 53m | £161.59 |
Arriva Trains Wales + Connections train tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh start from £186, and on average cost . Daily there are 4 Arriva Trains Wales + Connections schedules to Edinburgh. Arriva Trains Wales + Connections in Cardiff leaves from Cardiff Central . And in Edinburgh trains arrive at Edinburgh Waverley .
From Cardiff to Edinburgh train travel on Arriva Trains Wales + Connections takes 8 hours and 38 minutes. If you are looking to get to Edinburgh faster, Arriva Trains Wales + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 6 hours and 1 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Arriva Trains Wales + Connections offers 4 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Edinburgh.
Great Western Railway + Connections train tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh start from £97, and on average cost . Daily there are 4 Great Western Railway + Connections schedules to Edinburgh. Great Western Railway + Connections in Cardiff leaves from Cardiff Central . And in Edinburgh trains arrive at Edinburgh Waverley .
From Cardiff to Edinburgh train travel on Great Western Railway + Connections takes 7 hours and 53 minutes. If you are looking to get to Edinburgh faster, Great Western Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 6 hours and 1 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Great Western Railway + Connections offers 4 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Edinburgh.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Cardiff to Edinburgh
The distance between Cardiff and Edinburgh is approximately 309 miles, or 497 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 1 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Cardiff to Edinburgh are the most crowded on Monday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Cardiff at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 8 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Edinburgh to Cardiff.
City Information
Cardiff
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Cardiff is the capital of Wales, as well as its largest city. Although the city was initially founded as a Roman fort, Cardiff has glided effortlessly into the 21st century, offering tourists a diverse mix of old and new.
Looking to explore the city's history? Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city makes for an exciting day out, where visitors can learn about the fascinating 2,000 years of history that the castle represents.
If the castle gets you in the mood to explore more history, the St Fagans National Museum of History will surely satisfy your historical appetite. As one of Europe's leading open-air museums, the museum offers historical attractions that detail history back to the Celtic era.
For those seeking a more modern experience, Cardiff boasts a fantastic selection of shops and cafes, with Cardiff Central Market as the top choice for retail therapy.
Cardiff has excellent transport links, making it an easy place to visit no matter where you're coming from. Cardiff Airport provides access for visitors traveling from off the island, while high-speed rail services make access to and from London simple. Cardiff Central Station also offers direct routes from Bristol, Bath, Manchester, Nottingham, as well as other main cities and towns.
Edinburgh
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
As Scotland's capital, Edinburgh and its people are famed throughout history for their contribution to philosophy, literature, science, and industry, among many other areas. This incredibly diverse city promises to provide attractions and entertainment for people of all ages, budgets, and interests. Edinburgh is even ranked as the #6 city with the most historic sites per capita in Europe, and the #1 outside of Italy!
For those looking for outdoor adventure, take a walk up Arthur's Seat, one of four hill forts that date back to over 2,000 years ago. The walk to the top will allow you to embrace some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes and wildlife, and you'll be rewarded with a dramatic view of Edinburgh at the top.
On rainy days, visit the National Museum of Scotland, where each floor provides information on several fascinating eras of Scotland's history. A trip down the Royal Mile will satisfy all your tartan and souvenir needs, while the world-famous Underground Ghost Tour will give you an entirely different view of this seemingly peaceful, quaint city.
If your trip falls during the holiday season, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is guaranteed to give you the festive feeling, while world-renowned Hogmanay celebrations will ensure that you ring in the New Year with a bang.
Edinburgh is easily accessible via train, plane, and bus. Edinburgh Airport provides global access to the city, while rail services connect the city to many other major towns and cities across the UK. In addition, numerous bus companies travel to and from Edinburgh, meaning that no matter your preferred mode of transport, the city is always within reach.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Cardiff?
Image credit: Hugh Llewelyn
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Cardiff Central
Cardiff Central Station is the largest and busiest rail terminal in Wales and one of two primary train stations in Cardiff. A registered historic building, it first opened in 1850 but is known for its art deco concourse and north entrance, both added in the 1930s. Most facilities are in the main concourse, including ATMs, food outlets, and a newsagent. Transport for Wales operates services to south, central, and north Wales, while Cross Country runs hourly services to Gloucester, Birmingham, and Derby. Great Western operates the route to London Paddington via Bristol Parkway.
All train stations in Cardiff:
Cardiff Central
Where is the train station in Edinburgh?
Image credit: Danny Navarro
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Daniel
Link to image attribution
Image credit: David Brossard
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Edinburgh Waverley
Just steps away from the Scott Monument, Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station is the city's main train terminal and the second-biggest in Scotland. It lies at the northern end of the East Coast Main Line, connecting it with London via York and Newcastle Upon Tyne. Situated within a grand structure between Edinburgh Old and New Towns, you can access it from either Princes Street or Market Street. Beneath an impressive Victorian-era glass roof, passengers will find a good range of facilities, including hot and cold food options, ATMs, and public restrooms. Edinburgh Trams and local bus services depart from outside the Princes Street entrance, with links to Edinburgh Airport.
Train stations in Edinburgh:
Edinburgh Waverley
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Edinburgh to Cardiff?
Search Train Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book coach and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.