How much is the train ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff?

The cheapest train tickets from Edinburgh to Cardiff start from R 1 277. The average price for this train route is around R 2 324. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Edinburgh to Cardiff?

The average train journey time from Edinburgh to Cardiff is 7h 29m, covering a distance of 498 km. The quickest train can get you there in 7h 22m and is operated by CrossCountry .

Which train operators serve the Edinburgh to Cardiff route?

Several major train operators run on this route, with 1 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Edinburgh to Cardiff?

The earliest train from Edinburgh to Cardiff departs at 15:04. And the latest train departs at 15:07.

Train Edinburgh to Cardiff from R 1 556

Next train departures

Next departures from Edinburgh to Cardiff on 12 December
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	15:07	Waverley	7h 22m	22:29	Cardiff Central	CheapestFastest
	Train	15:07	Waverley	7h 22m	22:29	Cardiff Central	No tags

Next departures from Edinburgh to Cardiff on 16 December
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	15:04	Waverley	7h 31m	22:35	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
	Train	15:04	Waverley	7h 31m	22:35	Cardiff Central	Fastest

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 2:18 PM GMT.

Compare 3 ways to travel from Edinburgh to Cardiff

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Cardiff. The journey takes about 6 hours 10 minutes and with fares starting at just R 848, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

6h 10mAverage duration

498 kmDistance

21kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average priceR 636 - R 3 271	Average duration15h 40m	CO₂ emissions 12kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 1 277 - R 12 187	Average duration7h 29m	CO₂ emissions 12kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average priceR 848 - R 848	Average duration6h 10m	CO₂ emissions 21kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Edinburgh and Cardiff?

Edinburgh

A
Waverley
Boots Waverley Station, Scotland, Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH2 2QP, UK
Visit page
B
Haymarket
Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5EZ, UK
Visit page
C
Edinburgh Park
Edinburgh Park, Edinburgh EH12 9FX, UK
Visit page
D
Gateway
Edinburgh Gateway, Edinburgh EH12 9GF, UK
Visit page
E
Bus Station
13-14 Multrees Walk, Edinburgh EH1 3DQ, UK
Visit page

Cardiff

A
Cardiff Central
Cardiff Central, UK
Visit page

Train Companies

CrossCountry

4.5/544 reviews

Staff4.5

Timeliness4.1

Cleanliness4.1

WiFi4.1

Based on 44 reviews, the company was rated 4.3 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the departure location but often complained with the value for money. CrossCountry ticket prices on this trip start at R 1 277

GB train companies: Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, RegioJet, FlixTrain, Amtrak Acela

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Edinburgh to Cardiff by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff?
The cheapest train tickets from Edinburgh to Cardiff start from R 1 277. The average price for this train route is around R 2 324. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Edinburgh to Cardiff?
The average train journey time from Edinburgh to Cardiff is 7h 29m, covering a distance of 498 km. The quickest train can get you there in 7h 22m and is operated by CrossCountry.
Which train operators serve the Edinburgh to Cardiff route?
Several major train operators run on this route, with 1 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Edinburgh to Cardiff?
The earliest train from Edinburgh to Cardiff departs at 15:04. And the latest train departs at 15:07.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

09/12

R 2 168

10/12

R 1 933

Today

No data

12/12

R 5 866

13/12

No data

14/12

No data

15/12

No data

16/12

R 1 754

The cheapest trip from Edinburgh to Cardiff was searched and found on 16 Dec 2025 with a price of R 1 754

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Edinburgh to Cardiff as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from R 1 754 to R 11 584 for a train ticket from Edinburgh to Cardiff based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 1 754, which is on 2025-12-16.