How much is the train ticket from Cardiff to Edinburgh?

The cheapest train tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh start from R 1 260. The average price for this train route is around R 1 839. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh?

The average train journey time from Cardiff to Edinburgh is 7h 24m, covering a distance of 498 km. The quickest train can get you there in 7h 12m and is operated by CrossCountry .

Which train operators serve the Cardiff to Edinburgh 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 Cardiff to Edinburgh?

The earliest train from Cardiff to Edinburgh departs at 08:45. And the latest train departs at 15:49.

Train Cardiff to Edinburgh from R 1 196

Next train departures

Next departures from Cardiff to Edinburgh on 16 December
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	09:45	Cardiff Central	7h 24m	17:09	Waverley	CheapestFastest
	Train	09:45	Cardiff Central	7h 24m	17:09	Waverley	No tags

Next departures from Cardiff to Edinburgh on 17 December
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	09:45	Cardiff Central	7h 24m	17:09	Waverley	Cheapest
	Train	09:45	Cardiff Central	7h 24m	17:09	Waverley	Fastest

Next departures from Cardiff to Edinburgh on 18 December
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	09:45	Cardiff Central	7h 24m	17:09	Waverley	Cheapest
	Train	09:45	Cardiff Central	7h 24m	17:09	Waverley	Fastest

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 12:29 AM GMT.

Compare 3 ways to travel from Cardiff to Edinburgh

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Edinburgh. The journey takes about 6 hours 20 minutes and with fares starting at just R 851, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

6h 20mAverage duration

498 kmDistance

21kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average priceR 474 - R 2 378	Average duration14h 25m	CO₂ emissions 12kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 1 260 - R 11 869	Average duration7h 24m	CO₂ emissions 12kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average priceR 851 - R 851	Average duration6h 20m	CO₂ emissions 21kg CO₂e

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

Cardiff

A
Cardiff Central
Cardiff Central, UK
Visit page

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

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 1 260

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

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cardiff to Edinburgh 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 Cardiff to Edinburgh?
The cheapest train tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh start from R 1 260. The average price for this train route is around R 1 839. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh?
The average train journey time from Cardiff to Edinburgh is 7h 24m, covering a distance of 498 km. The quickest train can get you there in 7h 12m and is operated by CrossCountry.
Which train operators serve the Cardiff to Edinburgh 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 Cardiff to Edinburgh?
The earliest train from Cardiff to Edinburgh departs at 08:45. And the latest train departs at 15:49.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

14/12

No data

15/12

R 1 744

Today

R 1 558

17/12

R 1 744

18/12

R 1 559

19/12

R 5 845

20/12

No data

21/12

No data

The cheapest trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh was searched and found on 16 Dec 2025 with a price of R 1 558

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

You can expect to pay from R 1 558 to R 11 536 for a train ticket from Cardiff to Edinburgh based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 1 559, which is on 2025-12-18.