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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast

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Low prices found by our customers
Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

Trains to Edinburgh (Waverley) from Cardiff Central

It takes an average of 7h 24m to travel from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train, over a distance of around 309 miles (498 km). There are normally 2 trains per day travelling from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) and tickets for this journey start from £48.70 when you book in advance.

First train

08:45

Last train

09:45

Departure stationCardiff Central
Arrival stationEdinburgh (Waverley)
Journey time

From 7h 23m

Distance

309 miles (498 km)

Frequency

2 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £48.70

Train operators

CrossCountry

Travelling from Cardiff to Edinburgh by train

There are no direct trains running from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh. However, there's an option to use CrossCountry and change at Birmingham New Street, where an Avanti West Coast (formerly Virgin Trains) service will take you all the way to Edinburgh Waverley.

CrossCountry trains come with a First Class carriage, which features free WiFi and complimentary refreshments. For those travelling in Standard, there's a small fee to use the WiFi. There's also a Quiet Coach on most CrossCountry services if you're looking for a little peace and quiet during your journey.

For more information, visit our CrossCountry page.

All Avanti West Coast (formerly Virgin Trains) offer WiFi (complimentary in First Class) and can carry up to four bikes free of charge, a service that has to be reserved in advance. All services offer First Class seating, with upgrades available on weekends and bank holidays.

Cardiff to Edinburgh Route Information

Train journeys from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh Waverley offer some beautiful views for passengers. The train from Cardiff to Birmingham crosses the South of Wales and heads into the West of England, passing through Gloucestershire towns such as Cheltenham Spa and Gloucester, before climbing north into the Midlands and reaching Birmingham New Street.

Make sure to grab a window seat on your next train in order to see the amazing views of the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District before heading into the Lowlands of Scotland, finally reaching your destination of Edinburgh.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley)?

Want to know more about your journey from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley)? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you get to Edinburgh (Waverley) from Cardiff Central?

To travel to Edinburgh (Waverley) from Cardiff Central, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 7 hours and 24 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 7 hours and 23 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley)?

Trains from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) take an average of 7 hours and 24 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 7 hours and 23 minutes. You'll usually find 2 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

How much does it cost to get from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train?

Train tickets from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) can start from £48.70 when booked in advance, but they’re usually more expensive if bought on the day of travel. Prices may also vary depending on the time of day, route, and class you choose.

What is the quickest journey time between Cardiff Central and Edinburgh (Waverley) by train?

The quickest journey time between Cardiff Central and Edinburgh (Waverley) by train is 7 hours and 23 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley)?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Book in advance

Train tickets from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) start at £48.70§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

3. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

4. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

5. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

6. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) is right for you.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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