Trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central

There are no direct trains running from Edinburgh to Cardiff. You have different travel options with up to three changes needed, with the quickest route being from Edinburgh to Birmingham New Street, changing there for a train to Cardiff Central.

If taking the quickest route, you'll travel with CrossCountry or Avanti West Coast (formerly Virgin Trains).

CrossCountry trains all come with a First Class option. There's a buffet car on most trains, if not, then there will be a buffet cart providing at-seat service. Most CrossCountry trains on this route feature a Quiet Coach and there's free WiFi if you travel in First Class with a small fee for those in Standard.

All Avanti West Coast (formerly Virgin Trains) feature a buffet car called The Foodbar, usually located either in coach J or H. Here, you can purchase hot and cold food and drink throughout the day. On most journeys, you'll also find a full drinks menu and an at-seat trolley service. If you travel in First Class, the food and drink are complimentary but subject to availability.

Route information from Edinburgh to Cardiff

The first train takes you from Edinburgh Waverley, down through the Scottish Lowlands and into the North of England. After moving through Carlisle, you'll soon pass two of England's most famous national parks, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. As you continue further south, you'll soon reach the Midlands and finally Birmingham New Street, where you make your change to a CrossCountry train to Cardiff.

Leaving Birmingham, you'll travel through Cheltenham Spa, home to the world-famous Cheltenham Festival, one of the biggest horse-racing events in the world. You'll then finally cross the Welsh border as you call at Chepstow (another famous horse-racing town) before arriving at Cardiff Central.