Trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central
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Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central by train
It takes an average of 9h 42m to travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central by train, over a distance of around 309 miles (498 km). There are normally 48 trains per day travelling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central and tickets for this journey start from £53.80 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:05 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:00 | |
| Departure station | Edinburgh (Waverley) | |
| Arrival station | Cardiff Central | |
| Journey time | From 5h 53m | |
| Distance | 309 miles (498 km) | |
| Frequency | 48 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £53.80 | |
| Train operators | CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, TransPennine Express, ScotRail, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Transport for Wales, Lumo |
Travelling from Edinburgh to Cardiff by train
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.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central take?
The average journey time by train between Edinburgh (Waverley) and Cardiff Central is 9 hours and 42 minutes, with around 48 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Edinburgh (Waverley) and Cardiff Central by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central is 5 hours and 53 minutes.
How much does the train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central cost?
Train ticket prices from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central can start from as little as £53.80 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central?
No, there are no direct train services from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central. Travelling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central leave?
The first train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central leaves at 05:05. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central leave?
The last train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central leaves at 22:00. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Edinburgh (Waverley) and Cardiff Central by train?
Trains travelling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central cover a distance of around 309 miles (498 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley).
Cheap train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central
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