Cardiff to Edinburgh Train

21/11/2024
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Cardiff to Edinburgh by train

The journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh by train is 309.34 mi and takes 6 hrs 46 mins. There are 26 connections per day, with the first departure at 04:35 and the last at 16:54. It is possible to travel from Cardiff to Edinburgh by train for as little as £58.38 or as much as £246.20. The best price for this journey is £58.38.

Lowest Price £58.38
Journey Duration 6 hrs 46 mins
Connection per Day 26
Lowest Price £58.38
Highest Price £246.20
First Departure 04:35
Last Departure 16:54
Distance 309.34 mi
Departure Cardiff
Arrival Edinburgh
Carriers Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry

Cardiff to Edinburgh Train Times

Departure date
Thursday, 21 Nov 2024

Use Virail to find the best way to travel from Cardiff to Edinburgh

What's the best way to get from Cardiff to Edinburgh? If you're not sure, don't worry - Virail can help you. The only thing you have to do is enter your planned travel dates, and let Virail's powerful search tool deal with the rest. We'll look at the routes offered by our trusted travel partners to give you all your available options. Whether you want to travel by plane, train, bus, carpool, or something else, we'll find your ideal solution. You can filter your results according to price, departure or arrival time, journey duration, number of connections, one-way or round trip - anything you want. Virail will give you a full, clear picture of how to get from Cardiff to Edinburgh, then transfer you to your chosen provider's website to complete your booking.

How can I get the cheapest train tickets to travel from Cardiff to Edinburgh?

The prices for train tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh vary depending on a range of factors including how far in advance you're booking, your travel dates, and the type of transport you want to use. On certain routes, there may be different classes available, which will also affect the price. Booked in advance, the cheapest train tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh will cost £58.38. The average train ticket price is approximately £188.89. For the lowest prices, it is usually best to book as far in advance as possible and look out for low-cost options, such as non-refundable tickets or traveling outside of peak hours. Be aware that some providers do not offer refunds or changes on their lower priced tickets, so it is advised to check before completing your transaction.
Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results.
On average, you can expect to spend around £188.89 for your train ticket. Virail will help you find a journey that fits your budget. You can expect prices to vary between different travel providers and methods of transport; often, faster journeys will cost more than slower routes. If your travel dates are flexible, you might be able to find cheaper train tickets, as prices may fluctuate a little from day to day. You may also find lower prices by booking at certain times of day, avoiding rush hour traffic. Another tip for travelers on a tight budget is to look for connecting journeys. Sometimes it can be cheaper to make a change or two along the way, rather than traveling on a direct route from Cardiff to Edinburgh.

How long is the journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh by train?

The average journey time is 6 hrs 46 mins. This is how long it takes to cross the 309.34 mi from Cardiff to Edinburgh. When planning your journey, remember that delays are a possibility. Some unplanned events could cause your journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh to take longer than 6 hrs 46 mins. The journey between Cardiff and Edinburgh by train usually takes 6 hrs 46 mins to cover a distance of 309.34 mi. The shortest journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh will take you 5 hrs 59 mins. Remember, as always, that this time does not include any delays that might occur due to weather conditions, construction, or unexpected diversions and disruptions. If arriving in Edinburgh quickly is a priority for you, look for express or non-stop services. You may also find that a connecting route reaches your destination faster than some direct journeys. Virail will allow you to explore all your options and come to a decision that suits your needs.

What are the stations on the Cardiff to Edinburgh route?

In Cardiff, departure stations include Heath high level,Cardiff central,Cardiff, University,Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GQ). When you arrive in Edinburgh, you may be able to disembark at stations such as Edinburgh - Any hotel,Edinburgh - Princes Street,Edinburgh-Haymarket. Remember though that the exact stations served on each route can vary. Different providers may depart from and arrive at different stations. Furthermore, if you travel on an express service, the number of stations may be limited, and the exact stations served on a particular route may vary at different times of day or day of the week. Check in advance to ensure that you are departing from and arriving at a station that is convenient for your journey.

How many journeys from Cardiff to Edinburgh take place each day?

On average, there are 26 daily departures from Cardiff to Edinburgh. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 0 departures from Cardiff which travel directly to Edinburgh. There are 26 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

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Compare prices and tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh

Cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Cardiff to Edinburgh.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book Cardiff to Edinburgh travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Edinburgh

The cheapest Cardiff - Edinburgh train tickets can be found for as low as £84.68 if you’re lucky, or £158.58 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as £202.92.

Find the best day to travel to Edinburgh by train

When travelling to Edinburgh by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Carriers on this route

Find out more about the carriers on this route.

TransPennine Express is a train operating company in the United Kingdom that provides intercity train services across the North of England and Scotland. The company operates services between major cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket options, including advance purchase tickets, out-of-season tickets, and flexible tickets. The company also provides onboard facilities such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and refreshments.

The Welsh Government owns the non-profit organization Transport for Wales. It is responsible for the procurement and management of passenger rail services in Wales, as well as the development of the Welsh rail network. The company was established in 2018, taking over from Arriva Trains Wales, and operates services across Wales and the Borders. Transport for Wales is a great choice for your journeys within Wales, such as Cardiff to Aberdare or Newport to Swansea, or for your trips in England, like Manchester to Chester or Birmingham to Shrewsbury, and even for your travel between England and Wales.

Services on board Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales and Great Western Railway from Cardiff to Edinburgh
Compare services on board when travelling from Cardiff to Edinburgh by train.
Facilities Avanti West Coast Transport for Wales Great Western Railway
quiet_zone Quiet zone check check check
wifi WiFi check check check
power_sockets Power sockets check check check
food_and_drink Food and drink check check check
luggage Luggage cross check check

Cardiff to Edinburgh CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
34.85kg
Bus
37.34kg
Flight
99.57kg
Car
79.65kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Cardiff to Edinburgh by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Cardiff and Edinburgh are 34.85kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Cardiff and Edinburgh? By taking the train between Cardiff and Edinburgh you will save 64.72kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 2.49kg compared to a bus and 44.8kg compared to a car.

Anything we can improve?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Cardiff to Edinburgh?
A train ticket from Cardiff to Edinburgh is £188.89. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as £58.38.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Cardiff to Edinburgh?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Cardiff to Edinburgh is £58.38. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Cardiff and Edinburgh by train?
Cardiff to Edinburgh is 309.34 mi.
How long does the train between Cardiff and Edinburgh take?
Cardiff to Edinburgh is on average 6 hrs 46 mins. However the fastest option will get you there in 5 hrs 59 mins.
Which companies operate from Cardiff to Edinburgh?
The train journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh is covered by 4 operator(s). On Virail you can find these carriers that provide services on this route: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express and Great Western Railway.
How many train connections per day go from Cardiff to Edinburgh?
Cardiff to Edinburgh has 26 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Cardiff to Edinburgh leave?
The earliest train from Cardiff to Edinburgh departs at 04:35. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Cardiff to Edinburgh depart?
The latest train from Cardiff to Edinburgh departs at 16:54. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Cardiff to Edinburgh in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is £58.38 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
What's the fastest journey time between Cardiff to Edinburgh by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Cardiff and Edinburgh is 5 hrs 59 mins.
Is there a direct train from Cardiff to Edinburgh?
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Edinburgh.
What are the CO2 emissions for Cardiff to Edinburgh by train?
The train journey from Cardiff to Edinburgh creates 34.85kg of CO2 emissions.

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