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Outbound fromCardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train
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 3 trains per day travelling from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) and tickets for this journey start from $50.70 when you book in advance.
| First train | 08:43 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 09:45 | |
| Departure station | Cardiff Central | |
| Arrival station | Edinburgh (Waverley) | |
| Journey time | From 7h 23m | |
| Distance | 309 miles (498 km) | |
| Frequency | 3 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $50.70 | |
| Train operators |
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.
FAQs 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.
Are there direct trains from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
What's the distance between Cardiff Central and Edinburgh (Waverley) by train?
Can you travel from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Edinburgh (Waverley) from Cardiff Central?
What time is the first train from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
What time is the last train from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
How often do trains go from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
Is there a return trip from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
Cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley)
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Cardiff Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.