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Outbound fromEdinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central by train
It takes an average of 7h 3m to travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central by train, over a distance of around 309 miles (498 km). There are normally 2 trains per day travelling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central and tickets for this journey start from £34.90 when you book in advance.
| First train | 12:07 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 13:07 | |
| Departure station | Edinburgh (Waverley) | |
| Arrival station | Cardiff Central | |
| Journey time | From 7h 0m | |
| Distance | 309 miles (498 km) | |
| Frequency | 2 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £34.90 | |
| Train operators |
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.
FAQs about the train journey from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central
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.
Are there direct trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central?
What's the distance between Edinburgh (Waverley) and Cardiff Central by train?
Can you travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Cardiff Central from Edinburgh (Waverley)?
What time is the first train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central?
What time is the last train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central?
How often do trains go from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central?
Is there a return trip from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central?
Cheap train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central
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 Edinburgh (Waverley) to Cardiff Central 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.