- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest coaches from Basingstoke to Cardiff
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£13
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£14
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
6 h 5 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
6 h 42 m
Buses on 23 Sept
3
Distance
147 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Basingstoke to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basingstoke to Cardiff will cost around £14 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £13.
Fast coaches
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 3 buses from Basingstoke to Cardiff, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 147 km distance in an average of 6 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 5 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 5 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
16:506h55Basingstoke23:45Cardiff£131One-way0 changes- 9:056h05Basingstoke15:10Cardiff£131One-way0 changes
- 17:507h05Basingstoke0:55Cardiff£141One-way0 changes
- 9:056h05Basingstoke15:10Cardiff£131One-way0 changes
- 16:506h55Basingstoke23:45Cardiff£131One-way0 changes
- 17:507h05Basingstoke0:55Cardiff£141One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Basingstoke to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basingstoke to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £43 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 55m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £43, while a train costs an average of £62.
Distance: 147 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£43 Average Price Cheapest | £62 Average Price | £30 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 51m Average total duration 5h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 55m Average total duration Fastest 2h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Basingstoke to Cardiff is a coach with an average price of £43.
This is compared to other travel options from Basingstoke to Cardiff:
A coach is £18 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basingstoke to Cardiff costing on average £62.
The fastest way to travel from Basingstoke to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 2h 25m.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 21m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Basingstoke and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £43 compared to roughly £30 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-12.94. The journey takes 5h 21m versus 2h 16m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Basingstoke to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Basingstoke to Cardiff coaches for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17:50 Basingstoke | 7h05 | 0:55 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 23 September | |||||
| 9:05 Basingstoke | 6h05 | 15:10 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basingstoke to Cardiff by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept
29 Sept
Why should you book Basingstoke to Cardiff coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Basingstoke to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Basingstoke to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Basingstoke to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Basingstoke to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Basingstoke to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Basingstoke to Cardiff run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £25 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 23:35. The fastest coach covers the 147 km distance in 4h 50m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 147 km |
Average bus duration 5h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £25 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 4h 50m |
First bus 0:45 |
Last bus 23:35 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: National Express from Basingstoke to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Basingstoke to Cardiff with National Express for as low as £25. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
4h 50m
Cheapest National Express Price
£25
National Express frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Complete guide to Cardiff
Things to do in Cardiff
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
- Must visit
St Fagans National Museum of History
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
- Recommended
Museum of Cardiff
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
- Must visit
Cardiff Arcades
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
- Must visit
Bute Park
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
- Must visit
Cardiff Bay
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
- Gluten-free
Cawl
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
- Vegetarian
Welsh rarebit
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
- Vegetarian
Bara brith
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Heaneys
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Asador 44
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
The Potted Pig
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.
Cardiff Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.40
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) -> Cardiff Bus Interchange
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Cardiff Bus accepts contactless payment for adult single and day tickets, including Tap On, Tap Off on bus services.
- For travel from North Road into the centre, Cardiff Bus service 24 runs via North Road to Cardiff Bus Interchange.
FAQs: Basingstoke to Cardiff coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basingstoke to Cardiff by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Basingstoke to Cardiff can start from as little as £25 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Basingstoke to Cardiff is £43; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Basingstoke to Cardiff is 4h 50m to travel the 147 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Basingstoke to Cardiff leaves at 0:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Basingstoke to Cardiff leaves at 23:35.
There are 5 coaches a day from Basingstoke to Cardiff which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Basingstoke to Cardiff, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Basingstoke and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Basingstoke , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Basingstoke, Alençon Link (Malls Shopping Centre - Stop Z), Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride . When arriving in Cardiff , you can end your route in coach stations like Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Basingstoke, Alençon Link (Malls Shopping Centre - Stop Z), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Cardiff from Basingstoke is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Basingstoke to Cardiff is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Basingstoke and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Basingstoke to Cardiff:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Basingstoke to Cardiff for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Basingstoke to Cardiff depends on the coach companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Basingstoke to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Basingstoke to Cardiff:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Basingstoke to Cardiff:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Basingstoke to Cardiff.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Basingstoke to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Basingstoke to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Basingstoke to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Basingstoke and Cardiff
Most Basingstoke to Cardiff buses use the Basingstoke, Alençon Link (Malls Shopping Centre - Stop Z) to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). Use this guide to compare Basingstoke and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Basingstoke
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff
Which Basingstoke station do buses to Cardiff leave from?
Buses from Basingstoke to Cardiff leave from Basingstoke, Alençon Link (Malls Shopping Centre - Stop Z). The station is 1 km from Basingstoke city centre at Basingstoke bus station, Basingstoke RG21 7BB, UK.
Basingstoke, Alençon Link (Malls Shopping Centre - Stop Z)Basingstoke bus station, Basingstoke RG21 7BB, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Basingstoke, Alençon Link (Malls Shopping Centre - Stop Z) from Basingstoke city centre
Bus3, 11, 16 · 7m · £2 · every ~28 min
Basingstoke, Alençon Link (Malls Shopping Centre - Stop Z) bus station facilities and services
Basingstoke, Alençon Link (Malls Shopping Centre - Stop Z) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Food court available in the shopping centre.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Basingstoke, Alençon Link (Malls Shopping Centre - Stop Z). ATMs are aTMs available in the shopping centre.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basingstoke, Alençon Link (Malls Shopping Centre - Stop Z).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basingstoke, Alençon Link (Malls Shopping Centre - Stop Z): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basingstoke, Alençon Link (Malls Shopping Centre - Stop Z): Bus stop is wheelchair accessible.
Which Cardiff station do buses from Basingstoke arrive at?
Buses from Basingstoke to Cardiff most often arrive at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Some services arrive at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Cardiff arrival station.
Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre
Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre
TRUE
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)Cardiff CF10 3RB, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 21, 136, 23 · 3m · £2 · every ~20 min
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). ATMs are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Accessible via ramped access.
Most popular bus connections from Basingstoke
More options for your journey from Basingstoke to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cardiff and Basingstoke
Most popular bus connections
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
