Bristol to Cardiff bus with Megabus

Thu, 20 Nov
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National Express
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bristol to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 20 Nov

Cheapest price

£5

Average price

£8

Fastest journey

1 h 10 m

Average duration

1 h 14 m

Buses per day

28

Distance

41 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bristol to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bristol to Cardiff will cost around £8 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £5.

Fast coaches

Of the 28 buses that leave Bristol for Cardiff every day 28 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 41 km distance in an average of 1 h 14 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .

The slowest buses will take 1 h 15 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.

National ExpressNX216
04:351h10
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
05:45Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£51One-way
0 changes
National ExpressNX216
06:251h15
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
07:40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£51One-way
0 changes
FlixBusFlixBus
00:501h15
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
02:05Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
£51One-way
0 changes
FlixBusFlixBus
19:101h15
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
20:25Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
£51One-way
0 changes
FlixBusFlixBus
09:251h20
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
10:45Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
£51One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Bristol to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £5, and a train costs an average of £8.

Distance: 41 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train

£9

Average Price

Cheapest

£20

Average Price

1h 48m

Average total duration

1h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 42m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Megabus

Most popular bus company

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Bristol to Cardiff bus times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Cardiff coaches for today, Wednesday 19 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 02:38
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus02:50 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h15
04:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX21604:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h10
05:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus06:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h15
07:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX21606:25 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h15
07:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus09:25 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h20
10:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX20109:40 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h20
11:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
national_expressNX20210:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h20
12:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus11:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h30
12:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus11:40 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h35
13:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus12:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h30
14:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX20212:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h20
14:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus13:55 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h35
15:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus14:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h30
16:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX20214:55 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h35
16:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus14:55 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h40
16:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX20216:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h30
18:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus16:55 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h40
18:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus18:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h40
19:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX20218:50 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h15
20:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus19:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h20
20:20 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus19:10 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h15
20:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX20220:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h15
22:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus20:55 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h20
22:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus21:10 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h20
22:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus23:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h15
00:20 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX20223:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h15
00:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
Thursday 20 November
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus00:50 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h15
02:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Cardiff by coach or train

Compare coach and train 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
19 Nov
Thu
20 Nov
Fri
21 Nov
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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bristol to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Bristol to Cardiff run on average 27 times per day, taking around 1h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.

There are 25 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:03, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 41 km distance in 1h 10m.

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
41 km
Average bus duration
1h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
£5
Buses per day
27
Direct buses
25
Fastest bus
1h 10m
First bus
00:03
Last bus
23:55
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: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express from Bristol to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Cardiff with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express for as low as £5. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Learn more about FlixBus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 15m
Cheapest Price
£5
FlixBus frequency
14 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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.
Learn more about National Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 15m
Cheapest Price
£11
National Express frequency
6 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.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 20m
Cheapest Price
£12
Megabus frequency
32 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

Buses from Bristol to Cardiff

National Express operates a direct bus service between Bristol and Cardiff. This is a one hour trip, although some services can take 20 minutes longer. There are ten buses covering this route every day, departing at least every two hours, and hourly at peak times. Coaches begin travelling this route every day at 9:15 a.m., and service ends at 1:55 a.m.

What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Bristol to Cardiff?

Departure Station: Bristol Coach Station Also known as Marlborough Street Station. The station is conveniently located between the University and the shopping area of Broadmead which can be reached on foot in just ten minutes. The cultural district and Harbourside are one mile away, and so is Temple Meads.

Arrival Station: Cardiff Coach Station Cardiff Coach Station, or Sophia Gardens Station, located by the River Taff, 0.6 miles north of the Millennium Stadium and from Cardiff Castle. There are frequent city buses connecting the station with the city centre, although the most convenient bus is number 24. The recreational area of Cardiff Bay is two and a half miles away.

Which bus companies provide the route from Bristol to Cardiff?

There is one bus provider that serves the route from Bristol to Cardiff– National Express

How long is the journey from Cardiff to Bristol on the coach?

On average the journey takes just over an hour to complete on the coach. This may var slightly depending on the coach provider and if the service includes a change or a stop.

Where do the coaches depart from and arrive to?

Departing Bristol on the coach: Bristol Coach Station is the main departure point in the city for National Express services. Located in the city centre, about a mile from Bristol Temple Meads station, the coach station can be reached on foot from most other central destinations, or by using public buses.

Getting into Cardiff on the coach: National Express buses from Bristol to Cardiff terminate at Cardiff Bus Station, which is conveniently located on the forecourt of Cardiff rail station in the heart of the city centre, and easy walking distance from most hotels and the main shopping promenade.

FAQs: Bristol to Cardiff coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Bristol to Cardiff can start from as little as £4 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bristol to Cardiff is £7; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The coach time between Bristol and Cardiff is on average 1 h 10 min   for the 25 mile long journey, but the time it takes to go from Bristol to Cardiff by coach can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Bristol to Cardiff leaves at 04: 35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Bristol to Cardiff leaves at 23: 05.
Yes, there are 45 direct coaches a day from Bristol to Cardiff with Megabus, FlixBus or National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
For the best Bristol to Cardiff coach to buy, you can travel safely and comfortably with Megabus, FlixBus or National Express. However, it's always good to check all possible coach companies with services between Bristol and Cardiff to compare what amenities they may offer.

When departing from Bristol, you have various coach station options to start your trip from including Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), Bristol, Airport, Bristol, Airport Bus Station, Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus) and Bristol, Bond Street North. When arriving in Cardiff, you can end your route in coach stations like Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Lloyd George Ave / Herbert Street, Cardiff, University, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) and Cardiff, Millennium Stadium.

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), which is located around 0.5 miles (798 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, located 0.9 miles (1.4 km) away from the city centre.

A day trip to Cardiff from Bristol is worth doing with a journey time of 1 h 10 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Bristol to Cardiff is November.
You have options as you can travel from Bristol to Cardiff 2 different ways: coach or train.
No, the coach from Bristol to Cardiff has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Bristol to Cardiff.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Bristol to Cardiff.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Bristol to Cardiff, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.

    • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Bristol to Cardiff.
    No, luggage for the coach from Bristol to Cardiff needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Bristol to Cardiff.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Bristol to Cardiff.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Bristol to Cardiff.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Bristol to Cardiff.

    popular bus stations

    Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Cardiff

    Bristol
    Cardiff
    The major coach station for departures in Bristol is Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) for your trip from Bristol to Cardiff.
    Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
    information
    address
    Address
    Bristol Bus Station (Bay 19), Marlborough Street 15, BS1 3ES
    Bristol, AirportWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    address
    Address
    Bristol Airport, North Side Road, Bristol BS48 3DY, UK
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 06:00-22:00
    ticketOfficeHours
    Distance to city center
    11 km
    carConnection
    Car connection
    North Side Road
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Café in the terminal (in the station)
    • Fast-food outlet (in the station).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the terminal.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transport options for Bristol, Airport
    • Bus: A1, A2
    Bristol, University Queens Road
    information
    Bristol, Clifton Down
    information
    Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus)
    information
    Bristol, Airport Bus Station
    information

    More options for your journey from Bristol to Cardiff

    Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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