- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Cheapest price
£5
Average price
£9
Fastest journey
1 h 10 m
Average duration
1 h 14 m
Buses per day
36
Distance
41 km
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 £9 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £5.
Of the 36 buses that leave Bristol for Cardiff every day 36 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.
NX216
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX216
NX202
NX202
NX202
NX216Omio 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 £4. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 1h 13m. 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 £4, and a train costs an average of £8.
Distance: 41 km
Most popular Coach | Train |
|---|---|
£6 Average Price Cheapest | £19 Average Price |
1h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 51m Average total duration 1h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Cardiff coaches for today, Thursday 20 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 20:55 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h20 | 22:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 21:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h20 | 22:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 22:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 23:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 23:10 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 0:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX202 | 23:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 0:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 0:10 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 1:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 1:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 2:20 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 2:50 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 4:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX216 | 4:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h10 | 5:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 5:10 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 6:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX216 | 6:25 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 7:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 8:30 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h20 | 9:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 9:15 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h30 | 10:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX201 | 9:40 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h20 | 11:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 10:40 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h30 | 12:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX202 | 10:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h20 | 12:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 11:40 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h35 | 13:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX111 | 11:40 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h20 | 13:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 12:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 13:20 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 12:10 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h30 | 13:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX202 | 12:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h30 | 14:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 13:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 14:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 14:50 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h40 | 16:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX202 | 14:55 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h50 | 16:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 15:30 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h35 | 17:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX202 | 16:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h45 | 18:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 16:55 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h40 | 18:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 17:55 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h35 | 19:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 18:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h35 | 19:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX111 | 18:30 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 19:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
NX202 | 18:50 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 20:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h25 | 20:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:10 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 20:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h35 | 21:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 20:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h20 | 21:20 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX202 | 20:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 22:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Bristol to Cardiff run on average 26 times per day, taking around 1h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.
There are 26 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 41 km distance in 1h 10m.
Distance 41 km |
Average bus duration 1h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Buses per day 26 |
Direct buses 26 |
Fastest bus 1h 10m |
First bus 0:10 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
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.
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.
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.
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) -> Cardiff Bus Interchange
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.
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.
There is one bus provider that serves the route from Bristol to Cardiff– National Express
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.
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.
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.

Most Bristol to Cardiff buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus). ATMs are available at Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus).
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus).
Available at Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus): Station is accessible for disabled users.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). ATMs are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Accessible via ramped access.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need