Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) bus with National Express

Sat 05 Sept
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD)

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept

Cheapest price on 05 Sept

£14

Average ticket price on 05 Sept

£30

Fastest journey on 05 Sept

3 h 20 m

Average journey duration on 05 Sept

3 h 27 m

Buses on 05 Sept

34

Distance

208 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) will cost around £30 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £14.

Fast coaches

On Sat 05 Sept, we found 34 buses from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD), including 30 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 208 km distance in an average of 3 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .

The slowest buses will take 3 h 30 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    17:253h45
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    21:10London, Victoria Coach Station
    £141One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    16:153h50
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    20:05London, Victoria Coach Station
    £141One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    1:404h00
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    5:40London, Victoria Coach Station
    £161One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    18:104h05
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    22:15London, Victoria Coach Station
    £201One-way
    0 changes
  • National ExpressNX509
    17:303h50
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    21:20London, Victoria Coach Station
    £201One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD)

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £11 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 18m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £11, while a train costs an average of £57.

Distance: 208 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Driving

£11

Average Price

Cheapest

£57

Average Price

£53

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 6m

Average total duration

3h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 18m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 13m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) is a coach with an average price of £11.

This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD):

A coach is £46 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) costing on average £57.

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) is by train with an average journey time of 2h 48m.

Other travel options to London Paddington (PAD) take longer:

Coach takes on average 3h 36m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Paddington (PAD) 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 £11 compared to roughly £53 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £42. The journey takes 3h 36m versus 3h 13m 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.

Direct services are operated by National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.

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

Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) coaches for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX50916:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h05
20:50 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus17:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
3h45
21:10 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX50917:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h50
21:20 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus18:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
4h05
22:15 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX50718:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h35
22:20 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX50919:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h30
23:15 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX201 · NX03523:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h10
4:50 London, Victoria Coach Station1 change
Saturday 5 September
FlixBusFlixBus1:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
4h00
5:40 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX201 · NX4441:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h00
5:50 London, Victoria Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX201 · NX0251:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h00
5:50 London, Victoria Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX5093:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h35
6:50 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX5094:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h30
8:20 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus5:00 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
3h40
8:40 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX5095:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h25
9:20 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus6:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
4h00
10:05 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX5076:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h20
10:05 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus7:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
3h50
11:00 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX5097:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h35
10:50 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX5077:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h40
11:25 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX5098:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h50
12:20 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus8:55 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
4h30
13:25 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX5079:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h50
13:05 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX50910:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h50
13:50 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus10:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
4h20
14:50 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX50710:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h50
14:35 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX50911:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h35
15:05 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus11:55 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
4h35
16:30 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX50712:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h30
15:45 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus13:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
4h25
17:30 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX50913:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h50
17:35 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX50914:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h00
18:45 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX202 · NX04015:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h45
19:50 London, Victoria Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX50716:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h00
20:00 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus16:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
3h50
20:05 London, Victoria Coach Station0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) 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.

Fri
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Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as Megabus or FlixBus offer coaches services from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD).

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD).
  • 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 Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD).

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD).
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD).

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) run on average 28 times per day, taking around 3h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.

There are 23 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:40, the last at 18:53. The fastest coach covers the 208 km distance in 3h 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
208 km
Average bus duration
3h 36m
Cheapest ticket price
£5
Buses per day
28
Direct buses
23
Fastest bus
3h 10m
First bus
0:40
Last bus
18:53
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
28 days
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, Megabus, FlixBus from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD)You can travel by bus between Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus 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.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
3h 10m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£5
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.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
3h 22m
Cheapest National Express Price
£8
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 Megabus Duration
4h 0m
Cheapest Megabus Price
£12
Megabus frequency
16 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.

FAQs: Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) 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 London Paddington (PAD), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) can start from as little as £5 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) is £11; 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 Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) is 3h 10m to travel the 208 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 Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) leaves at 0:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) leaves at 18:53.
Yes, there are 23 direct coaches a day from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD), you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to London Paddington (PAD). You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Paddington (PAD) and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to London Paddington (PAD) from Cardiff Central (CDF) is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Paddington (PAD) including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD):
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) for coach company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) depends on the coach companies:
  • Megabus
    • 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.
  • 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.
  • FlixBus
    • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
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 Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD).
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD):
  • Megabus
    • 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).
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD):
  • Megabus
    • 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.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD). The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD) with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.

More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to London Paddington (PAD)

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