- Must visit
National Library of Wales
National library galleries showing art, photography and manuscripts in a major cultural institution with changing exhibitions and sea-facing grounds.
Cheapest price
£33
Average price
£33
Fastest journey
10 h 5 m
Average duration
10 h 5 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
121 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Aberystwyth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Aberystwyth will cost around £33 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £33.
To travel from Cardiff to Aberystwyth you need to make at least one change.
NX111 · NX409
NX111 · NX409Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Aberystwyth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £26. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £26, and a train costs an average of £24.
Distance: 121 km
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£39 Average Price Cheapest | £41 Average Price |
6h 55m Average total duration 6h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Cardiff to Aberystwyth coaches for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX111 · NX409 | 8:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 10h45 | 19:15 Aberystwyth, Alexandra Road | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Cardiff to Aberystwyth run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £26 but you can travel from only £24 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 04:57, the last at 19:38. The fastest coach covers the 121 km distance in 7h 25m.
Distance 121 km |
Average bus duration 6h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 7h 25m |
First bus 4:57 |
Last bus 19:38 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Aberystwyth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Aberystwyth trip today.
National library galleries showing art, photography and manuscripts in a major cultural institution with changing exhibitions and sea-facing grounds.
Museum on the seafront covering local history, archaeology and social life in Ceredigion. A compact, useful introduction to the town and region.
University arts centre gallery presenting contemporary exhibitions alongside a busy programme of performance and cinema. A strong modern cultural venue.
Long Victorian promenade facing Cardigan Bay, ideal for a coastal walk, sunset views and access to the pier, beach and central seafront landmarks.
Hilltop viewpoint and walking area with sweeping views of the town and coast. Popular for short walks and for the cliff railway connection.
Popular beach beside the castle and promenade, good for a relaxed walk, sea views and watching the sunset close to the town centre.
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. A classic Welsh comfort dish often served in cafés and pubs.
Cawl is a traditional Welsh soup or stew of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a staple dish strongly linked with Welsh home cooking.
Bara brith is a spiced Welsh tea loaf packed with dried fruit, usually served sliced with butter. It is a beloved teatime bake across Wales.
Stylish restaurant and bar known for steaks, burgers and varied mains, suited to casual dinners in central Aberystwyth.
Established town-centre restaurant serving Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, with a lively yet comfortable atmosphere.
Well-known harbourfront seafood restaurant and fishmonger, popular for fresh local catch in a relaxed setting.
Moderate for the UK: lodging is often cheaper than major cities, while dining and local transport are fairly priced for visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up in cafés and taxis, but it is not expected for every purchase.
Official public transport app
Aberystwyth Station -> Aberystwyth Town Centre
Buses from Cardiff to Aberystwyth are operated seven days a week by both National Express Coach Services and MegaBus. Each operator has one departure a day. Megabus leaves at just before 9:30 p.m., with a direct journey time of 3.5 hours. The National Express departure is just after 12:30 p.m. and takes 7.5 hours. A change of bus is necessary at Birmingham Coach Station.
Return journeys on buses from Aberystwyth to Cardiff are also available.
The main departure point for buses from Cardiff to Aberystwyth is Cardiff Central Bus Station, which is the largest in Wales and is conveniently located next to the railway station and within walking distance of the city centre. Several local buses arrive at the station from departure points in the city centre, the university, nearby towns, such as Newport and other places in the Vale of Glamorgan and South-East Wales. There are taxi ranks at the station.
Aberystwyth is a small and pretty university town sitting on the coastline of Ceredigion, or Cardigan, Bay. It is compact and easy to explore on foot, with pleasant promenade walks from where the bay's beautiful sunsets can be enjoyed over an evening drink. The impressive castle ruins overlook the town and are pleasant to explore, while the summit of Constitution Hill can be reached by a funicular railway.
Buses from Cardiff to Aberystwyth arrive at Aberystwyth Bus Station, close to the town centre. There are local bus routes, operated by Arriva, to shops and other services in the centre, the two university campuses and surrounding villages. There are taxis available at the station.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Aberystwyth 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 Aberystwyth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Aberystwyth buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Aberystwyth, Alexandra Road station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Aberystwyth bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
Aberystwyth, Alexandra Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Wi-Fi is available at Aberystwyth, Alexandra Road. ATMs are available at Aberystwyth, Alexandra Road.
Ticket office support is available at Aberystwyth, Alexandra Road.
Available at Aberystwyth, Alexandra Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aberystwyth, Alexandra Road: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aberystwyth, Alexandra Road: Wheelchair ramps available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need