- Must visit
Titanic Belfast
Major interactive museum telling the story of the ship, the city’s industrial heritage and the dock where Titanic was built.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Belfast
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Sept
Cheapest price on 04 Sept
£54
Average ticket price on 04 Sept
£54
Fastest journey on 04 Sept
21 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 04 Sept
21 h 45 m
Buses on 04 Sept
1
Distance
391 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Belfast is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Belfast will cost around £54 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £54.
Fast coaches
To travel from Cardiff to Belfast you need to make at least 2 changes.
NX509 · NX594 · UL92316:4521h45Cardiff, Sophia Gardens14:30Belfast, Grand Central Station£541One-way2 changes
- NX509 · NX594 · UL92316:4521h45Cardiff, Sophia Gardens14:30Belfast, Grand Central Station£541One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Cardiff to Belfast
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Belfast among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £54 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 24m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £54, while a flight costs an average of £100.
Distance: 391 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£54 Average Price Cheapest | £100 Average Price | £109 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 8m Average total duration 16h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Belfast is a coach with an average price of £54.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Belfast:
A coach is £45 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cardiff to Belfast costing on average £100.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Belfast is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 24m.
Other travel options to Belfast take longer:
Coach takes on average 16h 38m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Belfast including taking a coach and flight.
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 £54 compared to roughly £109 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £54. The journey takes 16h 38m versus 9h 12m 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
Cardiff to Belfast bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Belfast coaches for tomorrow, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX509 · NX594 · UL923 | 16:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 21h45 | 14:30 Belfast, Grand Central Station | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Belfast by coach or flight
Compare coach and flight 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.
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Why should you book Cardiff to Belfast coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Cardiff to Belfast.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Belfast.
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 bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Belfast.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Belfast.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Belfast
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Belfast run on average 1 times per day, taking around 16h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £54 but you can travel from only £51 by flight.
The earliest coach runs at 14:20, the last at 18:53. The fastest coach covers the 391 km distance in 21h 5m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £51
Distance 391 km |
Average bus duration 16h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £54 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 21h 5m |
First bus 14:20 |
Last bus 18:53 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £51
Bus providers: National Express from Cardiff to BelfastYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Belfast with National Express for as low as £51. 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
21h 5m
Cheapest National Express Price
£54
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 Belfast
Things to do in Belfast
Discover the best of Belfast — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Belfast trip today.
- Must visit
Ulster Museum
National museum with art, archaeology, natural history and local history collections beside Botanic Gardens.
- Recommended
Golden Thread Gallery
Contemporary gallery in the Cathedral Quarter showing rotating exhibitions by Irish and international artists in a compact city-centre space.
- Must visit
Titanic Quarter
Revived waterfront district with dockside walks, Titanic landmarks, public art and harbour views close to major visitor sites.
- Must visit
Cathedral Quarter
Historic quarter known for cobbled lanes, street art, music venues and handsome warehouse architecture around St Anne’s Cathedral.
- Recommended
Ormeau Park
Leafy Victorian park with broad lawns, river walks and an excellent viewpoint over Belfast from the hilltop.
Ulster Fry
A Northern Irish breakfast with fried eggs, bacon, sausages, soda bread, potato bread and black pudding. A staple local start to the day.
- Vegetarian
Soda Bread
A dense quick bread made with bicarbonate of soda instead of yeast. It is a classic Belfast and Ulster bakery staple, often served at breakfast.
- Vegetarian
Potato Bread
A flat griddled bread made from mashed potato, flour and butter. It is a much-loved part of the Ulster Fry and everyday home cooking.
OX Belfast
Modern Irish restaurant known for carefully sourced local produce and polished yet relaxed dining in the Cathedral Quarter.
The Muddlers Club
Stylish brasserie and bar serving seasonal Irish dishes, seafood and steaks in a lively city-centre setting.
St George's Market
Long-standing market with trusted stalls for local breads, seafood, traybakes and hot food. Ideal for sampling Belfast flavours casually.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while public transport and pub meals stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual lunch.
- 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
Tipping is modest: 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included, round up for taxis, and tipping in cafés is optional.
FAQs: Cardiff to Belfast coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Belfast 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 Belfast, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Belfast can start from as little as £54 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Belfast is £54; 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 to Belfast is 21h 5m to travel the 391 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 to Belfast leaves at 14:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Belfast leaves at 18:53.
There are 1 coaches a day from Cardiff to Belfast which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Belfast, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Belfast. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Belfast and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Belfast from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 21h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Belfast is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Belfast including taking a coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Belfast:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Belfast for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Belfast 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 Cardiff to Belfast.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Belfast:
- 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 Cardiff to Belfast:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Belfast.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Belfast with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Belfast with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Belfast with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Belfast
Most Cardiff to Belfast buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Belfast bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Belfast
Which Cardiff station do buses to Belfast leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Belfast leave from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. The station is 1 km from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK.
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, University
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington StreetUpper Queen Street, Belfast BT1 6PU, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street from Belfast city centre
Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street is 1 km from Belfast city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 3J, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A, 5B, 5C, 6A, 6D, 6E, 12, 511 · 7m · every ~36 min
Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street bus station facilities and services
Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street 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 Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street. ATMs are available at Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street: Accessibility features not detailed.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Belfast
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Belfast and Cardiff
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