Cardiff to Birmingham bus with National Express

Fri 29 May
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for 29 May

Cheapest price

£15

Average price

£24

Fastest journey

2 h 40 m

Average duration

2 h 50 m

Buses per day

15

Distance

142 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Birmingham will cost around £24 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £15.

Fast coaches

Of the 15 buses that leave Cardiff for Birmingham every day 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 142 km distance in an average of 2 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 40 m .

The slowest buses will take 2 h 55 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
    18:202h50
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    21:10Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway
    £151One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    16:004h15
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    20:15Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway
    £161One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    6:103h45
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    9:55Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway
    £171One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    12:153h30
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    15:45Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway
    £191One-way
    0 changes
  • National ExpressNX202 · NX100
    14:554h20
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    19:15Birmingham, Coach Station
    £251One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 14m. 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 £9, and a train costs an average of £13.

Distance: 142 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£12

Average Price

Cheapest

£40

Average Price

3h 49m

Average total duration

3h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 44m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Cardiff to Birmingham bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Birmingham coaches for tomorrow, Friday 29 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX202 · NX106
Delayed
11:05 2:35Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h20
7:55 Birmingham, Coach Station		1 change
National ExpressNX202 · NX100
Delayed
11:05 4:30Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h00
9:30 Birmingham, Coach Station		1 change
FlixBusFlixBus6:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
3h45
9:55 Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX202 · NX101
Delayed
11:05 6:25Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h35
11:00 Birmingham, Coach Station		1 change
National ExpressNX111
Delayed
11:45 9:50Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
2h40
12:30 Birmingham, Coach Station		0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX11211:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
2h55
14:00 Birmingham, Coach Station0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus12:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
3h30
15:45 Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX111
Delayed
11:45 12:30Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h00
15:30 Birmingham, Coach Station		0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX111
On time
13:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
2h55
16:30 Birmingham, Coach Station		0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX202 · NX100
On time
14:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h20
19:15 Birmingham, Coach Station		1 change
FlixBusFlixBus16:00 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
4h15
20:15 Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX111
On time
17:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
2h50
20:00 Birmingham, Coach Station		0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX216 · NX100
On time
18:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h50
23:55 Birmingham, Coach Station		1 change
FlixBusFlixBus18:20 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
2h50
21:10 Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX216 · NX100
On time
22:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h25
3:35 Birmingham, Coach Station		1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Birmingham 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
29 May
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31 May
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Why should you book Cardiff to Birmingham coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as Megabus, FlixBus, Cardiff Bus and more offer coaches services from Cardiff to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Birmingham.

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, FlixBus or Cardiff Bus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Birmingham.
  • 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 to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

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

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Birmingham run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.

There are 7 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 142 km distance in 2h 35m.

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
142 km
Average bus duration
3h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
£9
Buses per day
12
Direct buses
7
Fastest bus
2h 35m
First bus
0:45
Last bus
23:55
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
4 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, Cardiff Bus from Cardiff to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Birmingham with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus, Cardiff Bus for as low as £9. 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 Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest Price
£9
FlixBus frequency
5 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.
Learn more about FlixBus

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 Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Price
£9
National Express frequency
1 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.
Learn more about National Express

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
3h 25m
Cheapest Price
£15
Megabus frequency
1 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.

Cardiff Bus

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 1m
Cheapest Price
£31
Cardiff Bus frequency
1 a day

Buses from Cardiff to Birmingham

Bus services between Cardiff and Birmingham are provided by National Express. This coach operator runs five buses every day, and the trip has an average duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The first bus of the day departs after 7:00 a.m., but service ends relatively early, since there are no buses connecting these two cities after 3:30 p.m. All buses between Cardiff and Birmingham are direct. The departure station is located in Sophia Gardens, which are a 10-15 minute walk from Cardiff city centre. Coaches arrive at Birmingham bus station, situated in Mill Lane and only a short 5-minute walk from the Bullring and the main attractions and amenities in the city centre.

Taking the Bus from Cardiff

As a result of the old Cardiff central bus station closing to make way for a brand new Interchange due to open in 2018, buses from Cardiff to Birmingham now depart from the coach station at Sophia Gardens on the west side of Cooper's Field. Open all day and night, the station is within a few hundred metres of city attractions such as Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Museum and the Capitol Shopping Centre. It is just a 2-3 minute walk from the bus stops on Castle Street and Westgate Street.

Getting into Birmingham by Bus

Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK, and as such it has a whole host of amenities and attractions embracing both the arts and sport - it has its very own symphony orchestra and ballet company, and it's also home to Aston Villa and Birmingham City football clubs, and Edgbaston Cricket Ground. The arrival point for buses from Cardiff is Birmingham coach station, situated on Mill Lane, close to the city centre. The Bull Ring indoor market, Moor Street railway station and Villa Park football stadium are all close by - around 5-7 minutes by bus. Bus stops outside the station offer good links to the Birmingham suburbs, with Moseley and King's Heath around 20-25 minutes away depending on traffic. Bus services aren't operational from midnight to early morning.

FAQs: Cardiff to Birmingham coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Birmingham can start from as little as £9 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Birmingham is £12; 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 Birmingham is 2h 35m to travel the 142 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 Birmingham leaves at 0:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Birmingham leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 7 direct coaches a day from Cardiff to Birmingham with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Birmingham, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus, Cardiff Bus for the best way to get you to Birmingham. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Birmingham from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Birmingham is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Birmingham including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Birmingham:
  • 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 to Birmingham for coach company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Birmingham 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 to Birmingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Birmingham:
  • 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 to Birmingham:
  • 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 to Birmingham. 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 to Birmingham with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Birmingham with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Birmingham with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Birmingham

Cardiff
Birmingham
The major coach station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens for your trip from Cardiff to Birmingham.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
information
Cardiff, University
information

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