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Cardiff to Bournemouth bus with National Express

Sat 17 Jan
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National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
Alsa
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Bournemouth

Showing times and prices for 20 Jan

Cheapest price

£18

Average price

£40

Fastest journey

5 h 50 m

Average duration

6 h 17 m

Buses per day

15

Distance

124 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Bournemouth will cost around £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £18.

Fast coaches

To travel from Cardiff to Bournemouth you need to make at least one change.

FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
14:509h20
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
00:10Bournemouth, Coach Station
£181One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
16:458h25
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
01:10Bournemouth, Coach Station
£181One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
10:407h50
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
18:30Bournemouth, Coach Station
£201One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
06:457h45
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
14:30Bournemouth, Coach Station
£201One-way
1 change
National ExpressNX507 · NX035
09:457h05
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
16:50Bournemouth, Coach Station
£261One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Bournemouth

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Bournemouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 1m. 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 £15, and a train costs an average of £29.

Distance: 124 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£25

Average Price

Cheapest

£63

Average Price

7h 14m

Average total duration

6h 44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 31m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Rail

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 Bournemouth bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Bournemouth coaches for today, Monday 19 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 11:04
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX507 · NX035
Delayed
12:15 07:30Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h45
15:15 Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX201 · NX035
On time
11:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h40
18:20 Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX202 · NX035
On time
12:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h20
19:55 Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX201 · NX035
On time
14:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h45
21:20 Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus14:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
9h20
00:10 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
national_expressNX202 · NX035
On time
14:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h40
22:35 Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX507 · NX035
On time
15:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h35
23:20 Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus16:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
8h25
01:10 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
national_expressNX507 · NX035
On time
18:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h00
01:45 Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 change
Tuesday 20 January
national_expressNX201 · NX03503:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h05
09:30 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
national_expressNX201 · NX03505:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h10
11:35 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus06:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h45
14:30 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
national_expressNX201 · NX03507:20 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h45
14:05 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
national_expressNX201 · NX03509:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h40
16:05 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
national_expressNX507 · NX035
On time
09:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h05
16:50 Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus10:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h50
18:30 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
national_expressNX509 · NX035
On time
19:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h50
03:05 Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Bournemouth 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.

Tue
20 Jan
Wed
21 Jan
Thu
22 Jan
Fri
23 Jan
Sat
24 Jan
Sun
25 Jan
Mon
26 Jan

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Bournemouth

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Bournemouth run on average 17 times per day, taking around 6h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £15 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 02:17, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 124 km distance in 7h 0m.

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
124 km
Average bus duration
6h 44m
Cheapest ticket price
£15
Buses per day
17
Fastest bus
7h 0m
First bus
02:17
Last bus
23:40
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 to BournemouthYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Bournemouth with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as £15. 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
7h 15m
Cheapest Price
£16
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.

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
6h 45m
Cheapest Price
£15
National Express frequency
16 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.

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
8h 35m
Cheapest Price
£12
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 to Bournemouth coach

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

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Bournemouth can start from as little as £16 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Bournemouth is £35; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Cardiff to Bournemouth coach time is 6 h 35 min   covering the 77 mile long trip, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Cardiff to Bournemouth leaves at 05: 15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Cardiff to Bournemouth leaves at 23: 40.
There are 16 coaches a day from Cardiff to Bournemouth which require at least one change with National Express or Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
For the best Cardiff to Bournemouth coach to book, you can travel safely and comfortably with National Express or Megabus. However, it's always good to check all possible coach companies with services from Cardiff to Bournemouth to compare what amenities they may offer.
The cheapest month to travel from Cardiff to Bournemouth by coach is October.
You have options as you can travel between Cardiff and Bournemouth 2 different ways: train or coach.
No, the coach from Cardiff to Bournemouth has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Cardiff to Bournemouth.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cardiff to Bournemouth, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
    No, luggage for the coach from Cardiff to Bournemouth needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Cardiff to Bournemouth.

    popular bus stations

    Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Bournemouth

    Cardiff
    Bournemouth
    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 Bournemouth.
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    information
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    information
    Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent)
    information

    More options for your journey from Cardiff to Bournemouth

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