Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Cheapest price on 04 Sept
£15
Average ticket price on 04 Sept
£31
Fastest journey on 04 Sept
5 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 04 Sept
6 h 15 m
Buses on 04 Sept
22
Distance
124 km
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 £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £15.
To travel from Cardiff to Bournemouth you need to make at least one change.
NX509 · NX035
NX507 · NX035
NX507 · NX035
NX509 · NX035
NX509 · NX035
NX201 · NX035
NX201 · NX035
NX201 · NX035
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX201 · NX035Omio 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 an average ticket price of £21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 42m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, while a train costs an average of £62.
Distance: 124 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£21 Average Price Cheapest | £62 Average Price | £31 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 10m Average total duration 6h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration Fastest 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Bournemouth:
A coach is £41 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Bournemouth costing on average £62.
Other travel options to Bournemouth take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 40m.
Tickets start at around £21 compared to roughly £31 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £10. The journey takes 6h 40m versus 2h 59m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Bournemouth coaches for tomorrow, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX201 · NX035 | 3:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h05 | 9:30 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h30 | 12:10 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX201 · NX035 | 5:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h10 | 11:35 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h35 | 14:20 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX201 · NX035 | 7:20 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h45 | 13:05 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX507 · NX035 | 7:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h05 | 15:35 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX201 · NX035 | 9:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h10 | 16:35 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h30 | 16:15 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX509 · NX035 | 10:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h55 | 17:55 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX201 · NX035 | 11:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h10 | 18:50 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h15 | 19:00 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX202 · NX035 | 12:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h20 | 19:55 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h50 | 19:30 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX201 · NX035 | 14:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h45 | 21:20 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 14:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h00 | 22:50 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX202 · NX035 | 14:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h40 | 22:35 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX507 · NX035 | 15:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h35 | 23:20 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h55 | 0:35 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX509 · NX035 | 16:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h40 | 0:25 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX509 · NX035 | 17:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h30 | 1:00 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX507 · NX035 | 18:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h00 | 1:45 Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Cardiff to Bournemouth run on average 19 times per day, taking around 6h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:30, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 124 km distance in 6h 30m.
Distance 124 km |
Average bus duration 6h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Buses per day 19 |
Fastest bus 6h 30m |
First bus 2:30 |
Last bus 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Compare Megabus classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Bournemouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bournemouth trip today.
Town-centre museum with local history, archaeology and changing exhibitions in a Victorian villa beside Bournemouth's gardens.
Small local museum on Hengistbury Head covering archaeology, wildlife and the headland's long human history in a scenic coastal setting.
Free gallery inside Bournemouth Library showing contemporary art exhibitions, talks and touring displays in a central location.
Historic pier and broad sandy beach at the town's heart, ideal for classic seaside walks, swimming and views along the bay.
Landscaped Victorian gardens running through the centre, popular for gentle walks, seasonal events and a green route to the seafront.
Headland nature reserve with walking trails, harbour views, heathland and archaeology, popular for longer coastal walks and birdwatching.
Fresh crab landed on the Dorset coast, prized for sweet meat and often served simply dressed to showcase local seafood traditions.
Hand-dived scallops from nearby Lyme Bay, a South Coast speciality valued for freshness and the region’s strong shellfish heritage.
Traditional Dorset Blue Vinny cheese with a firm, crumbly texture and robust flavour, long associated with Dorset farming and cheesemaking.
Refined dining room in a historic hotel, serving modern British cooking in an elegant setting overlooking the gardens.
Established seafood spot on West Cliff, popular for fish dishes, sea views and a smart but approachable atmosphere.
Traditional pub near the town centre serving local ales and classic British meals in a historic, characterful setting.
Moderate for a UK seaside resort. Hotels rise in summer, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London or Bath.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafés.
Official public transport app
Bournemouth Coach Station -> Bournemouth Square, Bournemouth
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.

Most Cardiff to Bournemouth buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Bournemouth, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Bournemouth 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.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need