- Recommended
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Contemporary art gallery in the Royal Pavilion Garden, showing major exhibitions in a restored historic building.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Brighton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 14 Oct
Cheapest price on 14 Oct
£19
Average ticket price on 14 Oct
£20
Fastest journey on 14 Oct
7 h
Average journey duration on 14 Oct
7 h 49 m
Buses on 14 Oct
4
Distance
224 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Brighton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Brighton will cost around £20 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £19.
Fast coaches
On Wed 14 Oct, we found 4 buses from Cardiff to Brighton, including 4 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 224 km distance in an average of 7 h 49 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 25 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.
12:407h55Cardiff20:35Brighton£191One-way0 changes- 8:407h55Cardiff16:35Brighton£201One-way0 changes
- 23:257h00Cardiff6:25Brighton£201One-way0 changes
- 13:508h25Cardiff22:15Brighton£211One-way0 changes
- 23:257h00Cardiff6:25Brighton£201One-way0 changes
- 8:407h55Cardiff16:35Brighton£201One-way0 changes
- 12:407h55Cardiff20:35Brighton£191One-way0 changes
- 13:508h25Cardiff22:15Brighton£211One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Brighton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Brighton run on average 23 times per day, taking around 5h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 224 km distance in 4h 41m.
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 224 km |
Average bus duration 5h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Buses per day 23 |
Fastest bus 4h 41m |
First bus 0:45 |
Last bus 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Live departures
Cardiff to Brighton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Brighton coaches for today, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:40 Cardiff | 7h55 | 20:35 Brighton | 0 changesdirect | |
| 13:50 Cardiff | 8h25 | 22:15 Brighton | 0 changesdirect | |
| 22:25 Cardiff | 7h10 | 5:35 Brighton | 0 changesdirect | |
| 23:25 Cardiff | 7h10 | 6:35 Brighton | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 14 October | |||||
| 8:40 Cardiff | 7h55 | 16:35 Brighton | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cardiff to Brighton coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Cardiff to Brighton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Brighton.
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 FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Brighton.
- 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 Brighton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Brighton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Brighton.
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Cardiff to BrightonYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Brighton with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £13. 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 FlixBus Duration
5h 20m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£15
FlixBus frequency
12 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 National Express Duration
4h 41m
Cheapest National Express Price
£13
National Express frequency
12 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.
Complete guide to Brighton
Things to do in Brighton
Discover the best of Brighton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brighton trip today.
- Recommended
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Museum inside the Royal Pavilion Estate covering local history, fashion, decorative art and changing exhibitions.
Centre for Contemporary Arts Brighton
Seafront gallery dedicated to photography and contemporary visual culture, with changing exhibitions and events.
- Must visit
The Lanes
Narrow historic lanes filled with independent shops and characterful passages, ideal for a classic Brighton wander.
- Must visit
North Laine
Bohemian shopping district known for street art, vintage stores, market atmosphere and a strong local feel.
- Recommended
Preston Park
Large central green space with formal gardens, open lawns, playgrounds and easy access from the station and seafront.
- Gluten-free
Sussex Smokies
Fresh herring traditionally smoked over oak, a Sussex speciality long linked to the old fishing trade around Brighton and nearby coastal towns.
Fish And Chips
Classic British fish and chips made with fresh local catch and chips by the seaside; a staple meal closely tied to Brighton’s coastal identity.
Brighton Sausages
A long-standing Brighton favourite: dry-cured pork sausages, usually grilled or fried, known locally through the city’s famous sausage makers.
Burnt Orange
Elegant restaurant serving seasonal British tasting menus in a refined but welcoming setting close to the seafront.
The Chilli Pickle
Lively modern Indian restaurant in The Lanes, known for creative small plates, bold flavours and a stylish atmosphere.
The Salt Room
Well-known seafood restaurant serving fish, oysters and classic British dishes in a polished room near the city centre.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside city. Hotels and dining are pricier than many British towns, but buses, casual eats and supermarket options help keep daily costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Buses from Cardiff to Brighton: Journey Details
The first buses from Cardiff to Brighton each day depart in the very early hours of the morning. From Monday to Saturday, the final service leaves late at night, but on Sunday the final departure is earlier in the evening. Expected journey times can vary between 6 and 7 hours, including one change. All these bus services are operated by National Express.
Taking the Bus from Cardiff
Buses from Cardiff to Brighton leave from Sophia Gardens, which is on the west bank of the River Taff. There is a 24-hour car park close by, making the stop convenient for motorists. It is about 15 minutes' walk from Cardiff train station to Sophia Gardens, while another option is to take a taxi to the bus terminus. It may be advisable to book taxis in advance if travelling at night.
Getting into Brighton by Bus
The city of Brighton and Hove is one of Britain's most popular seaside resorts. On the South Coast in East Sussex, it has popular beaches and many attractive Georgian buildings. Famous landmarks in the city centre include the pier and the Royal Pavilion, which was built to look like an Indian palace. There are many unusual independent shops in the Lanes area and a wide range of restaurants and nightspots. Buses from Cardiff to Brighton arrive at Pool Valley Coach Station, which is in a central seafront location near the pier. There are regular bus services to destinations around the city, including the train station, which is about one kilometre away. Taxis are also available.
FAQs: Cardiff to Brighton coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Brighton 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 Brighton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Brighton can start from as little as £13 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Brighton is £32; 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 Brighton is 4h 41m to travel the 224 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 Brighton leaves at 0:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Brighton leaves at 23:40.
There are 23 coaches a day from Cardiff to Brighton which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Brighton, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Brighton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Brighton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Cardiff , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Newport, Queensway, Cardiff, University . When arriving in Brighton , you can end your route in coach stations like Brighton, Preston Circus, Brighton, Preston Road / Harrington Road (Preston Park), Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z), Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road, Brighton, Pool Valley Coach Station, Brighton, York Place (St Peter's Church).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Brighton, Preston Circus, located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Brighton including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Brighton:
- 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 Brighton for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Brighton 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.
- 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 Brighton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Brighton:
- 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 Brighton:
- 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 Brighton. 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 Brighton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Brighton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Brighton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Brighton
Most Cardiff to Brighton buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Brighton, Preston Circus station pair, with some services arriving at Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Brighton 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 Brighton
Which Cardiff station do buses to Brighton leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Brighton leave from Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). The station is from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre
TRUE
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, North Road (Friary 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, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
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 · £0.89 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
Which Brighton station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Brighton most often arrive at Brighton, Preston Circus. Some services arrive at {secondaryArrivalStation}, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Brighton arrival station.
Brighton, Preston CircusBrighton (Preston Circus), Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4QE, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Brighton, Preston Circus from Brighton city centre
Bus17 · 6m · £2 · every ~5 min
Brighton, Preston Circus bus station facilities and services
Brighton, Preston Circus 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 Brighton, Preston Circus. ATMs are available at Brighton, Preston Circus.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Brighton, Preston Circus.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Brighton, Preston Circus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Brighton, Preston Circus: Buses with accessibility features serve this stop.
Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley RoadBrighton, Queens Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 3XP, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road from Brighton city centre
TRUE
Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road bus station facilities and services
Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Snacks and drinks available at nearby shops.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road. ATMs are available at Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Brighton Railway Station - Stroudley Road: Station accessible with ramps and lifts.
Brighton, Pool Valley Coach StationBrighton Pool Valley Coach Station, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1NJ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Brighton, Pool Valley Coach Station from Brighton city centre
Bus025 · 11m · £2 · every ~4 min
Brighton, Pool Valley Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Brighton, Pool Valley Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Several cafes and restaurants nearby
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Brighton, Pool Valley Coach Station. ATMs are available at Brighton, Pool Valley Coach Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Brighton, Pool Valley Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Brighton, Pool Valley Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Brighton, Pool Valley Coach Station: Wheelchair accessible.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Brighton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Brighton and Cardiff
Most popular bus connections
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