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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Carmarthen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£11
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£11
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
2 h 5 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
2 h 5 m
Buses on 05 Sept
2
Distance
88 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Carmarthen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Carmarthen will cost around £11 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £11.
Fast coaches
On Sat 05 Sept, we found 2 buses from Cardiff to Carmarthen, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 88 km distance in an average of 2 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 5 m .
The slowest buses will take 2 h 5 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.
15:152h05Cardiff17:20Carmarthen£111One-way0 changes- 16:152h05Cardiff18:20Carmarthen£121One-way0 changes
- 16:152h05Cardiff18:20Carmarthen£121One-way0 changes
- 15:152h05Cardiff17:20Carmarthen£111One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Carmarthen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Carmarthen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £11 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 22m. 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 £11, while a train costs an average of £11.
Distance: 88 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£11 Average Price Cheapest | £11 Average Price | £18 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 30m Average total duration 2h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Carmarthen is a coach with an average price of £11.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Carmarthen:
A coach is £0.18 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Carmarthen costing on average £11.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Carmarthen is by train with an average journey time of 1h 52m.
Other travel options to Carmarthen take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 0m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Carmarthen including taking a coach and train.
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 £11 compared to roughly £18 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £8. The journey takes 2h 0m versus 1h 20m 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.
Direct services are operated by National Express, Mid Wales Travel.
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 Carmarthen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Carmarthen coaches for tomorrow, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15:15 Cardiff | 2h05 | 17:20 Carmarthen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 16:15 Cardiff | 2h05 | 18:20 Carmarthen | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Carmarthen by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
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11 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Carmarthen coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as Mid Wales Travel offer coaches services from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
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 Mid Wales Travel to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
- 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 train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Carmarthen
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Carmarthen run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £9 but you can travel from only £9 by train.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 03:27, the last at 23:51. The fastest coach covers the 88 km distance in 2h 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
Train from £9
Distance 88 km |
Average bus duration 2h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 5m |
First bus 3:27 |
Last bus 23:51 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £9
Bus providers: National Express, Mid Wales Travel from Cardiff to CarmarthenYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Carmarthen with National Express, Mid Wales Travel for as low as £9. 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
2h 5m
Cheapest National Express 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.
What's included in each class
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Mid Wales Travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Mid Wales Travel Duration
2h 10m
Mid Wales Travel frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Carmarthen
Things to do in Carmarthen
Discover the best of Carmarthen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carmarthen trip today.
- Must visit
Carmarthenshire Museum
The county museum in a former bishop’s palace, covering Roman finds, local history and changing displays in an atmospheric setting.
- Recommended
Carmarthen Roman Amphitheatre Museum
Small museum on the old Roman amphitheatre site, introducing Roman Moridunum and the archaeology of early Carmarthen.
- Recommended
Dylan Thomas Boathouse and Writing Shed
Museum telling the story of Dylan Thomas and his family in a restored chapel, with exhibits on writing, broadcasting and local roots.
- Must visit
Carmarthen Park
Large public park with formal gardens, play areas, riverside walks and a hilltop monument, ideal for a relaxed break near the centre.
- Recommended
King Street
Historic market quarter with independent shops, old arcades and everyday town life, good for browsing and seeing central Carmarthen on foot.
- Recommended
Parc y Belyn
Riverside green space and woodland paths beside the Towy, popular for walking, wildlife watching and easy access from the town centre.
- Gluten-free
Cawl
Traditional Welsh broth made with lamb or beef, root vegetables and leeks. A staple of rural west Wales, valued for its hearty, slow-cooked flavour.
- Vegetarian
Bara Brith
A rich fruit loaf or tea bread with dried fruit and spices, commonly sliced and served with butter. Long associated with Welsh baking and teatime.
- Vegetarian
Welsh Cakes
Small oatcakes cooked on a bakestone, often split and toasted with butter or cheese. A traditional Welsh breakfast and teatime bread.
The Warren
Popular casual restaurant known for burgers, brunch and modern comfort food in a lively town-centre setting.
The Corries
Stylish restaurant and bar serving modern British dishes, cocktails and varied seasonal plates in an elegant atmosphere.
The Old Moathouse
Well-known traditional pub with classic Welsh and British meals, local ales and a relaxed historic setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in Cardiff or London, while local transport and everyday costs stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for a budget meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is appreciated if service is not included. Round up taxi fares, and tipping in cafés is optional.
TrawsCymru
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £4
- Day pass
- £7
To the city centre
Carmarthen, Lammas Street (Rose and Crown Hotel) -> Carmarthen Bus Station
- Distance
- 400 m
- Travel time
- 5 min
- TrawsCymru adult day tickets are £7 from 1 February 2026 and cover multiple listed TrawsCymru routes, including T1C between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth.
- TrawsCymru buses accept contactless payment on board. For short trips in central Carmarthen, walking to Carmarthen Bus Station is usually quickest.
FAQs: Cardiff to Carmarthen coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Carmarthen 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 Carmarthen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Carmarthen can start from as little as £9 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Carmarthen is £11; 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 Carmarthen is 2h 5m to travel the 88 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 Carmarthen leaves at 3:27. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Carmarthen leaves at 23:51.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Cardiff to Carmarthen with National Express, Mid Wales Travel. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Carmarthen, you can count on National Express, Mid Wales Travel for the best way to get you to Carmarthen. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Carmarthen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Carmarthen, Lammas Street (Rose and Crown Hotel), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Carmarthen from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Carmarthen is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Carmarthen including taking a coach and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Carmarthen for coach company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Carmarthen:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Carmarthen 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 Carmarthen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Carmarthen:
- 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 Carmarthen:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Carmarthen with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Carmarthen with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Carmarthen with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Carmarthen
Most Cardiff to Carmarthen buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Carmarthen, Lammas Street (Rose and Crown Hotel) station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Carmarthen 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 Carmarthen
Which Cardiff station do buses to Carmarthen leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Carmarthen 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.
Which Carmarthen station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Carmarthen arrive at Carmarthen, Lammas Street (Rose and Crown Hotel). Carmarthen, Lammas Street (Rose and Crown Hotel) is from Carmarthen city centre.
Carmarthen, Lammas Street (Rose and Crown Hotel)2-5 Guildhall Square, Carmarthen SA31 1NP, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Carmarthen, Lammas Street (Rose and Crown Hotel) from Carmarthen city centre
BusT1x, 322, T1, T1a · 5m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Carmarthen, Lammas Street (Rose and Crown Hotel) bus station facilities and services
Carmarthen, Lammas Street (Rose and Crown Hotel) has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Carmarthen, Lammas Street (Rose and Crown Hotel): The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Carmarthen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Carmarthen and Cardiff
Most popular bus connections
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