- Must visit
Hopetown Darlington
Railway museum celebrating the Stockton and Darlington Railway with locomotives, carriages and stories of early rail travel.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Darlington
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£58
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£58
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
9 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
9 h 25 m
Buses on 05 Sept
1
Distance
356 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Darlington is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Darlington will cost around £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £58.
Fast coaches
On Sat 05 Sept, we found 1 buses from Cardiff to Darlington, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 356 km distance in an average of 9 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 25 m .
The slowest buses will take 9 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.
8:509h25Cardiff18:15Darlington£581One-way0 changes
- 8:509h25Cardiff18:15Darlington£581One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Darlington
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Darlington among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £42 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 38m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £42, while a train costs an average of £43.
Distance: 356 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£42 Average Price Cheapest | £43 Average Price | £74 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 32m Average total duration 8h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 38m Average total duration Fastest 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Darlington is a coach with an average price of £42.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Darlington:
A coach is £0.57 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Darlington costing on average £43.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Darlington is by train with an average journey time of 5h 8m.
Other travel options to Darlington take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 2m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Darlington including taking a train and coach.
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 £42 compared to roughly £74 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £32. The journey takes 8h 2m versus 5h 2m 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.
Live departures
Cardiff to Darlington bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Darlington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:50 Cardiff | 9h25 | 18:15 Darlington | 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 Darlington 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.
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05 Sept
05 Sept
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11 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Darlington coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Cardiff to Darlington.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Darlington.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 Darlington.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Darlington.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Darlington
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Darlington run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £25 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 23:00. The fastest coach covers the 356 km distance in 10h 25m.
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 356 km |
Average bus duration 8h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price £25 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 10h 25m |
First bus 0:45 |
Last bus 23:00 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 6 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 from Cardiff to DarlingtonYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Darlington with National Express for as low as £25. 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
10h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
£33
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 Darlington
Things to do in Darlington
Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.
- Recommended
Raby Castle
Historic country house with art, furnishings and estate collections, offering a museum-style visit alongside parkland walks.
Hullabaloo Gallery
Local arts centre with changing exhibitions, performances and creative events in a restored Victorian building.
- Recommended
South Park
Large public park with bandstand, aviary, café-free green space, sports areas and pleasant paths close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Market Place
Historic market square surrounded by civic buildings and shops, useful for seeing the town centre's layout and daily life.
- Recommended
West Park
Popular woodland and lakeside park on the edge of Darlington with walking trails, sculpture and open green views.
Pease pudding stottie
A classic North-East pease pudding spread in a bread bun, often with ham. It is a long-standing local lunch tied to Teesside and County Durham.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pease pudding
Slow-cooked split peas seasoned into a thick savoury paste. It is a regional staple traditionally served with ham or pork pies.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Stottie cake
A large round flat loaf with a soft crumb, common across North-East England. It is traditionally used for hearty sandwiches and local fillings.
The Orangery at Rockliffe Hall
Refined dining in a country house setting, known for modern British cooking and polished service. Best for a special meal near Darlington.
Spice Village
Stylish restaurant serving Indian small plates and grilled dishes in an upbeat modern setting. A popular choice for groups and evening meals.
Estabulo Darlington
Smart casual steakhouse focused on quality beef, burgers and hearty mains. Relaxed atmosphere suited to an easy dinner in town.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday costs are fairly reasonable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Stagecoach Bus App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city centre
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) -> Market Square, Darlington
- Distance
- 0.5 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Most town services use stops on Feethams and around the town centre loop. Walking from the Dolphin Centre to Market Square is straightforward and usually quickest.
- Contactless payment is commonly available on local buses, but check the operator’s app or ticket page before travel.
FAQs: Cardiff to Darlington coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Darlington 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 Darlington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Darlington can start from as little as £25 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Darlington is £42; 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 Darlington is 10h 25m to travel the 356 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 Darlington leaves at 0:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Darlington leaves at 23:00.
There are 3 coaches a day from Cardiff to Darlington which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Darlington, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Darlington. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Darlington 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, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, University, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Newport, Queensway, Weston-super-Mare, Diamond Batch Car Park Stop (Worle Station), Weston-super-Mare, Regent St (Interchange), Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent) . When arriving in Darlington , you can end your route in coach stations like Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre), Middlesbrough, Bus Station.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 Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Darlington from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 10h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Darlington is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Darlington including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Darlington:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Darlington for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Darlington 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 Darlington.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Darlington:
- 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 Darlington:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Darlington.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Darlington with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Darlington with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Darlington with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Darlington
Most Cardiff to Darlington buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Darlington 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 Darlington
Which Cardiff station do buses to Darlington leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Darlington 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.
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 · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
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
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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.
Which Darlington station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Darlington most often arrive at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre). Some services arrive at Middlesbrough, Bus Station, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Darlington arrival station.
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)Darlington Feethams Dolphin Centre, Darlington DL1 5PT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) from Darlington city centre
Bus6B, 6 · 5m · £4 · every ~6 min
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) bus station facilities and services
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurants available nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Available at the station. ATMs are available within walking distance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Wheelchair accessible.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Darlington
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Darlington and Cardiff
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