- Must visit
Museum of Making
Interactive museum in a restored mill exploring making, industry and design through hands-on galleries and working displays.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Derby
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 29 Aug
Cheapest price on 29 Aug
£28
Average ticket price on 29 Aug
£28
Fastest journey on 29 Aug
10 h 10 m
Average journey duration on 29 Aug
10 h 10 m
Buses on 29 Aug
1
Distance
198 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Derby is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Derby will cost around £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £28.
Fast coaches
On Sat 29 Aug, we found 1 buses from Cardiff to Derby, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 10 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 10 m .
The slowest buses will take 10 h 10 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.
1:4010h10Cardiff11:50Derby£281One-way0 changes
- 1:4010h10Cardiff11:50Derby£281One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Derby
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Derby among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 17m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £16, while a train costs an average of £25.
Distance: 198 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£16 Average Price Cheapest | £25 Average Price |
5h 23m Average total duration 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 17m Average total duration Fastest 2h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
 Most popular bus company |  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 Derby bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Derby coaches for tomorrow, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:40 Cardiff | 10h10 | 11:50 Derby | 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 Derby 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.
Sat
29 Aug
29 Aug
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30 Aug
30 Aug
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31 Aug
31 Aug
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01 Sept
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04 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Derby coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Cardiff to Derby.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Derby.
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 Derby.
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 Derby.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Derby
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Derby run on average 15 times per day, taking around 4h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 198 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 198 km |
Average bus duration 4h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 7h 0m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 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 DerbyYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Derby with National Express for as low as £14. 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
7h 0m
Cheapest National Express Price
£15
National Express frequency
2 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 Derby
Things to do in Derby
Discover the best of Derby — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Derby trip today.
- Must visit
Derby Museum and Art Gallery
City museum and art gallery with collections on local history, archaeology, natural history and paintings by Joseph Wright.
- Recommended
QUAD
Independent contemporary art gallery in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists.
- Must visit
Cathedral Quarter
Historic shopping and cultural quarter with independent businesses, heritage buildings and easy access to key city sights.
- Recommended
Derby Market Place
Revitalised city-centre square with water features, seating and event space, ideal for a pause between nearby attractions.
- Recommended
Markeaton Park
Large landscaped park with lakes, open lawns and riverside paths, popular for walks, picnics and seasonal events.
- Vegetarian
Derby Cob
A soft white bread roll unique to Derby, often filled with bacon, cheese or salad. It is a local bakery staple with a name strongly tied to the city.
- Gluten-free
Derbyshire Blue Cheese
A blue veined cow’s milk cheese traditionally made in Derbyshire. It is prized for its rich, mellow flavour and long connection to the county’s cheesemaking.
- Vegetarian
Derbyshire Oatcake
A crumbly, buttery oat biscuit from Derbyshire, traditionally baked on a griddle. It is a historic local bake often served with cheese or butter.
The Dining Room
Elegant modern British dining in a refined setting, known for carefully prepared tasting and seasonal menus in the city centre.
The Brunswick Inn
Well known Derby ale house and eatery serving British pub dishes, cobs and local beers in a characterful historic building.
Zest Restaurant
Smart yet relaxed restaurant serving Italian inspired dishes, steaks and seafood. Popular for polished service and central location.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly manageable 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 fine dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is usual for good service. Round up or add £1-2 for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Ride
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £7
To the city centre
Derby Bus Station -> Derby City Centre
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Most local bus single fares in Derbyshire, including Derby, are capped at £3 on participating services until March 2027.
- For unlimited bus travel in the Derby city area, the adult Spectrum 1-day ticket is £7 and is valid from 5am to midnight on participating operators.
FAQs: Cardiff to Derby coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Derby 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 Derby, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Derby can start from as little as £14 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Derby is £16; 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 Derby is 7h 0m to travel the 198 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 Derby leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Derby leaves at 23:45.
There are 15 coaches a day from Cardiff to Derby 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 Derby, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Derby. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Derby and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Derby from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Derby is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Derby including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Derby:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Derby for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Derby 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 Derby.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Derby:
- 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 Derby:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Derby.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Derby with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Derby with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Derby with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Derby
Most Cardiff to Derby buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Derby, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Derby 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 Derby
Which Cardiff station do buses to Derby leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Derby 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, 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, 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
Derby, Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Derby, Bus Station from Derby city centre
Bus70A · 4m
Sky · 4m · £2 · every ~14 min
U1, Dp1 · 10m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Derby
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Derby and Cardiff
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