- 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 13 Oct
Cheapest price on 13 Oct
£23
Average ticket price on 13 Oct
£25
Fastest journey on 13 Oct
8 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 13 Oct
9 h 40 m
Buses on 13 Oct
3
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 £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £23.
Fast coaches
On Tue 13 Oct, we found 3 buses from Cardiff to Derby, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 9 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 40 m .
The slowest buses will take 11 h 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.
14:458h40Cardiff23:25Derby£231One-way0 changes
18:109h20Cardiff3:30Derby£251One-way0 changes- 13:0511h00Cardiff0:05Derby£261One-way0 changes
- 14:458h40Cardiff23:25Derby£231One-way0 changes
- 18:109h20Cardiff3:30Derby£251One-way0 changes
- 13:0511h00Cardiff0:05Derby£261One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Derby
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Derby run on average 19 times per day, taking around 7h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £19 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 3h 50m.
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 7h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Buses per day 19 |
Fastest bus 3h 50m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
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
Live departures
Cardiff to Derby bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Derby coaches for today, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 18:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h45 | 2:55 Derby, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| Tuesday 13 October | |||||
| 13:05 Cardiff | 11h00 | 0:05 Derby | 0 changesdirect | |
| 14:45 Cardiff | 8h40 | 23:25 Derby | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cardiff to Derby coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer 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?
- 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 Derby.
- 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 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 Derby.
- 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.
Bus providers: FlixBus, National Express from Cardiff to DerbyYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Derby with FlixBus, National Express for as low as £19. 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
7h 5m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£19
FlixBus frequency
11 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
3h 50m
Cheapest National Express Price
£23
National Express frequency
10 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 £19 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Derby is £45; 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 3h 50m 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 19 coaches a day from Cardiff to Derby 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 Derby, you can count on National Express, FlixBus 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.
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, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Derby for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Derby:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
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.
- 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 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.
- 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 Derby:
- 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 Derby. 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 Derby with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Derby with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Derby with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Derby
Most Cardiff to Derby buses use the Cardiff, North Road (Friary 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, 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
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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.
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.
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 · £0.89 · 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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