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Secret Wartime Tunnels
Interactive wartime tunnels beneath Dover Castle covering evacuation, defence and command operations. A compelling underground experience.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Dover
Showing times and prices for 16 Aug
Cheapest price
£40
Average price
£46
Fastest journey
7 h 55 m
Average duration
8 h 16 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
314 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Dover is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Dover will cost around £46 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £40.
Fast coaches
To travel from Cardiff to Dover you need to make at least one change.
NX509 · NX0074:508h10Cardiff, Sophia Gardens13:00Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre)£401One-way1 change- NX507 · NX0077:458h20Cardiff, Sophia Gardens16:05Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre)£481One-way1 change
- NX509 · NX00714:458h40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens23:25Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre)£481One-way1 change
- NX507 · NX00712:157h55Cardiff, Sophia Gardens20:10Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre)£501One-way1 change
- NX507 · NX00712:157h55Cardiff, Sophia Gardens20:10Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre)£501One-way1 change
- NX509 · NX0074:508h10Cardiff, Sophia Gardens13:00Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre)£401One-way1 change
- NX507 · NX0077:458h20Cardiff, Sophia Gardens16:05Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre)£481One-way1 change
- NX509 · NX00714:458h40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens23:25Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre)£481One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Dover
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Dover among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, and a train costs an average of £35.
Distance: 314 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£24 Average Price Cheapest | £57 Average Price |
7h 23m Average total duration 6h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Dover bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Dover coaches for tomorrow, Sunday 16 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX509 · NX007 | 4:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h10 | 13:00 Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NX007 | 7:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h20 | 16:05 Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NX007 | 12:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h55 | 20:10 Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NX007 | 14:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h40 | 23:25 Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Dover 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.
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16 Aug
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Why should you book Cardiff to Dover coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Cardiff to Dover.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Dover.
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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Dover.
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 Dover.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Dover
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Dover run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £15 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:15, the last at 19:48. The fastest coach covers the 314 km distance in 7h 12m.
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 314 km |
Average bus duration 6h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 7h 12m |
First bus 3:15 |
Last bus 19:48 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 70 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 DoverYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Dover with National Express for as low as £15. 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 Duration
7h 12m
Cheapest Price
£15
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 Dover
Things to do in Dover
Discover the best of Dover — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dover trip today.
- Recommended
Dover Museum
Museum inside Dover Museum displaying the Bronze Age Boat and local archaeology. Essential for the town’s deep maritime history.
Dover Transport Museum
Specialist museum on Dover’s maritime, military and social history, run by local volunteers. A good lesser-known stop near the seafront.
- Must visit
White Cliffs of Dover
Famous chalk cliff viewpoint with sweeping Channel panoramas and coastal paths. One of Dover’s signature outdoor experiences.
- Recommended
Western Heights
Historic fortifications and paths above town with big views, tunnels and dramatic earthworks. A rewarding area for walkers and history fans.
- Recommended
South Foreland
Clifftop reserve and walking area near South Foreland Lighthouse, known for sea views, birdlife and open coastal scenery.
- Gluten-free
Dover Sole
Fresh Dover sole, usually grilled or pan-fried with lemon and butter. Landed on the Kent coast, it is the town’s best-known seafood speciality.
- Gluten-free
Kent Oysters
Native oysters from the Kent coast, often served raw with lemon. They reflect Dover’s long maritime and shellfish traditions.
Kent Fish Stew
A rich fish stew from nearby Kent ports, made with mixed white fish and shellfish. It showcases the day’s coastal catch.
Cullins Yard
Popular harbour-side seafood restaurant known for fish and chips, grilled fish and casual waterside dining.
The White Cliffs Hotel Restaurant
Historic hotel restaurant with British and European cooking, suited to a quieter meal near Dover Castle.
Mr White's English Chophouse
Smart brasserie in the seafront hotel serving modern British dishes, seafood and afternoon tea in a polished setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually a little cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain manageable for most tourists.
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
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares can be rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- :
To the city centre
Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) -> Pencester Gardens, Dover
- Distance
- 0.2 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless payment is available on Stagecoach buses in Dover, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Pencester Road is Dover's town-centre bus interchange, so many local bus routes connect there.
FAQs: Cardiff to Dover coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Dover 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 Dover, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Dover can start from as little as £15 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Dover is £24; 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 Dover is 7h 12m to travel the 314 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 Dover leaves at 3:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Dover leaves at 19:48.
There are 5 coaches a day from Cardiff to Dover 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 Dover, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Dover. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Dover 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 . When arriving in Dover , you can end your route in coach stations like Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre).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 Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre), located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Dover from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 12m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Dover is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Dover including taking a coach and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Dover for coach company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Dover:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Dover 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 Dover.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Dover:
- 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 Dover:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Dover.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Dover with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Dover with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Dover with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Dover
Most Cardiff to Dover buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Dover 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 Dover
Which Cardiff station do buses to Dover leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Dover 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
Which Dover station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Dover arrive at Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre). Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) is 1 km from Dover city centre.
Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre)Pencester Rd, Dover CT16, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) from Dover city centre
Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) is 1 km from Dover city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre) bus station facilities and services
Dover, Pencester Road (Town 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: Several eateries within walking distance.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre). ATMs are available at Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Dover, Pencester Road (Town Centre): Wheelchair accessible paths available.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Dover
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Dover and Cardiff
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