- Must visit
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
Museum in nearby Beamish presenting North East life through reconstructed streets, homes and transport. A major day trip from Durham.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Durham
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£42
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£53
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
9 h 50 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
10 h 33 m
Buses on 19 Sept
3
Distance
382 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Durham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Durham will cost around £53 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £42.
Fast coaches
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 3 buses from Cardiff to Durham, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 382 km distance in an average of 10 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 50 m .
The slowest buses will take 10 h 55 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.
17:3010h55Cardiff4:25Durham£421One-way0 changes- 16:3010h55Cardiff3:25Durham£551One-way0 changes
- 10:009h50Cardiff19:50Durham£611One-way0 changes
- 10:009h50Cardiff19:50Durham£611One-way0 changes
- 17:3010h55Cardiff4:25Durham£421One-way0 changes
- 16:3010h55Cardiff3:25Durham£551One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Durham
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Durham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £38 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 44m. 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 £38, while a train costs an average of £52.
Distance: 382 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train |
|---|---|
£38 Average Price Cheapest | £52 Average Price |
10h 26m Average total duration 9h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration Fastest 5h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.4 - 1.0kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Durham is a coach with an average price of £38.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Durham:
A coach is £14 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Durham costing on average £52.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Durham is by train with an average journey time of 5h 14m.
Other travel options to Durham take longer:
Coach takes on average 9h 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Durham including taking a coach and train.
Live departures
Cardiff to Durham bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Durham coaches for today, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX111 · NX590 · NX177 | 8:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 11h35 | 20:05 Durham, Sutton Street / Bridge Street | 2 changes | |
| NX111 · NX541 · NX177 | 8:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 11h35 | 20:05 Durham, Sutton Street / Bridge Street | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Durham 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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Why should you book Cardiff to Durham coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as Megabus offer coaches services from Cardiff to Durham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Durham.
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 Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Durham.
- 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 Durham.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Durham.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Durham.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Durham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Durham run on average 2 times per day, taking around 9h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £25 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:40, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 382 km distance in 10h 55m.
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 382 km |
Average bus duration 9h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price £25 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 10h 55m |
First bus 0:40 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 42 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, Megabus from Cardiff to DurhamYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Durham with National Express, Megabus 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 55m
Cheapest National Express Price
£25
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.
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Megabus Duration
9h 30m
Cheapest Megabus Price
£50
Megabus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
Complete guide to Durham
Things to do in Durham
Discover the best of Durham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Durham trip today.
- Recommended
Oriental Museum
University museum with collections from ancient civilisations to world cultures. Compact, varied and easy to combine with a cathedral visit.
- Recommended
Palace Green Library
Gallery and museum at Palace Green with changing exhibitions and displays connected to Durham’s history, books and university collections.
- Must visit
Palace Green
Historic square between cathedral and castle, framed by university buildings. A key place to pause for architecture and city atmosphere.
- Recommended
Durham Riverside Walk
Riverside walk circling the old centre through wooded banks and classic viewpoints. Ideal for Durham’s most photogenic views.
- Recommended
Wharton Park
Wooded hilltop park with panoramic views across Durham, especially towards the cathedral and castle. Popular with locals for quiet walks.
Durham Sausage
A seasoned pork sausage from County Durham, traditionally eaten with pease pudding. It is a well-known regional butcher’s staple in the North East.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pease Pudding
A smooth savoury spread of boiled yellow split peas, long associated with North East ham and stottie sandwiches and traditional local lunches.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Stottie Cake
A dense round North East bread roll, classic with ham and pease pudding. It is a regional bakery icon rather than a standard British bap.
Coarse
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre dining room. Ideal for a special meal with polished, understated service.
The Cellar Door
Stylish bistro and bar serving modern British dishes and cocktails in a lively riverside setting near Durham’s historic centre.
Bistro Citron Vert
Long-running restaurant known for dependable French and British cooking in a warm, traditional setting popular with locals and visitors.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly reasonable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 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 expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Go North East app
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
Durham Sutton Street / Bridge Street -> Durham Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 6 min
- Contactless payment is accepted on Go North East and Arriva buses in Durham; check the operator app or website for current fare caps.
- Durham is served mainly by buses rather than metro or tram. Use the Go North East app for live departures, journey planning and mobile tickets.
FAQs: Cardiff to Durham coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Durham 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 Durham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Durham can start from as little as £25 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Durham is £38; 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 Durham is 10h 55m to travel the 382 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 Durham leaves at 0:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Durham leaves at 23:55.
There are 2 coaches a day from Cardiff to Durham which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Durham, you can count on National Express, Megabus for the best way to get you to Durham. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Durham 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, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, University . When arriving in Durham , you can end your route in coach stations like Newcastle upon Tyne, John Dobson Street, Durham, Sutton Street / Bridge Street, Sunderland, Interchange.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 Durham, Sutton Street / Bridge Street, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Durham from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 10h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Durham is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Durham including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Durham:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Durham for coach company National Express, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Durham depends on the coach companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- 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 Durham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Durham:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- 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 Durham:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Durham.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Durham with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Durham with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Durham with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Durham
Most Cardiff to Durham buses use the Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) to Newcastle upon Tyne, John Dobson Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Durham 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 Durham
Which Cardiff station do buses to Durham leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Durham 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
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, 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
Durham, Sutton Street / Bridge StreetDurham, NC, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Durham, Sutton Street / Bridge Street from Durham city centre
TRUE
Durham, Sutton Street / Bridge Street bus station facilities and services
Durham, Sutton Street / Bridge Street 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 Durham, Sutton Street / Bridge Street. ATMs are available at Durham, Sutton Street / Bridge Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Durham, Sutton Street / Bridge Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Durham, Sutton Street / Bridge Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Durham, Sutton Street / Bridge Street: Accessible via ramps and flat surfaces.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Durham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Durham and Cardiff
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