- Recommended
Dacorum Heritage Trust Museum Store
The town’s main museum tells the story of Hemel Hempstead and the wider borough through local history displays, objects and changing exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£39
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£39
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
8 h 30 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
8 h 30 m
Buses on 18 Sept
1
Distance
189 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead will cost around £39 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £39.
Fast coaches
To travel from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead you need to make at least one change.
16:358h30Cardiff1:05Hemel Hempstead£391One-way1 change
- 16:358h30Cardiff1:05Hemel Hempstead£391One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £41 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 4h 28m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £41, while a coach costs an average of £41.
Distance: 189 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|
£41 Average Price Cheapest | £39 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 28m Average total duration Fastest 3h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead is a coach with an average price of £41.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead is by train with an average journey time of 2h 38m.
Other travel options to Hemel Hempstead take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 58m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Hemel Hempstead including taking a coach and train.
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 £41 compared to roughly £39 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-2.10. The journey takes 3h 58m versus 2h 49m 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 Hemel Hempstead bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16:35 Cardiff | 8h30 | 1:05 Hemel Hempstead | 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 Hemel Hempstead 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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18 Sept
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Why should you book Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead.
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 Hemel Hempstead.
- 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 Hemel Hempstead.
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 Hemel Hempstead.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £39 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:35, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 189 km distance in 8h 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 189 km |
Average bus duration 3h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 8h 25m |
First bus 2:35 |
Last bus 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 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, FlixBus from Cardiff to Hemel HempsteadYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £39. 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
8h 30m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£39
FlixBus frequency
1 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
8h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
£51
National Express frequency
1 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 Hemel Hempstead
Things to do in Hemel Hempstead
Discover the best of Hemel Hempstead — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hemel Hempstead trip today.
- Recommended
Frogmore Paper Mill
A working paper museum nearby at Apsley, exploring the former paper mills with machinery, archives and demonstrations on selected open days.
- Recommended
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
A specialist museum at nearby Leavesden presenting original Harry Potter sets, props and costumes in a large behind-the-scenes studio tour.
- Recommended
Hemel Old Town
The historic high street area with period buildings, independent shops, pubs and regular events; ideal for a walk and a feel for old Hemel.
- Recommended
Gadebridge Park
A large central park with lawns, play areas, sports facilities and the remains of Gadebridge House, popular for relaxed walks.
- Recommended
Grand Union Canal
A scenic canal-side stretch with locks, bridges and waterside paths, well suited to walking, cycling and watching narrowboats pass.
Steak and Kidney Pudding
A suet pastry pudding filled with steak and kidneys, long linked with English pub cooking and still a classic comfort dish in Hertfordshire.
Fish and Chips
Battered white fish with chips is a staple British takeaway and pub meal, widely eaten locally and strongly tied to everyday food culture.
Sunday Roast
Roast beef with roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy and Yorkshire pudding is a traditional Sunday meal commonly served in local pubs and homes.
Meghna
Smart Indian restaurant serving refined curries and grilled dishes in an elegant, established setting.
Kervan Kitchen
Popular Turkish restaurant for charcoal grills, meze and generous portions in a lively modern room.
The Olde Kings Arms
Traditional pub near the Old Town, known for cask ales, British mains and a relaxed historic atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate by UK standards. Dining and hotels cost less than central London, but more than many smaller UK towns. Rail travel to London can add noticeably to daily spend.
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
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.
FAQs: Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead 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 Hemel Hempstead, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead can start from as little as £39 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead is £41; 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 Hemel Hempstead is 8h 25m to travel the 189 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 Hemel Hempstead leaves at 2:35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead leaves at 23:40.
There are 9 coaches a day from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead 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 Hemel Hempstead, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Hemel Hempstead. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Hemel Hempstead and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Hemel Hempstead from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Hemel Hempstead including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead 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 Hemel Hempstead.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead:
- 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 Hemel Hempstead:
- 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 Hemel Hempstead. 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 Hemel Hempstead with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Hemel Hempstead and Cardiff
Most popular bus connections
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