- Must visit
Ipswich Museum
Ipswich’s main museum with natural history, archaeology and local collections, including Egyptian objects and displays on Suffolk’s past.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Ipswich
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Oct
Cheapest price on 04 Oct
£72
Average ticket price on 04 Oct
£89
Fastest journey on 04 Oct
7 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 04 Oct
8 h 1 m
Buses on 04 Oct
6
Distance
305 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Ipswich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Ipswich will cost around £89 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £72.
Fast coaches
To travel from Cardiff to Ipswich you need to make at least 2 changes.
NX509 · NXA8 · NX71711:309h00Cardiff, Sophia Gardens20:30Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£721One-way2 changes- NX201 · NX728 · NX7175:407h25Cardiff, Sophia Gardens13:05Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£831One-way2 changes
- NX201 · NX727 · NX7177:308h05Cardiff, Sophia Gardens15:35Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£841One-way2 changes
- NX507 · NXA8 · NX71718:158h05Cardiff, Sophia Gardens2:20Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£841One-way2 changes
- NX201 · NX727 · NX7179:258h10Cardiff, Sophia Gardens17:35Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£1011One-way2 changes
- NX201 · NX728 · NX7175:407h25Cardiff, Sophia Gardens13:05Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£831One-way2 changes
- NX201 · NX727 · NX7177:308h05Cardiff, Sophia Gardens15:35Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£841One-way2 changes
- NX507 · NXA8 · NX71718:158h05Cardiff, Sophia Gardens2:20Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£841One-way2 changes
- NX201 · NX727 · NX7179:258h10Cardiff, Sophia Gardens17:35Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£1011One-way2 changes
- NX202 · NX727 · NX71715:058h20Cardiff, Sophia Gardens23:25Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)£1081One-way2 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Ipswich
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Ipswich run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £39 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:00, the last at 19:53. The fastest coach covers the 305 km distance in 5h 40m.
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 305 km |
Average bus duration 6h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 5h 40m |
First bus 2:00 |
Last bus 19:53 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 Ipswich bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Ipswich coaches for today, Saturday 3 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16:30 Cardiff | 8h50 | 1:20 Ipswich | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 4 October | |||||
| NX201 · NX728 · NX717 | 5:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h25 | 13:05 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 2 changes | |
| NX201 · NX727 · NX717 | 7:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h05 | 15:35 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 2 changes | |
| NX201 · NX727 · NX717 | 9:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h10 | 17:35 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 2 changes | |
| NX509 · NXA8 · NX717 | 11:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 9h00 | 20:30 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cardiff to Ipswich coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Cardiff to Ipswich.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Ipswich.
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.
Bus providers: National Express from Cardiff to IpswichYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Ipswich with National Express for as low as £39. 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
5h 40m
Cheapest National Express Price
£39
National Express frequency
7 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 Ipswich
Things to do in Ipswich
Discover the best of Ipswich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ipswich trip today.
- Must visit
Christchurch Mansion
Gallery in Christchurch Mansion showing works by Constable and Gainsborough, plus changing exhibitions in a historic setting.
- Recommended
The Hold: Ipswich Waterfront
Museum on the redeveloped docks telling the story of Ipswich’s maritime trade, industry and local life through interactive displays.
- Must visit
Ipswich Waterfront
Lively regenerated marina with quayside walks, historic warehouses and wide views; ideal for a relaxed stroll by the water.
- Must visit
Christchurch Park
Large public park with formal gardens, ponds and open lawns around Christchurch Mansion; a favourite green escape near the centre.
- Recommended
Cornhill
Historic square at the civic heart of Ipswich, framed by notable buildings and often used for markets, events and seasonal displays.
Suffolk Sausage
A hearty Suffolk pork sausage, traditionally seasoned with sage and pepper. It is a long-standing county speciality often served with mash or in a sandwich.
- Gluten-free
Suffolk Ham
Cured ham from Suffolk, usually dry-cured and sliced thin. It reflects the county’s strong pork-curing tradition and is a popular local deli staple.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Herring
Smoked herring from the nearby Suffolk coast, especially linked with Lowestoft. Traditionally eaten for breakfast or in fish dishes with a deep smoky flavour.
Melekzade
Well-known Turkish restaurant with grilled meats, meze and warm service in a lively yet comfortable dining room.
Indian Knight
Established Indian restaurant known for refined curries and attentive service in an elegant setting.
The Last Anchor
Stylish marina restaurant serving modern British food, steaks and seafood in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate by UK standards. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a basic lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip about 10% for good service. Taxi fares can be rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Ipswich Buses App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.30
- Day pass
- £4.40
To the city centre
Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema), Ipswich -> Tower Ramparts Bus Station, Ipswich
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless payment is accepted on board Ipswich Buses for single, transfer, return, day and family tickets.
- Town fares apply within the Ipswich town zone; adult Town Single is £2.30 and Town Day is £4.40.
FAQs: Cardiff to Ipswich coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Ipswich can start from as little as £39 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Ipswich is £72; 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 Ipswich is 5h 40m to travel the 305 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 Ipswich leaves at 2:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Ipswich leaves at 19:53.
There are 7 coaches a day from Cardiff to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Ipswich. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Ipswich and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
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 Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema), located 0 away from the city centre.
Yes, you can take a train between Cardiff and Ipswich.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Ipswich for coach company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Ipswich:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Ipswich 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 Ipswich.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Ipswich:
- 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 Ipswich:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Ipswich.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Ipswich with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Ipswich with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Ipswich with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Ipswich
Most Cardiff to Ipswich buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Ipswich 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 Ipswich
Which Cardiff station do buses to Ipswich leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Ipswich 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.
Which Ipswich station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Ipswich arrive at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) is 1 km from Ipswich city centre.
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)Cardinal Park Cinema, Ipswich IP1 1AX, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) from Ipswich city centre
TRUE
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) bus station facilities and services
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurants available near Cardinal Park Cinema.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). ATMs are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Bus stop accessible for wheelchairs.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Ipswich
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ipswich and Cardiff
Most popular bus connections
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