Cardiff to Liverpool bus with National Express

Thu 21 May
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National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
Alsa
Flibco
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Liverpool

Showing times and prices for 21 May

Cheapest price

£22

Average price

£33

Fastest journey

6 h 10 m

Average duration

7 h 48 m

Buses per day

8

Distance

215 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Liverpool is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Liverpool will cost around £33 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £22.

Fast coaches

To travel from Cardiff to Liverpool you need to make at least one change.

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    18:206h10
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    0:30Liverpool, Liverpool One
    £221One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    6:107h40
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    13:50Liverpool, Liverpool One
    £221One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    12:158h20
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    20:35Liverpool, Liverpool One
    £231One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX111 · NX541
    17:108h25
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    1:35Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
    £321One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX111 · NX541
    13:408h25
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    22:05Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
    £351One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Liverpool

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Liverpool among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, and a train costs an average of £30.

Distance: 215 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£25

Average Price

Cheapest

£58

Average Price

6h 13m

Average total duration

5h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 25m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

Transport for Wales

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 Liverpool bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Liverpool coaches for tomorrow, Thursday 21 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX202 · NX106 · NX1202:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
9h55
12:30 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place2 changes
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h40
13:50 Liverpool, Liverpool One1 change
National ExpressNX202 · NX100 · NX541
On time
8:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
9h00
17:30 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
2 changes
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus12:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
8h20
20:35 Liverpool, Liverpool One1 change
National ExpressNX111 · NX541
On time
13:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
8h25
22:05 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
1 change
National ExpressNX111 · NX541
On time
17:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
8h25
1:35 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus18:20 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h10
0:30 Liverpool, Liverpool One1 change
National ExpressNX216 · NX100 · NX421
On time
22:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
10h25
8:35 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
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 Liverpool 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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21 May
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Why should you book Cardiff to Liverpool coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus or Megabus offer coaches services from Cardiff to Liverpool.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Liverpool.

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 or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Liverpool.
  • 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 Liverpool.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Liverpool.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Liverpool.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Liverpool

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Liverpool run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 215 km distance in 5h 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
215 km
Average bus duration
5h 43m
Cheapest ticket price
£17
Buses per day
8
Fastest bus
5h 50m
First bus
0:30
Last bus
23:45
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
77 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, Megabus from Cardiff to LiverpoolYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Liverpool with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for as low as £17. 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 Duration
6h 10m
Cheapest Price
£17
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 Duration
5h 50m
Cheapest Price
£25
National Express frequency
2 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.

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 Duration
8h 10m
Cheapest Price
£20
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.

Buses from Cardiff to Liverpool

The easiest way to travel between these two cities is by National Express coach services who provide the fastest buses from Cardiff to Liverpool. National Express operate 1 direct journey per day which departs in the morning and takes 6.5 hours. There are four further journeys per day which take from just 5.5 hours and involve a change in Birmingham. Coaches depart from Cardiff Coach Station at Sophia Gardens and arrive at Liverpool One Bus Station which is a short walk from the city centre and Liverpool Central and James Street railways stations.

Taking the Bus from Cardiff

Buses from Cardiff to Liverpool now leave from the National Express stop at Sophia Gardens. The ticket office opens at 7:00 a.m. from Monday to Friday and at 8:00 a.m. on Sundays. It closes at 6:15 p.m. every day. Sophia Gardens is located some distance away from the city centre on the west bank of the Taff river. Passengers can reach the stop via buses 24, 63 and M3 from the city centre. Taxis are also available.

Getting into Liverpool by Bus

Situated in a prime location where the Mersey River flows into the Irish Sea, Liverpool has always been a maritime city. Today the city's nautical heritage can be found in Merseyside Maritime Museum, the paintings at Tate Liverpool, and the iconic trio of the Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building that stand proud on the waterfront. Visitors can also enjoy a thriving shopping, dining and nightlife scene, and take a Magical Mystery Tour in search of the city's most famous sons, the Beatles. Buses from Cardiff to Liverpool arrive at the coach station on Norton Street. Though not central, it's located near the cultural quarter and St John's Shopping Centre, and around 800 metres from Lime Street Railway Station.

FAQs: Cardiff to Liverpool coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Liverpool 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 Liverpool, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Liverpool can start from as little as £17 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Liverpool is £25; 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 Liverpool is 5h 50m to travel the 215 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 Liverpool leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Liverpool leaves at 23:45.
There are 8 coaches a day from Cardiff to Liverpool which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Liverpool, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for the best way to get you to Liverpool. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Liverpool and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Liverpool from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Liverpool is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Liverpool including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Liverpool:
  • 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.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Liverpool for coach company National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Liverpool 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.
  • 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 Liverpool.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Liverpool:
  • 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.
  • 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 Liverpool:
  • 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.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Cardiff to Liverpool. 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 Liverpool with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Liverpool with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Liverpool with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Liverpool

Cardiff
Liverpool
The major coach station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens for your trip from Cardiff to Liverpool.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
information
Cardiff, University
information

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