Cardiff to Liverpool bus with National Express

Sat 22 Nov
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Liverpool

Showing times and prices for 22 Nov

Cheapest price

£39

Average price

£49

Fastest journey

11 h 25 m

Average duration

12 h

Buses per day

4

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 £49 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 Liverpool you need to make at least one change.

FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
13:0011h25
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
00:25Liverpool, Liverpool One
£391One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
17:1512h50
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
06:05Liverpool, Liverpool One
£391One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
07:1012h15
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
19:25Liverpool, Liverpool One
£541One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
09:1511h30
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
20:45Liverpool, Liverpool One
£631One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach 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 £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 35m. 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 £15, and a train costs an average of £46.

Distance: 215 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£30

Average Price

Cheapest

£70

Average Price

7h 44m

Average total duration

7h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 5m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 35m

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 today, Friday 21 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 04:55
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX202 · NX101 · NX550
Delayed
18:35 06:25Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
8h05
14:30 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
2 changes
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus07:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
12h15
19:25 Liverpool, Liverpool One1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus09:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
11h30
20:45 Liverpool, Liverpool One1 change
national_expressNX111 · NX550
Delayed
13:35 09:50Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h25
17:15 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus13:00 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
11h25
00:25 Liverpool, Liverpool One1 change
national_expressNX111 · NX550
On time
13:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h55
20:30 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
1 change
national_expressNX111 · NX550
On time
17:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h50
23:00 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus17:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
12h50
06:05 Liverpool, Liverpool One1 change
national_expressNX216 · NX100 · NX42318:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
12h00
06:05 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place2 changes
national_expressNX216 · NX100 · NX421
On time
22:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
10h25
08:35 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
2 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Liverpool by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Sat
22 Nov
Sun
23 Nov
Mon
24 Nov
Tue
25 Nov
Wed
26 Nov
Thu
27 Nov
Fri
28 Nov
Sat
29 Nov
Sun
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec
Fri
05 Dec
Sat
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec
Mon
08 Dec
Tue
09 Dec
Wed
10 Dec
Thu
11 Dec
Fri
12 Dec

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 7 times per day, taking around 7h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £15 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 20m.

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
7h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
£15
Buses per day
7
Fastest bus
5h 20m
First bus
00:30
Last bus
23:45
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 £15. 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
8h 0m
Cheapest Price
£18
FlixBus frequency
2 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 Duration
5h 25m
Cheapest Price
£20
National Express frequency
5 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 £14 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Liverpool is £33; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Cardiff to Liverpool coach travel time is 5 h 35 min   for the 133 mile long route, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Cardiff to Liverpool leaves at 05: 45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Cardiff to Liverpool leaves at 17: 30.
There are 4 coaches a day from Cardiff to Liverpool which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus or Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
Take the Cardiff to Liverpool coach with National Express, FlixBus or Megabus. However, it's always good to check out all possible coach companies for the trip from Cardiff to Liverpool as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
The cheapest month to travel from Cardiff to Liverpool by coach is March.
You have options as you can travel from Cardiff to Liverpool 2 different ways: train or coach.
No, the coach from Cardiff to Liverpool has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Liverpool.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Cardiff to Liverpool.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cardiff to Liverpool, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Liverpool.
    No, luggage for the coach from Cardiff to Liverpool needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Cardiff to Liverpool.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Liverpool.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Liverpool.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Cardiff to Liverpool.

    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, Millennium Stadium
    information
    Cardiff, University
    information
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    information

    More options for your journey from Cardiff to Liverpool

    Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

    The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

    We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

    ios-badge
    android-badge
    Hand With Phone