- Must visit
Museum of Liverpool
A major museum covering Liverpool’s global links, city life and transport, with family-friendly displays and broad local history.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Liverpool
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Oct
Cheapest price on 04 Oct
£27
Average ticket price on 04 Oct
£28
Fastest journey on 04 Oct
6 h 10 m
Average journey duration on 04 Oct
7 h 31 m
Buses on 04 Oct
5
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 £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £27.
Fast coaches
To travel from Cardiff to Liverpool you need to make at least one change.
NX111 · NX5418:408h40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens17:20Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place£271One-way1 change- NX111 · NX54116:407h00Cardiff, Sophia Gardens23:40Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place£271One-way1 change
- NX112 · NX54112:258h00Cardiff, Sophia Gardens20:25Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place£271One-way1 change
- NX202 · NX100 · NX1204:457h45Cardiff, Sophia Gardens12:30Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place£281One-way2 changes
FlixBus · FlixBus18:206h10Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0:30Liverpool, Liverpool One£301One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus18:206h10Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0:30Liverpool, Liverpool One£301One-way1 change
- NX111 · NX54116:407h00Cardiff, Sophia Gardens23:40Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place£271One-way1 change
- NX202 · NX100 · NX1204:457h45Cardiff, Sophia Gardens12:30Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place£281One-way2 changes
- NX112 · NX54112:258h00Cardiff, Sophia Gardens20:25Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place£271One-way1 change
- NX111 · NX5418:408h40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens17:20Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place£271One-way1 change
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Liverpool
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Liverpool run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £12 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 4h 35m.
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 6h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 4h 35m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 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
Live departures
Cardiff to Liverpool bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Liverpool 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX111 · NX541 | 8:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h40 | 17:20 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 1 change | |
| NX112 · NX541 | 12:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h00 | 20:25 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 1 change | |
| NX111 · NX541 | 16:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h00 | 23:40 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 18:20 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h10 | 0:30 Liverpool, Liverpool One | 1 change | |
| Sunday 4 October | |||||
| NX202 · NX100 · NX120 | 4:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h45 | 12:30 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cardiff to Liverpool coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus 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 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 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.
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Cardiff to LiverpoolYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Liverpool with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £12. 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
5h 15m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£12
FlixBus frequency
3 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
4h 35m
Cheapest National Express Price
£16
National Express frequency
4 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 Liverpool
Things to do in Liverpool
Discover the best of Liverpool — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Liverpool trip today.
- Must visit
World Museum
An extensive museum of archaeology, world cultures and natural history, known for varied displays and free family visits.
- Recommended
Tate Liverpool
A waterfront gallery with British art, decorative works and changing exhibitions in a landmark dockside building.
- Must visit
Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
Liverpool’s revived dock complex with museums, waterfront walks, historic warehouses and some of the city’s best views.
- Recommended
Ropewalks
A compact central quarter known for independent shops, street art, music venues and a lively creative atmosphere.
- Recommended
Hope Street
A broad Georgian street lined with cultural venues, gardens and major civic buildings, ideal for a scenic walk.
- Gluten-free
Scouse
A hearty beef stew with root vegetables, long linked to Liverpool’s dockworkers and home cooking. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional dishes.
- Gluten-free
Blind Scouse
A lighter local variation of scouse made with lamb or mutton, potatoes and vegetables. It reflects older Liverpool home-style cooking traditions.
- Vegetarian
Wet Nelly
A local bakery favourite made from leftover cake pieces bound with sweet filling and covered in icing or chocolate. It is strongly associated with Liverpool bakeries.
Roski
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate, polished setting. A strong choice for a special meal in central Liverpool.
Ma Boyle's
Historic pub famed for serving traditional scouse and classic British comfort food in a busy, characterful city-centre setting.
The London Carriage Works
Long-established seafood restaurant known for fresh fish, shellfish and a smart but relaxed dining room near the waterfront.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses, trains and attractions can still add up in peak periods.
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
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip about 10%. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.
Merseyrail
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £5.95
To the city centre
Liverpool ONE, Liverpool -> Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless and card payment are accepted for Merseyrail tickets. Bus and rail fares vary by ticket type, so check Merseytravel before travel.
- Liverpool ONE is already in the city centre. For most central sights, walking is often quicker than waiting for a bus or train.
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.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Liverpool can start from as little as £12 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Liverpool is £28; 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 4h 35m 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. 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 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.
When departing from Cardiff , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Newport, Queensway, Cardiff, University, Weston-super-Mare, Regent St (Interchange), Weston-super-Mare, Diamond Batch Car Park Stop (Worle Station) . When arriving in Liverpool , you can end your route in coach stations like Liverpool, Liverpool One, Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place, Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Liverpool, Liverpool One, located 1 away from the city centre.
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:
- 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.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Liverpool 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 Liverpool.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Liverpool:
- 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:
- 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
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Liverpool with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Liverpool with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Liverpool
Most Cardiff to Liverpool buses use the Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) to Liverpool, Liverpool One station pair, with some services arriving at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Liverpool 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 Liverpool
Which Cardiff station do buses to Liverpool leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Liverpool 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
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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 · £0.89 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
Which Liverpool station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Liverpool most often arrive at Liverpool, Liverpool One. Some services arrive at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Liverpool arrival station.
Liverpool, Liverpool OneCanning Place, Liverpool L1 8JX, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Liverpool, Liverpool One from Liverpool city centre
Liverpool, Liverpool One is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus86A, 79, 75, 6 · 4m · £4 · every ~60 min
10A · 11m · £4 · every ~25 min
City Explorer 101 · 42m · every ~3 min
Liverpool, Liverpool One bus station facilities and services
Liverpool, Liverpool One has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Pret A Manger (in the station), Costa Coffee (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, Liverpool One.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Liverpool, Liverpool One: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, Liverpool One: Elevators, ramps.
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning PlaceCanning Place, Liverpool L1 8JX, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place from Liverpool city centre
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus10A · 11m · £4 · every ~25 min
City Explorer 101 · 41m · every ~3 min
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place bus station facilities and services
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café in the Station (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Liverpool
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Liverpool and Cardiff
Most popular bus connections
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