- Recommended
Charnwood Museum
Compact local museum in Queen's Park covering Loughborough's industries, transport and everyday life through varied displays.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
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
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Loughborough
Showing times and prices for 28 Aug
Cheapest price
£47
Average price
£56
Fastest journey
7 h 27 m
Average duration
8 h 3 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
197 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough will cost around £56 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £47.
Fast coaches
To travel from Cardiff to Loughborough you need to make at least one change.
NX509 · NX4403:208h35Cardiff, University11:55Loughborough, The Rushes£471One-way1 change
FlixBus · FlixBus13:0510h20Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)23:25Loughborough, The Rushes£491One-way1 change- NX509 · NX4405:208h45Cardiff, University14:05Loughborough, The Rushes£491One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus8:559h10Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)18:05Loughborough, The Rushes£561One-way1 change
- NX509 · NX44019:537h27Cardiff, University3:20Loughborough, The Rushes£571One-way1 change
- NX509 · NX44019:537h27Cardiff, University3:20Loughborough, The Rushes£571One-way1 change
- NX509 · NX44013:537h52Cardiff, University21:45Loughborough, The Rushes£661One-way1 change
- NX507 · NX44015:558h04Cardiff, University23:59Loughborough, The Rushes£581One-way1 change
- NX509 · NX44010:088h22Cardiff, University18:30Loughborough, The Rushes£631One-way1 change
- NX507 · NX4407:388h32Cardiff, University16:10Loughborough, The Rushes£581One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Loughborough
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Loughborough among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, and a train costs an average of £51.
Distance: 197 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£26 Average Price Cheapest | £106 Average Price |
7h 48m Average total duration 7h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 33m Average total duration Fastest 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff to Loughborough bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Loughborough coaches for today, Thursday 27 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:10 Cardiff | 11h05 | 18:15 Loughborough | 0 changesdirect | |
| 16:15 Cardiff | 8h40 | 0:55 Loughborough | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 28 August | |||||
| NX509 · NX440 | 3:20 Cardiff, University | 8h35 | 11:55 Loughborough, The Rushes | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NX440 | 5:20 Cardiff, University | 8h45 | 14:05 Loughborough, The Rushes | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NX440 | 7:38 Cardiff, University | 8h32 | 16:10 Loughborough, The Rushes | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Loughborough 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.
Fri
28 Aug
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
03 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Loughborough coaches with Omio?
Megabus as well as National Express offer coaches services from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Why book with Omio vs Megabus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Loughborough.
- 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Loughborough.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Loughborough
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Loughborough run on average 9 times per day, taking around 7h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:40, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 197 km distance in 6h 30m.
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 197 km |
Average bus duration 7h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 6h 30m |
First bus 0:40 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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: Megabus, National Express from Cardiff to LoughboroughYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Loughborough with Megabus, National Express for as low as £19. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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 0m
Cheapest Price
£33
Megabus frequency
4 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.
Entertaiment on board
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
6h 30m
Cheapest Price
£19
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.
Complete guide to Loughborough
Things to do in Loughborough
Discover the best of Loughborough — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Loughborough trip today.
- Recommended
The Loughborough Museum
Heritage museum at Great Central Railway with preserved locomotives, rolling stock and exhibits on the line's operation and history.
- Recommended
John Taylor Bellfoundry Museum
Small heritage display at the bell foundry site, interpreting bellmaking in a town long associated with this specialist craft.
- Must visit
Queen's Park
Central park with formal gardens, memorials, open lawns and river walks, making it the town's main green space for a relaxed visit.
- Recommended
Grand Union Canal
Waterside stretch popular for walking and cycling, with locks, wildlife and easy access to longer routes through the Soar valley.
Baxter Gate
Historic shopping street lined with older buildings, independent businesses and a market atmosphere near the heart of town.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
A pork pie from nearby Melton Mowbray with hot-water crust pastry and seasoned chopped pork. A classic East Midlands speciality closely tied to local food heritage.
- Gluten-free
Stilton
Blue-veined cow’s milk cheese made in Leicestershire. Creamy, crumbly and tangy, it is one of the county’s best-known traditional foods.
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester
Red Leicester is a firm, nutty county cheese with a rich orange colour. It is a longstanding local staple often served in sandwiches, pies and ploughman’s lunches.
The Basin
Stylish modern restaurant known for seasonal British cooking, attentive service and a relaxed smart atmosphere in the town centre.
Fernandez Grillhouse
Well-known Indian restaurant serving classic curries and tandoori dishes in a comfortable, longstanding local setting.
Peter Pizzeria
Popular town-centre venue for burgers, grilled dishes and drinks, with a lively casual feel and broad menu.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotel, dining and local travel costs are usually lower than in London, though prices can rise on university and event dates.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
mango
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £10
To the city centre
The Rushes, Loughborough -> Loughborough Town Centre
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Kinchbus buses accept contactless cards and mobile wallets; tap on at the start and tap off before leaving for automatic daily capping.
- For local travel, Kinchbus is the main town bus operator. Check stop maps for The Rushes and Baxter Gate before travelling.
FAQs: Cardiff to Loughborough coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Loughborough 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 Loughborough, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Loughborough can start from as little as £19 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Loughborough is £26; 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 Loughborough is 6h 30m to travel the 197 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 Loughborough leaves at 0:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Loughborough leaves at 23:45.
There are 9 coaches a day from Cardiff to Loughborough which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Loughborough, you can count on Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Loughborough. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Loughborough 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, Cardiff, University, Newport, Queensway, Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent), Weston-super-Mare, Regent St (Interchange), Weston-super-Mare, Diamond Batch Car Park Stop (Worle Station) . When arriving in Loughborough , you can end your route in coach stations like Loughborough, The Rushes, Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda), Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station, Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station, Nottingham, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Millennium Way East (Phoenix Park P+R), Loughborough, University, Nottingham, North Entrance (Stop UN14).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 Loughborough, The Rushes, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Loughborough from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Loughborough is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Loughborough including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Loughborough:
- 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Loughborough for coach company Megabus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough 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.
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 Loughborough.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough:
- 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.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough:
- 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.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Loughborough.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Loughborough with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Loughborough with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Loughborough with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Loughborough
Most Cardiff to Loughborough buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Loughborough, The Rushes station pair, with some services arriving at Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda). Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Loughborough 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 Loughborough
Which Cardiff station do buses to Loughborough leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Loughborough 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
TRUE
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 · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
Which Loughborough station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Loughborough most often arrive at Loughborough, The Rushes. Some services arrive at Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Loughborough arrival station.
Loughborough, The RushesLoughborough (The Rushes), Loughborough LE11 5BE, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Loughborough, The Rushes from Loughborough city centre
Loughborough, The Rushes is 1 km from Loughborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus127 · 4m · £2 · every ~11 min
Sky · 7m · £2 · every ~15 min
Loughborough, The Rushes bus station facilities and services
Loughborough, The Rushes 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 Loughborough, The Rushes. ATMs are available at Loughborough, The Rushes.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Loughborough, The Rushes.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Loughborough, The Rushes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Loughborough, The Rushes: Basic accessibility features are available.
Loughborough, UniversityEpinal Way, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Loughborough, University from Loughborough city centre
Loughborough, University is 1 km from Loughborough city centre. Public transport options include:
BusSp · 11m · £2 · every ~16 min
16, 127, 16A · 17m · £2 · every ~13 min
Loughborough, University bus station facilities and services
Loughborough, University has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and restaurants available on campus.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi available for students and visitors. ATMs are aTMs available on campus.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Loughborough, University.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Loughborough, University: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Loughborough, University: Accessible buses and pathways available.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Loughborough
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Loughborough and Cardiff
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.
