- Recommended
Charnwood Museum
Compact local museum in Queen's Park covering Loughborough's industries, transport and everyday life through varied displays.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Loughborough
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 12 Oct
Cheapest price on 12 Oct
£23
Average ticket price on 12 Oct
£27
Fastest journey on 12 Oct
7 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 12 Oct
8 h 10 m
Buses on 12 Oct
2
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 £27 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £23.
Fast coaches
On Mon 12 Oct, we found 2 buses from Cardiff to Loughborough, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 197 km distance in an average of 8 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 40 m .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
16:158h40Cardiff0:55Loughborough£231One-way0 changes
12:507h40Cardiff20:30Loughborough£311One-way0 changes
- 12:507h40Cardiff20:30Loughborough£311One-way0 changes
- 16:158h40Cardiff0:55Loughborough£231One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Loughborough
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Loughborough run on average 7 times per day, taking around 7h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £28 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 28m.
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 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 6h 28m |
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
Live departures
Cardiff to Loughborough bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Loughborough coaches for tomorrow, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:50 Cardiff | 7h40 | 20:30 Loughborough | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cardiff to Loughborough coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus 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 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 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 National Express 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 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 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.
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Cardiff to LoughboroughYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Loughborough with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £28. 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
7h 5m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£32
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 National Express Duration
6h 28m
Cheapest National Express Price
£28
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 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.
Best day trips from Loughborough by bus
The most popular day trips by bus from Loughborough are Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Birmingham and Coventry. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Loughborough on Omio.
Day trip from Loughborough to Leicester by bus
Why visit Leicester for the day?
Leicester is known for its diverse communities, rich history and strong connection to Richard III. Roman roots, a lively market and a varied food scene give the city a practical, friendly feel.
How to get from Loughborough to Leicester by bus?
There are 13 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:08, the last at 23:53. The fastest coach covers the 15 km distance in 25m.
Day trip from Loughborough to Nottingham by bus
Why visit Nottingham for the day?
Nottingham is known for the Robin Hood legend, its lace-making past and a lively student atmosphere. The compact city blends Nottingham Castle and the Lace Market with independent shops, music and strong sporting traditions.
How to get from Loughborough to Nottingham by bus?
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:03, the last at 23:54. The fastest coach covers the 21 km distance in 30m.
Day trip from Loughborough to Derby by bus
Why visit Derby for the day?
Derby is an East Midlands city known for rail heritage, advanced engineering and a centre with Georgian and Victorian character. The Silk Mill and Cathedral Quarter connect its Industrial Revolution past with a practical, easy-going atmosphere.
How to get from Loughborough to Derby by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 03:49, the last at 22:58. The fastest coach covers the 25 km distance in 2h 0m.
Day trip from Loughborough to Birmingham by bus
Why visit Birmingham for the day?
Birmingham is known for its industrial past, canal network and diverse food scene. It combines major shopping and cultural landmarks with lively neighbourhoods shaped by manufacturing, music and modern city life.
How to get from Loughborough to Birmingham by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 04:20, the last at 22:22. The fastest coach covers the 57 km distance in 1h 40m.
Day trip from Loughborough to Coventry by bus
Why visit Coventry for the day?
Coventry blends medieval history with post-war architecture and a strong industrial past. It is best known for its cathedral ruins, modern Coventry Cathedral and links to British car making.
How to get from Loughborough to Coventry by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 04:56, the last at 21:57. The fastest coach covers the 45 km distance in 1h 15m.
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 £28 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Loughborough is £47; 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 28m 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 7 coaches a day from Cardiff to Loughborough 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 Loughborough, you can count on National Express, FlixBus 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, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, University, Newport, Queensway, Weston-super-Mare, Regent St (Interchange) . When arriving in Loughborough , you can end your route in coach stations like Loughborough, The Rushes, Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station.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 Loughborough, The Rushes, located 1 away from the city centre.
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:
- 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 Loughborough for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough 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 Loughborough.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough:
- 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 Loughborough:
- 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 Loughborough. 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 Loughborough with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Loughborough with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Loughborough with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
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. 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, 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.
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, 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 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, St.Margaret's Bus Station, 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.
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
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