- Must visit
Wardown House Museum and Gallery
Museum and gallery in a Victorian mansion, showcasing local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in Wardown Park.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Luton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Oct
Cheapest price on 13 Oct
£17
Average ticket price on 13 Oct
£26
Fastest journey on 13 Oct
4 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 13 Oct
4 h 44 m
Buses on 13 Oct
31
Distance
196 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Luton will cost around £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £17.
Fast coaches
To travel from Cardiff to Luton you need to make at least one change.
NX507 · NXA3112:306h10Cardiff, Sophia Gardens18:40Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station£171One-way1 change- NX507 · NXA116:305h55Cardiff, Sophia Gardens22:25Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station£171One-way1 change
- NX509 · NXA313:455h30Cardiff, Sophia Gardens9:15Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station£171One-way1 change
FlixBus · FlixBus1:405h10Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)6:50Luton£181One-way1 change- FlixBus · FlixBus23:256h45Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)6:10Luton£181One-way1 change
- NX201 · NX2307:204h25Cardiff, Sophia Gardens11:45Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station£491One-way1 change
- NX201 · NX23011:404h40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens16:20Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station£391One-way1 change
- NX201 · NX2313:254h45Cardiff, Sophia Gardens8:10Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station£391One-way1 change
- NX201 · NX2405:254h55Cardiff, Sophia Gardens10:20Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station£321One-way1 change
- NX202 · NX2304:304h55Cardiff, Sophia Gardens9:25Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station£301One-way1 change
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Luton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Luton run on average 28 times per day, taking around 4h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 23:50. The fastest coach covers the 196 km distance in 3h 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 196 km |
Average bus duration 4h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Buses per day 28 |
Fastest bus 3h 20m |
First bus 0:45 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Luton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Luton coaches for today, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX201 · NX230 | 11:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 4h40 | 16:20 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h10 | 16:55 Luton | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NXA31 | 12:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h10 | 18:40 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX202 · NX230 | 12:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h15 | 18:50 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h20 | 18:00 Luton | 1 change | |
| NX201 · NX230 | 14:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h25 | 20:00 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 14:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h15 | 20:05 Luton | 1 change | |
| NX202 · NX230 | 14:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h00 | 20:55 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NXA2 | 15:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h20 | 21:35 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NXA1 | 16:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h55 | 22:25 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h35 | 22:15 Luton | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 18:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h30 | 0:40 Luton | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NX422 | 18:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h30 | 0:15 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h45 | 6:10 Luton | 1 change | |
| NX201 · NX231 | 23:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h30 | 7:10 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 0:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h25 | 6:10 Luton | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h10 | 6:50 Luton | 1 change | |
| NX201 · NX231 | 1:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h30 | 7:10 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h55 | 8:05 Luton | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h25 | 8:35 Luton | 1 change | |
| NX201 · NX231 | 3:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 4h45 | 8:10 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NXA31 | 3:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h30 | 9:15 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX202 · NX230 | 4:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 4h55 | 9:25 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h55 | 10:35 Luton | 1 change | |
| NX201 · NX240 | 5:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 4h55 | 10:20 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h20 | 12:25 Luton | 1 change | |
| NX201 · NX230 | 7:20 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 4h25 | 11:45 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NXA31 | 8:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h50 | 14:20 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h35 | 14:15 Luton | 1 change | |
| NX201 · NX230 | 9:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h20 | 14:45 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NXA31 | 9:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h00 | 15:30 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cardiff to Luton coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Cardiff to Luton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Luton.
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 Luton.
- 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 Luton.
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 Luton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Luton.
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Cardiff to LutonYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Luton with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £16. 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
3h 55m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£16
FlixBus frequency
13 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
3h 20m
Cheapest National Express Price
£17
National Express frequency
20 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 Luton
Things to do in Luton
Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.
- Recommended
The Hat Factory
Collection of historic hats and fashion displays in a former hat factory, highlighting the trade that shaped Luton's identity.
- Recommended
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Gallery venue inside Stockwood Discovery Centre, featuring art displays alongside heritage exhibits in an accessible parkland setting.
- Must visit
Wardown Park
Large landscaped park with formal gardens, lake, museum and open space, ideal for a relaxed walk close to central Luton.
- Recommended
Stockwood Park
Parkland site with gardens, heritage displays and family-friendly walking routes around the Discovery Centre and museum grounds.
- Recommended
Galley and Warden Hills
Nature reserve and chalk downland area with trails and wide views, popular for walking and a quieter escape above the town.
Bedfordshire Clanger
A Bedfordshire classic: suet pastry pudding filled with chopped beef, onions and stock. Long linked to local home cooking across Bedfordshire, including Luton.
- Vegetarian
Stuffed Bedfordshire Onions
A traditional Bedfordshire dish of baked onions stuffed with seasoned sage and breadcrumbs. It reflects thrifty local cooking from the surrounding county.
Bedfordshire Suet Crust Pie
A rich suet pastry pie with bacon, onions and potatoes. It is an old Bedfordshire comfort food once popular with labourers and farming families.
Monna Lisa
Popular Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and flatbreads in a lively modern setting close to the town centre.
Gautam's
Well-known South Indian venue specialising in dosas, curries and vegetarian dishes in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Off The Wall
Established steakhouse and grill known for steaks, burgers and hearty mains in a smart but approachable setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London.
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
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Café tipping is optional.
FAQs: Cardiff to Luton coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Luton can start from as little as £16 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Luton is £38; 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 Luton is 3h 20m to travel the 196 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 Luton leaves at 0:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Luton leaves at 23:50.
There are 28 coaches a day from Cardiff to Luton 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 Luton, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Luton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Luton 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 . When arriving in Luton , you can end your route in coach stations like Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney).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 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, located 2 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Luton including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Luton:
- 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 Luton for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Luton 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.
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 Luton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Luton:
- 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 Luton:
- 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 Luton. 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 Luton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Luton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Luton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Luton
Most Cardiff to Luton buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Luton 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 Luton
Which Cardiff station do buses to Luton leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Luton 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 Luton station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Luton most often arrive at Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station. Some services arrive at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Luton arrival station.
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney)Dunstable Rd, Luton, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) from Luton city centre
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) is 3 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
BusZ · 11m · £2 · every ~15 min
A · 1h 5m · £2 · every ~13 min
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) bus station facilities and services
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) 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 Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney). ATMs are available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney): Limited accessibility.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Luton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Luton and Cardiff
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