- Must visit
Turner Contemporary
Contemporary gallery on the seafront showing modern and historic art linked to J M W Turner and the changing light of the Kent coast.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Margate
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 09 Oct
Cheapest price on 09 Oct
£43
Average ticket price on 09 Oct
£43
Fastest journey on 09 Oct
7 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 09 Oct
7 h 40 m
Buses on 09 Oct
1
Distance
317 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Margate is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Margate will cost around £43 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £43.
Fast coaches
On Fri 09 Oct, we found 1 buses from Cardiff to Margate, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 317 km distance in an average of 7 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 40 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 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.
15:457h40Cardiff23:25Margate£431One-way0 changes
- 15:457h40Cardiff23:25Margate£431One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Margate
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Margate run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:15, the last at 19:18. The fastest coach covers the 317 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 317 km |
Average bus duration 6h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 6h 30m |
First bus 3:15 |
Last bus 19:18 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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
Why should you book Cardiff to Margate coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Cardiff to Margate.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Margate.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 Margate.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Margate.
Bus providers: National Express from Cardiff to MargateYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Margate with National Express for as low as £18. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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 30m
Cheapest National Express Price
£18
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 Margate
Things to do in Margate
Discover the best of Margate — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Margate trip today.
- Recommended
The Crab Museum
Museum exploring the history of crab museum collections through natural science, art and humour. A quirky recent favourite in the Old Town.
- Recommended
Tracey Karloff
Artist Tracey Emin’s gallery and studio space in Margate, presenting rotating exhibitions of contemporary art in a carefully restored bathhouse.
- Must visit
Margate Main Sands
Sandy Blue Flag beach beside the harbour and old town. Ideal for sea views, paddling and classic seaside atmosphere close to major attractions.
- Recommended
Margate Harbour Arm
Historic harbour arm and quayside with sea views, galleries, events and access to the lighthouse. A lively place for a walk in all seasons.
- Recommended
Margate Old Town
Characterful quarter of narrow streets with independent shops, antiques, small galleries and historic buildings just behind the seafront.
- Gluten-free
Kent Oysters
Fresh native oysters from the Kent coast, long linked to nearby Whitstable and Thanet. Briny, mineral and traditionally eaten simply with lemon.
Fish And Chips
A classic seaside supper of battered white fish and chips, deeply rooted in Margate’s harbour and beach culture.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Or Pickled Herring
Fresh herring, traditionally cured or smoked in Kent. It reflects the historic fishing trade along the Thanet coast.
Barletta
Established bistro and wine bar in Margate Old Town, serving seasonal small plates and European-leaning cooking.
Angela's
Popular seafront seafood restaurant by the harbour, known for fresh fish, shellfish and relaxed coastal views.
The Greedy Cow
Stylish casual spot near the seafront serving brunch, coffee and modern British plates in a bright, friendly setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Dining and accommodation are often cheaper than London, but summer weekends and seafront stays can raise prices.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is good and not already added. Round up small taxi fares. Cafés do not expect tips, but spare change is welcome.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city centre
Margate, Marine Terrace -> Margate Town Centre, Cecil Square
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Stagecoach operates most local buses in Margate, including the Loop linking Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Contactless payment is available on Stagecoach buses.
- If you plan several bus journeys in Thanet, a DayRider may be better value than separate single fares. Buy tickets on board or in the Stagecoach Bus app.
FAQs: Cardiff to Margate coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Margate 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 Margate, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Margate can start from as little as £18 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Margate is £23; 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 Margate is 6h 30m to travel the 317 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 Margate leaves at 3:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Margate leaves at 19:18.
There are 4 coaches a day from Cardiff to Margate which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Margate, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Margate. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Margate and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
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 Margate, Marine Terrace, located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Margate including taking a coach and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Margate for coach company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Margate:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Margate 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.
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 Margate.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Margate:
- 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 Margate:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Margate.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Margate with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Margate with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Margate with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Margate
Most Cardiff to Margate buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Margate, Marine Terrace station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Margate 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 Margate
Which Cardiff station do buses to Margate leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Margate 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.
Which Margate station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Margate arrive at Margate, Marine Terrace. Margate, Marine Terrace is 1 km from Margate city centre.
Margate, Marine TerraceMargate, Station Approach, Margate CT9 5AD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate, Marine Terrace from Margate city centre
Bus35 · 7m
944, 8 · 10m · £3 · every ~4 min
Margate, Marine Terrace bus station facilities and services
Margate, Marine Terrace 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 Margate, Marine Terrace. ATMs are available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Margate, Marine Terrace: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Margate, Marine Terrace: The station is accessible for wheelchair users.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Margate
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Margate and Cardiff
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