- 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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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Margate
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Margate among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 51m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, and a train costs an average of £55.
Distance: 317 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£18 Average Price Cheapest | £72 Average Price |
8h 10m Average total duration 7h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 3h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff to Margate bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Margate coaches for today, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 NX509 · NX022 | 3:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h10 | 10:25 Margate, Marine Terrace | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NX022 | 6:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h15 | 14:15 Margate, Marine Terrace | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NX022 | 10:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h45 | 17:45 Margate, Marine Terrace | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NX022 | 12:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 9h00 | 21:15 Margate, Marine Terrace | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NX022 | 16:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h40 | 0:25 Margate, Marine Terrace | 1 change |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Margate by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Margate
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Margate run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 40m. 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 7h 40m.
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 7h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 7h 40m |
First bus 3:15 |
Last bus 19:18 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
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
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 £18; 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 7h 40m 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.
When departing from Cardiff , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, University . When arriving in Margate , you can end your route in coach stations like Margate, Marine Terrace.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.
A trip to Margate from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Margate is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Margate including taking a train and coach.
No, the coach from Cardiff to Margate has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Margate.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Cardiff to Margate.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Margate.
No, luggage for the coach from Cardiff to Margate needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Cardiff to Margate.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Margate.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Margate.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Cardiff to Margate.
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.
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 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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