- Must visit
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
Main town museum with collections on Northampton's shoe industry, archaeology and art, plus family-friendly galleries.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Northampton
Showing times and prices for 13 Aug
Cheapest price
£25
Average price
£28
Fastest journey
5 h 40 m
Average duration
6 h 4 m
Buses per day
13
Distance
179 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Northampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Northampton will cost around £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £25.
Fast coaches
To travel from Cardiff to Northampton you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus16:407h15Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)23:55Northampton, Town Centre£251One-way1 change- FlixBus · FlixBus17:256h55Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0:20Northampton, Town Centre£251One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus7:455h40Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)13:25Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park)£251One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus4:406h20Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)11:00Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park)£261One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus14:506h05Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)20:55Northampton, Town Centre£261One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus7:455h40Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)13:25Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park)£251One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus14:506h05Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)20:55Northampton, Town Centre£261One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus3:106h10Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)9:20Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park)£281One-way1 change
NX112 · NX70712:256h10Cardiff, Sophia Gardens18:35Northampton, Town Centre£291One-way1 change- FlixBus · FlixBus11:456h15Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)18:00Northampton, Town Centre£301One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Northampton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Northampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £27.
Distance: 179 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£22 Average Price Cheapest | £55 Average Price |
6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cardiff to Northampton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Northampton coaches for today, Wednesday 12 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15:40 Cardiff | 7h15 | 22:55 Northampton | 0 changesdirect | |
| 23:25 Cardiff | 9h50 | 9:15 Northampton | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 13 August | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h10 | 9:20 Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h20 | 11:00 Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h00 | 12:40 Northampton, Town Centre | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h40 | 13:25 Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h05 | 15:45 Northampton, Town Centre | 1 change | |
| NX111 · NX707 | 9:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h30 | 16:05 Northampton, Town Centre | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h15 | 18:00 Northampton, Town Centre | 1 change | |
| NX112 · NX707 | 12:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h10 | 18:35 Northampton, Town Centre | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h10 | 19:50 Northampton, Town Centre | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Northampton 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.
Thu
13 Aug
13 Aug
Fri
14 Aug
14 Aug
Sat
15 Aug
15 Aug
Sun
16 Aug
16 Aug
Mon
17 Aug
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Tue
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19 Aug
19 Aug
Why should you book Cardiff to Northampton coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as Megabus or FlixBus offer coaches services from Cardiff to Northampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Northampton.
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 Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Northampton.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Northampton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Northampton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Northampton.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Northampton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Northampton run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 01:40, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 179 km distance in 5h 15m.
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 179 km |
Average bus duration 5h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 5h 15m |
First bus 1:40 |
Last bus 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus from Cardiff to NorthamptonYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Northampton with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as £13. 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 Duration
5h 15m
Cheapest Price
£13
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 Duration
6h 10m
Cheapest Price
£34
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.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
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
7h 0m
Cheapest Price
£25
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.
Complete guide to Northampton
Things to do in Northampton
Discover the best of Northampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Northampton trip today.
- Recommended
Northampton Battlefield Society Resource Centre
Independent museum at Delapré Abbey exploring the Battle of Northampton and local medieval history through immersive displays.
- Recommended
Abington Park Museum
Community museum preserving village and manor history in a traditional setting, offering a quieter local-history visit near Northampton.
- Must visit
Abington Park
Popular town park with a lake, museum, broad lawns and tree-lined paths, ideal for a relaxed walk close to the centre.
- Recommended
Racecourse Park
Major urban park with gardens, sports facilities and open green space, good for walking and seeing local daily life.
- Recommended
Market Square
Historic market square at the heart of Northampton, useful for shopping, events and soaking up the town-centre atmosphere.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Northamptonshire Cheese
A crumbly hard cheese made in Northamptonshire since the 18th century. Its rich, nutty flavour makes it one of the county’s best-known traditional foods.
Northamptonshire Sausage
A traditional British sausage strongly associated with Northamptonshire, usually made with seasoned pork and herbs and served with mash or in breakfasts.
Northamptonshire Pork Pie
A local style of pork pie linked to Northamptonshire’s boot and market town heritage, with hot-water crust pastry and seasoned pork filling.
Saffron
Well-known town centre restaurant focused on Turkish and Mediterranean cooking, with generous portions and a lively atmosphere.
Phipps NBC Western House
Historic riverside pub and brewery tap for Phipps NBC ales, with hearty British food and a relaxed traditional atmosphere.
Hibiscus at Delapré Abbey
Elegant restaurant in Delapré Abbey serving modern British dishes in a refined heritage setting suited to a longer meal.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: rooms and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, though spare change is appreciated.
Stagecoach Bus App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £6.90
To the city centre
Northampton Town Centre -> Northampton Town Centre
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Adult Buzz Card day tickets cost £6.90 and are valid on most Arriva, Stagecoach and Village Hopper services in Northampton. Buy from the driver.
- Stagecoach states you will never pay more than £3 for a single journey in Northamptonshire. One-day and 7-day tickets can be bought from the driver using cash, card or contactless payment.
FAQs: Cardiff to Northampton coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Northampton 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 Northampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Northampton can start from as little as £13 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Northampton is £22; 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 Northampton is 5h 15m to travel the 179 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 Northampton leaves at 1:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Northampton leaves at 23:40.
There are 15 coaches a day from Cardiff to Northampton which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Northampton, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Northampton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Northampton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Northampton from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Northampton is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Northampton including taking a train and coach.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Northampton for coach company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Northampton:
- 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.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Northampton 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.
- 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 Northampton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Northampton:
- 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.
- 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 Northampton:
- 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.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Cardiff to Northampton. 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 Northampton with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Northampton with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Northampton with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Northampton
Most Cardiff to Northampton buses use the Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) to Northampton, Town Centre station pair, with some services arriving at Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park). Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Northampton 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 Northampton
Which Cardiff station do buses to Northampton leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Northampton 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
Northampton, Town Centre
Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park)Northampton Grange Park, Saxon Ave, NN4 5BR
City-centre transport
Getting to Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park) from Northampton city centre
BusX6 · 24m · £2 · every ~5 min
X6, 11, 11A · 24m · £2 · every ~10 min
X6 · 47m · £4 · every ~5 min
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Northampton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Northampton and Cardiff
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