Cardiff to Penrith bus with National Express

Thu 08 Oct
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Penrith

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Penrith run on average 3 times per day, taking around 9h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £41 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 02:35, the last at 22:10. The fastest coach covers the 355 km distance in 8h 25m.

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
355 km
Average bus duration
9h 7m
Cheapest ticket price
£41
Buses per day
3
Fastest bus
8h 25m
First bus
2:35
Last bus
22:10
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Tue
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 Penrith coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Cardiff to Penrith.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Penrith.

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 Penrith.
  • 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.

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 Penrith.

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Cardiff to PenrithYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Penrith with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £41. 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
10h 30m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£45
FlixBus frequency
1 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
8h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
£41
National Express frequency
2 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 Penrith

Things to do in Penrith

Discover the best of Penrith — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Penrith trip today.

  • Recommended

Penrith and Eden Museum

Town museum in a former school with displays on Penrith, local farming, railways and archaeology. A useful introduction to the area.

  • Recommended

The Museum of Military Life

Historic house and military museum covering the Border Regiment and county regiments. Includes uniforms, medals and stories from Cumbria's soldiers.

  • Recommended

Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens

A restored country house near Penrith with collections, period interiors and landscaped grounds. Suitable for visitors wanting history beyond the town.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Accommodation is often cheaper than major cities, while dining and local transport are fairly typical for a popular Lake District gateway.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food, cafés, or pub deals.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£45+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4 for a cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. In cafés and pubs, tipping is optional but appreciated.

Best day trips from Penrith by bus

The most popular day trips by bus from Penrith are Keswick, Carlisle and Windermere. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Penrith on Omio.

A view of Keswick

Day trip from Penrith to Keswick by bus

Why visit Keswick for the day?

Keswick is a compact Lake District market town beside Derwentwater, known for fell walking and outdoor life. With Skiddaw above and Borrowdale nearby, it mixes slate-built streets, independent shops and literary links.

A view of Carlisle

Day trip from Penrith to Carlisle by bus

Why visit Carlisle for the day?

Carlisle is a Cumbrian border city known for its Roman past, medieval castle and centuries of Anglo-Scottish history. Its compact centre blends historic streets with a practical market-city character.

How to get from Penrith to Carlisle by bus?

There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:55, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 28 km distance in 35m.

A view of Windermere

Day trip from Penrith to Windermere by bus

Why visit Windermere for the day?

Windermere is best known as a base for exploring England’s largest lake and the wider Lake District. The town has a lively Victorian centre, while nearby Bowness-on-Windermere connects visitors with the water and fell views.

How to get from Penrith to Windermere by bus?

The earliest coach runs at 08:52, the last at 20:25.

FAQs: Cardiff to Penrith coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Penrith 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 Penrith, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Penrith can start from as little as £41 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Penrith is £43; 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 Penrith is 8h 25m to travel the 355 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 Penrith leaves at 2:35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Penrith leaves at 22:10.
There are 3 coaches a day from Cardiff to Penrith 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 Penrith, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Penrith. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Penrith 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) . When arriving in Penrith , you can end your route in coach stations like Penrith, Rail Station, Penrith, Brunswick Road (Booths).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 Penrith, Rail Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
Yes, you can take a coach between Cardiff and Penrith.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Penrith:
  • 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 Penrith for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Penrith 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 Penrith.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Penrith:
  • 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 Penrith:
  • 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 Penrith. 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 Penrith with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Penrith with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Penrith with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Penrith

Most Cardiff to Penrith buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Penrith, Rail Station station pair, with some services arriving at Penrith, Brunswick Road (Booths). Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Penrith 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 Penrith

Which Cardiff station do buses to Penrith leave from?

Buses from Cardiff to Penrith 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, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Penrith

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone