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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Portsmouth
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 12 Sept
Cheapest price on 12 Sept
£16
Average ticket price on 12 Sept
£27
Fastest journey on 12 Sept
5 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 12 Sept
6 h 8 m
Buses on 12 Sept
10
Distance
164 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Portsmouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Portsmouth will cost around £27 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £16.
Fast coaches
To travel from Cardiff to Portsmouth you need to make at least one change.
NX507 · NX0307:457h10Cardiff, Sophia Gardens14:55Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange£161One-way1 change- NX507 · NX03016:007h00Cardiff, Sophia Gardens23:00Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange£161One-way1 change
- NX509 · NX03017:307h00Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0:30Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange£161One-way1 change
- NX509 · NX0305:556h20Cardiff, Sophia Gardens12:15Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange£211One-way1 change
- NX509 · NX03019:456h30Cardiff, Sophia Gardens2:15Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange£261One-way1 change
- NX202 · NX03010:405h45Cardiff, Sophia Gardens16:25Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange£371One-way1 change
- NX202 · NX0304:455h55Cardiff, Sophia Gardens10:40Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange£351One-way1 change
- NX202 · NX03012:356h15Cardiff, Sophia Gardens18:50Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange£341One-way1 change
- NX509 · NX0305:556h20Cardiff, Sophia Gardens12:15Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange£211One-way1 change
- NX201 · NX0307:306h25Cardiff, Sophia Gardens13:55Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange£351One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Portsmouth
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £28 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 50m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £28, while a train costs an average of £54.
Distance: 164 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£28 Average Price Cheapest | £54 Average Price | £36 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 40m Average total duration 6h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Portsmouth is a coach with an average price of £28.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Portsmouth:
A coach is £26 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Portsmouth costing on average £54.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Portsmouth is by train with an average journey time of 3h 20m.
Other travel options to Portsmouth take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 10m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Portsmouth including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £28 compared to roughly £36 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £8. The journey takes 6h 10m versus 2h 52m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Cardiff to Portsmouth bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Portsmouth coaches for today, Friday 11 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h10 | 17:55 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 14:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h50 | 21:40 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h45 | 23:25 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 1 change | |
| Saturday 12 September | |||||
| NX202 · NX030 | 4:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h55 | 10:40 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NX030 | 5:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h20 | 12:15 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 1 change | |
| NX201 · NX030 | 7:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h25 | 13:55 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NX030 | 7:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h10 | 14:55 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 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 Portsmouth 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.
Sat
12 Sept
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Why should you book Cardiff to Portsmouth coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Portsmouth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Portsmouth run on average 10 times per day, taking around 6h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:05, the last at 21:00. The fastest coach covers the 164 km distance in 5h 55m.
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 164 km |
Average bus duration 6h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 5h 55m |
First bus 3:05 |
Last bus 21:00 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 91 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 from Cardiff to PortsmouthYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Portsmouth with National Express for as low as £16. 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
5h 55m
Cheapest National Express Price
£16
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.
What's included in each class
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Complete guide to Portsmouth
Things to do in Portsmouth
Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.
- Must visit
HMS Victory
A major naval museum where visitors can board Nelson’s flagship and explore life at sea through preserved decks and displays.
- Recommended
HMS Alliance
This working museum ship reveals cramped Victorian submarine life and the engineering behind one of Britain’s earliest submarines.
- Recommended
Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery
Portsmouth’s city museum covers local history, football heritage and art, with exhibits spanning the city’s people and places.
- Must visit
Old Portsmouth
A historic waterfront district with cobbled lanes, pubs, sea walls and several key heritage sites within easy walking distance.
- Must visit
Southsea Seafront
A long pebble beach promenade with piers, gardens and open sea views, well suited to relaxed walks along the Southsea seafront.
- Recommended
Southsea Common
A broad common by the Solent, popular for walks, picnics and views of passing ships, the Isle of Wight and seafront landmarks.
- Vegetarian
Hampshire hog cake
A rich fruit cake packed with dried fruit, spice and treacle, long associated with Hampshire baking and often enjoyed at Christmas and local celebrations.
- Gluten-free
South Coast crab
Fresh crab landed on the South Coast, usually served simply in sandwiches, salads or dressed shells, prized for sweet meat and Portsmouth’s seaside setting.
- Gluten-free
Fisherman’s pie
A classic Portsmouth and Hampshire pub dish of smoked haddock, potato and onion in a creamy sauce, baked until golden and comforting in coastal weather.
The Fisherman's Kitchen
Popular Southsea spot for classic fish and chips and fresh seafood, with a casual atmosphere close to the seafront.
The Briny
Smart waterfront restaurant in Old Portsmouth serving modern British dishes with strong seafood options in an elegant, relaxed setting.
Still and West
Historic pub in Old Portsmouth known for traditional British cooking, cask ales and harbour views in a characterful setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be pricey in summer, but dining and local buses remain manageable for most city-break budgets.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if not already added. Taxis: round up or 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated for table service.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.50
- Day pass
- £14.00
To the city centre
The Hard Interchange -> Commercial Road, Portsmouth
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless payment is available on local buses, and First buses in Portsmouth support tap on, tap off for automatic best fare calculation.
- The Hard Interchange links buses with Portsmouth Harbour rail station, Gosport Ferry and Isle of Wight services, so it is the main interchange for onward travel.
FAQs: Cardiff to Portsmouth coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Portsmouth can start from as little as £16 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Portsmouth is £28; 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 Portsmouth is 5h 55m to travel the 164 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 Portsmouth leaves at 3:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Portsmouth leaves at 21:00.
There are 10 coaches a day from Cardiff to Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Portsmouth. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Portsmouth 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, Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent) . When arriving in Portsmouth , you can end your route in coach stations like Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange, Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University), Portsmouth, International Port, Southsea, Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth, University.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 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Portsmouth from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Portsmouth is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Portsmouth including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Portsmouth:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Portsmouth for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Portsmouth:
- 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 Portsmouth:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Portsmouth with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Portsmouth with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Portsmouth with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Portsmouth
Most Cardiff to Portsmouth buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University). Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
Which Cardiff station do buses to Portsmouth leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Portsmouth 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 · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
Which Portsmouth station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Portsmouth most often arrive at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange. Some services arrive at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Portsmouth arrival station.
Portsmouth, The Hard InterchangeThe Hard Interchange, Portsmouth PO1 3DT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange from Portsmouth city centre
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLondon Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour, Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour, Littlehampton - Portsmouth Harbour, Three Bridges - Portsmouth Harbour, Barnham - Portsmouth Harbour, Gatwick Airport - Portsmouth Harbour, Havant - Portsmouth Harbour, Bognor Regis - Portsmouth Harbour · 3m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Bus1, 2, 8, 3, 7, X4, H1, X5, Pr1 · 6m · £2 · every ~214 min
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange bus station facilities and services
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at The Hard (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Portsmouth, International PortWharf Road, Portsmouth PO2 8RU, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Portsmouth, International Port from Portsmouth city centre
Portsmouth, International Port is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
BusX4, X5, Pr1 · 3m · every ~55 min
8, 3, 7, X4, X5 · 6m · £2 · every ~113 min
725 · 15m · £2
Portsmouth, International Port bus station facilities and services
Portsmouth, International Port has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café in the terminal (in the station), Fast-food outlet (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance of the terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, International Port.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portsmouth, International Port: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, International Port: Elevators, ramps.
Southsea, Clarence EsplanadeClarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Southsea, Clarence Esplanade from Portsmouth city centre
Southsea, Clarence Esplanade is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus23 · 23m · £2 · every ~27 min
Southsea, Clarence Esplanade bus station facilities and services
Southsea, Clarence Esplanade 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 Southsea, Clarence Esplanade. ATMs are available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade: Bus station is accessible for persons with reduced mobility.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Portsmouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Portsmouth and Cardiff
Most popular bus connections
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