- Must visit
Tate St Ives
Seafront gallery showing modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and dramatic views over Porthmeor Beach.
Cheapest price
£33
Average price
£40
Fastest journey
8 h
Average duration
8 h 35 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
215 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to St Ives is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to St Ives will cost around £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £33.
To travel from Cardiff to St Ives you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to St Ives among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 41m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £12, and a train costs an average of £51.
Distance: 215 km
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£20 Average Price Cheapest | £101 Average Price |
8h 2m Average total duration 7h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 11m Average total duration Fastest 5h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to St Ives coaches for today, Sunday 16 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h30 | 17:25 Penzance, Station Road | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h00 | 0:40 Penryn, Falmouth University | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 9h35 | 9:00 Penzance, Station Road | 1 change | |
| Monday 17 August | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 0:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h15 | 9:00 Penzance, Station Road | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Cardiff to St Ives run on average 4 times per day, taking around 7h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 23:35. The fastest coach covers the 215 km distance in 8h 0m.
Distance 215 km |
Average bus duration 7h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 8h 0m |
First bus 0:45 |
Last bus 23:35 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of St Ives — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect St Ives trip today.
Seafront gallery showing modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions and dramatic views over Porthmeor Beach.
Former artists’ studio and home of Barbara Hepworth, featuring sculptures displayed in the garden and preserved rooms.
Local museum covering fishing, mining, art and maritime life, with varied exhibits that explain St Ives past.
Compact harbour area with beaches, boats, galleries and winding lanes; ideal for soaking up the town’s atmosphere.
Sheltered beach and promenade beneath Tate St Ives, loved for surfing, sunsets and easy access to the coast path.
Headland path and grassy viewpoint above the beaches, popular for sea views, picnics and watching the sunset.
Cornish pasty is a baked pastry with beef, potato, swede and onion. It is Cornwall’s best-known portable meal and strongly tied to local mining history.
Stargazy pie is a traditional Cornish fish pie, usually with pilchards baked under pastry with the fish heads showing. It is a famous local winter speciality.
Cornish sardines, often called pilchards locally, are a signature catch of Cornwall. They are prized for their freshness and long fishing heritage.
Popular traditional bakery for Cornish pasties, pies and sweet treats. A dependable stop for classic local food in casual surroundings.
Harbourside seafood restaurant known for fresh local fish and shellfish. Relaxed modern setting with strong views over St Ives harbour.
Established seafood restaurant by the harbour, focused on local catch, oysters and crab. Smart but approachable atmosphere.
St Ives is pricier than many UK seaside towns, especially in summer. Hotels, seafood meals and parking add up, though buses and simple cafés can keep costs manageable.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and spare change is fine in cafés.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to St Ives 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 St Ives, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to St Ives buses use the Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) to Penzance, Station Road station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and St Ives bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Cardiff, Millennium Stadium has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options around the stadium area.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Millennium Stadium. ATMs are aTMs available in the stadium vicinity.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Millennium Stadium.
Available at Cardiff, Millennium Stadium: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Millennium Stadium: Public transport and entrances are accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need