- Recommended
The Smith Art Gallery and Museum
Local history museum in the Old Town Jail, exploring Stirling’s people, trades and changing town life through displays.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Stirling
Showing times and prices for 05 Aug
Cheapest price
£50
Average price
£50
Fastest journey
19 h 25 m
Average duration
19 h 25 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
518 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Stirling is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Stirling will cost around £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £50.
Fast coaches
Of the 1 buses that leave Cardiff for Stirling every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 518 km distance in an average of 19 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 19 h 25 m .
The slowest buses will take 19 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
1:4019h25Cardiff21:05Stirling£501One-way0 changes
- 1:4019h25Cardiff21:05Stirling£501One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Stirling
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Stirling among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £50. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £50, and a train costs an average of £44.
Distance: 518 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train |
|---|---|
£53 Average Price Cheapest | £128 Average Price |
14h 20m Average total duration 13h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 57m Average total duration Fastest 6h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff to Stirling bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Stirling coaches for today, Tuesday 4 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 17:20 Cardiff | 13h46 | 7:06 Stirling | 3 changes | |
| Wednesday 5 August | |||||
| 1:40 Cardiff | 19h25 | 21:05 Stirling | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Stirling by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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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05 Aug
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Why should you book Cardiff to Stirling coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as National Express offer coaches services from Cardiff to Stirling.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Stirling.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Stirling.
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Stirling.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Stirling.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Stirling.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Stirling
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Stirling run on average 4 times per day, taking around 13h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £50 but you can travel from only £44 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 01:20, the last at 21:45. The fastest coach covers the 518 km distance in 16h 20m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £44
Distance 518 km |
Average bus duration 13h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £50 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 16h 20m |
First bus 1:20 |
Last bus 21:45 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £44
Bus providers: FlixBus, National Express from Cardiff to StirlingYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Stirling with FlixBus, National Express for as low as £44. 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
16h 20m
Cheapest Price
£50
FlixBus frequency
3 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 Duration
13h 21m
Cheapest Price
£79
National Express frequency
1 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 Stirling
Things to do in Stirling
Discover the best of Stirling — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stirling trip today.
- Recommended
Old Town Jail
Interactive former prison with costumed interpretation and rooftop views, giving a vivid look at Victorian justice.
Argyll's Lodging
Compact museum in Argyll’s Lodging showing domestic life, decorative interiors and objects from a grand townhouse.
- Must visit
Stirling Old Town
Historic central route lined with old buildings, independent shops and easy access to key Old Town sights.
- Recommended
King's Park
Popular public park below the castle with walks, monuments, play areas and excellent views of the historic skyline.
- Recommended
Pathfoot and Airthrey Estate
Large estate park with loch views, woodland trails and a family-friendly walking setting beside the university.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Strongly linked to eastern Scotland and widely eaten locally as a warming starter.
Haggis
Scotland’s best-known savoury dish of sheep’s offal, oats, suet and spices in a casing. A traditional Burns supper favourite across Stirling and beyond.
Lorne Sausage Roll
Sliced sausage in a soft morning roll, a staple Scottish breakfast order. Its peppery, herby flavour makes it a classic quick bite in local cafés.
The Grill Room
Elegant restaurant in a Victorian hotel, known for refined Scottish cooking and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Darnley Coffee House
Well-known casual spot for Scottish breakfasts, baking and light lunches. Friendly atmosphere and central location popular with locals and visitors.
Portcullis
Traditional pub near Stirling Castle serving Scottish classics, local ales and whiskies in a cosy historic setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Edinburgh, while visitor attractions and rail fares can still add up in peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis, and cafés usually do not expect tips.
ScotRail
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £1
- Day pass
- £3.90
To the city centre
Castleview Park & Ride -> Stirling Bus Station
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Castleview Park & Ride buses to central Stirling are £1 adult single from the site; buy from the driver. Family Park and Ride tickets are also available.
- For wider bus travel in the area, operator fares vary by route and zone. Check the operator before travel; contactless acceptance was not clearly confirmed from the official sources reviewed.
FAQs: Cardiff to Stirling coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Stirling 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 Stirling, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Stirling can start from as little as £50 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Stirling is £53; 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 Stirling is 16h 20m to travel the 518 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 Stirling leaves at 1:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Stirling leaves at 21:45.
There are 4 coaches a day from Cardiff to Stirling which require at least one change with FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Stirling, you can count on FlixBus, National Express for the best way to get you to Stirling. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Stirling and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Stirling from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 16h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Stirling is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Stirling including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Stirling:
- 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 Stirling for coach company FlixBus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Stirling 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 FlixBus, 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 Stirling.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Stirling:
- 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 Stirling:
- 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 Stirling. 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 Stirling with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Stirling with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Stirling with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Stirling
Most Cardiff to Stirling buses use the Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) to Stirling, A84 (Castleview Park & Ride) station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Stirling 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 Stirling
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
Stirling, A84 (Castleview Park & Ride)
City-centre transport
Getting to Stirling, A84 (Castleview Park & Ride) from Stirling city centre
Bus324, 38, 57, 66, 925, X36 · 2m · £0.90 · every ~22 min
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Stirling
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Stirling and Cardiff
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