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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£22
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£22
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
6 h 30 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
6 h 30 m
Buses on 05 Sept
1
Distance
183 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent will cost around £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £22.
Fast coaches
On Sat 05 Sept, we found 1 buses from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 183 km distance in an average of 6 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 30 m .
The slowest buses will take 6 h 30 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.
16:006h30Cardiff22:30Stoke-on-Trent£221One-way0 changes
- 16:006h30Cardiff22:30Stoke-on-Trent£221One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 32m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, while a train costs an average of £20.
Distance: 183 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£14 Average Price Cheapest | £20 Average Price | £40 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 38m Average total duration 4h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 32m Average total duration Fastest 3h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent is a coach with an average price of £14.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent:
A coach is £6 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent costing on average £20.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent is by train with an average journey time of 3h 2m.
Other travel options to Stoke-on-Trent take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 8m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Stoke-on-Trent 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 £14 compared to roughly £40 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £25. The journey takes 4h 8m versus 3h 42m 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 Stoke-on-Trent bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent coaches for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22:25 Cardiff | 10h45 | 9:10 Stoke-on-Trent | 0 changesdirect | |
| 23:25 Cardiff | 10h45 | 10:10 Stoke-on-Trent | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 5 September | |||||
| 16:00 Cardiff | 6h30 | 22:30 Stoke-on-Trent | 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 Stoke-on-Trent 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
05 Sept
05 Sept
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06 Sept
06 Sept
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11 Sept
11 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent.
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 Stoke-on-Trent.
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 Stoke-on-Trent.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:25. The fastest coach covers the 183 km distance in 8h 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 183 km |
Average bus duration 4h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 8h 15m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:25 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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 from Cardiff to Stoke-on-TrentYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent with National Express for as low as £14. 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
6h 30m
Cheapest National Express Price
£46
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.
What's included in each class
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Complete guide to Stoke-on-Trent
Things to do in Stoke-on-Trent
Discover the best of Stoke-on-Trent — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stoke-on-Trent trip today.
- Must visit
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Major pottery museum with the Staffordshire Hoard, ceramics collections and family-friendly galleries in Hanley.
- Must visit
Gladstone Pottery Museum
Historic pottery factory museum with demonstrations, furnished workshops and hands-on insight into Stoke-on-Trent's ceramics trade.
- Recommended
Middleport Pottery
Museum and visitor centre at Middleport Pottery, exploring working pottery traditions, local history and canal-side industry.
- Recommended
Hanley Park
Restored Victorian park with formal gardens, lake, play areas and space for relaxed walks near the city centre.
- Recommended
Etruria Canal Area
Canal-side heritage area with paths, industrial buildings and green space, ideal for a short walk and waterside views.
- Recommended
Parkhall Country Park
Large country park with woodland, open meadows and accessible trails, popular for walking, wildlife and fresh air.
Staffordshire oatcake
A hearty Staffordshire oat pancake made from oatmeal batter, often filled with cheese, bacon or sausage. It is the Potteries’ signature savoury snack and breakfast staple.
- Vegetarian
Cheese oatcake
A simple local lunch of melted cheese, sliced onion and tomato layered on a Staffordshire oatcake. It is a classic Potteries café order.
Potato and meat pie
Traditional meat and potato filling wrapped in suet pastry and steamed or baked. This old Staffordshire working dish is warming and very filling.
High Lane Oatcakes
Well-known casual spot for authentic Staffordshire oatcakes with varied fillings. Simple, local and ideal for a quick regional bite.
Oatcake Heaven
Popular local restaurant known for well-made Staffordshire oatcakes, breakfast dishes and relaxed café atmosphere.
The Holy Inadequate
Traditional canalside pub serving ales and classic British food in a historic setting near the Trent and Mersey Canal.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels and meals are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday costs stay manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included in restaurants; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafes do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city centre
Hanley Bus Station -> Hanley City Centre, Stoke-on-Trent
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Contactless payment works on First Potteries buses. Buy before boarding in the First Bus app if you want mobile tickets.
- Hanley Bus Station is close to Hanley City Centre; many central shops are about a 10–15 min walk away.
FAQs: Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent can start from as little as £14 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent is £14; 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 Stoke-on-Trent is 8h 15m to travel the 183 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 Stoke-on-Trent leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent leaves at 23:25.
There are 5 coaches a day from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Stoke-on-Trent. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Stoke-on-Trent 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, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, University, Newport, Queensway . When arriving in Stoke-on-Trent , you can end your route in coach stations like Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station, located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Stoke-on-Trent from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Stoke-on-Trent including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent:
- 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 Stoke-on-Trent:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Stoke-on-Trent
Most Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent buses use the Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) to Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent
Which Cardiff station do buses to Stoke-on-Trent leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent 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
Which Stoke-on-Trent station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent arrive at Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station. Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station is 2 km from Stoke-on-Trent city centre.
Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus StationHanley bus station, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3ED, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station from Stoke-on-Trent city centre
Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station is 2 km from Stoke-on-Trent city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus23, 40A · 11m · every ~5 min
218 · 13m
21, 25, 23, 40A · 14m · every ~23 min
Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Fast food outlets are present inside the bus station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi available for passengers. ATMs are there is an ATM available within the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station: The station is equipped with ramps for wheelchair access.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Stoke-on-Trent
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Stoke-on-Trent and Cardiff
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