- Must visit
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Interactive museum inside Shakespeare's childhood home, exploring his family, writing, and Stratford background.
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£22
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£22
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
7 h 20 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
7 h 28 m
Buses on 05 Sept
7
Distance
220 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Stratford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Stratford will cost around £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £22.
To travel from Cardiff to Stratford you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Stratford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £8 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 49m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, while a train costs an average of £39.
Distance: 220 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£8 Average Price Cheapest | £39 Average Price | £42 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 9m Average total duration 3h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 49m Average total duration Fastest 2h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Stratford:
A coach is £31 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Stratford costing on average £39.
Other travel options to Stratford take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 39m.
Tickets start at around £8 compared to roughly £42 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £34. The journey takes 3h 39m versus 3h 35m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Stratford coaches for tomorrow, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h25 | 10:35 London, Stratford City Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h20 | 14:05 London, Stratford City Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h30 | 16:10 London, Stratford City Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h30 | 18:10 London, Stratford City Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h45 | 20:25 London, Stratford City Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 14:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h40 | 22:30 London, Stratford City Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h35 | 0:15 London, Stratford City Bus Station | 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 Stratford run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £7 if you book in advance.
There are 11 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:40, the last at 23:30. The fastest coach covers the 220 km distance in 3h 10m.
Distance 220 km |
Average bus duration 3h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Buses per day 12 |
Direct buses 11 |
Fastest bus 3h 10m |
First bus 1:40 |
Last bus 23:30 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Stratford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stratford trip today.
Interactive museum inside Shakespeare's childhood home, exploring his family, writing, and Stratford background.
Museum at Anne Hathaway's family cottage, with Tudor rooms and gardens that illuminate Shakespeare's early world.
Jacobean townhouse museum showing the life of Shakespeare's daughter Judith and 17th-century Stratford interiors.
Riverside public gardens with flower displays, paths, and open views beside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Historic shopping street lined with timber-framed buildings, independent shops, and several Shakespeare-related sights.
Pleasant riverside walking area linking parks, boat activity, and broad Avon views close to the town centre.
A flaky pastry pie filled with steak and kidney in rich gravy. A longstanding British pub classic often found on menus in Stratford.
Battered white fish with chips, usually served with mushy peas. A staple British takeaway and pub meal widely loved across Stratford.
Sausages served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy. This comforting dish is a traditional favourite in English pubs and homes.
Long-established restaurant and deli known for Italian dishes, coffee and relaxed dining near the town centre.
Stylish restaurant in a historic building serving modern British dishes and cocktails with a polished but welcoming atmosphere.
Traditional riverside pub serving British classics, cask ales and Sunday roasts in a historic timber-framed setting.
Moderate for the UK. Dining and hotels are often pricier in peak season, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Taxis are often rounded up. In cafés, tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Stratford City Bus Station -> Stratford Town Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Stratford 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 Stratford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Stratford buses use the Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) to London, Hammersmith Broadway (Irish Cultural Centre) station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Stratford 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, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
London, Stratford City Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Five Guys (in the station), Wahaca (0.2 km), The Real Greek (0.3 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside Westfield Stratford City.
Ticket office support is available at London, Stratford City Bus Station.
Available at London, Stratford City Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Stratford City Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need