- Must visit
Swansea Museum
Swansea's main museum covers local history, Egyptology, natural history and maritime displays in a historic waterfront building.
Cheapest price
£6
Average price
£7
Fastest journey
50 m
Average duration
54 m
Buses per day
49
Distance
55 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Swansea is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Swansea will cost around £7 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £6.
Of the 49 buses that leave Cardiff for Swansea every day 49 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 55 km distance in an average of 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 50 m .
The slowest buses will take 55 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX111
NX507
NX507
NX507
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Swansea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £4, and a train costs an average of £4.
Distance: 55 km
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£5 Average Price Cheapest | £9 Average Price |
1h 46m Average total duration 1h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 27m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Swansea coaches for today, Sunday 2 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 21:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0h55 | 22:10 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 21:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 22:20 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 21:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h15 | 22:30 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 21:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 22:20 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
NX507 | 21:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0h58 | 22:48 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 22:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 23:40 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 22:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h00 | 23:30 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 23:20 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h20 | 0:40 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 23:20 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 0:30 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
NX507 | 23:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0h58 | 0:38 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 0:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h20 | 1:50 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 0:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 1:40 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 1:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0h55 | 2:05 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 1:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 2:15 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 4:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h20 | 5:30 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 4:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 5:20 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 6:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0h55 | 7:25 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 6:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 7:35 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 9:55 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 11:00 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 9:55 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0h55 | 10:50 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 11:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0h55 | 12:45 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 11:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 12:55 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
NX507 | 12:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1h00 | 13:05 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 12:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 13:25 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 12:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h20 | 13:35 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 13:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h15 | 14:25 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 13:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 14:15 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 13:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h15 | 14:40 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 13:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 14:30 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
NX507 | 14:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0h55 | 15:10 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 14:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 15:30 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 14:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h15 | 15:40 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 15:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h25 | 16:55 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 15:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 16:40 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
NX112 | 16:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1h05 | 17:55 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 17:00 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 18:10 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 17:00 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h20 | 18:20 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
NX507 | 17:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1h05 | 18:30 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
NX507 | 19:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0h55 | 20:10 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 20:30 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0h55 | 20:20 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h20 | 20:55 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 20:45 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 20:50 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h15 | 21:00 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
NX111 | 19:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0h50 | 20:40 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
NX507 | 20:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0h55 | 21:20 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 20:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 21:40 Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 20:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h20 | 21:50 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
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 Swansea run on average 36 times per day, taking around 1h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.
There are 35 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 55 km distance in 55m.
Distance 55 km |
Average bus duration 1h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Buses per day 36 |
Direct buses 35 |
Fastest bus 55m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Swansea — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Swansea trip today.
Swansea's main museum covers local history, Egyptology, natural history and maritime displays in a historic waterfront building.
A modern museum in the Maritime Quarter exploring the city's copper, coal, industry and waterfront heritage with interactive exhibits.
A compact museum inside Dylan Thomas Square focusing on the writer's life, works and links to Swansea through exhibitions and events.
A broad sandy sweep along Swansea Bay, popular for walking, cycling and sea views, with easy access from the city centre.
A historic village area by the sea, known for its pier, independent shops, promenade and access to coastal walks.
A large city park with botanical displays, glasshouses, sports facilities and open lawns close to central Swansea.
Traditional Welsh cakes are small griddled currant cakes, served warm with sugar. They are a classic Welsh teatime treat long associated with home baking.
Laverbread is a Welsh speciality made from slow-cooked laver seaweed, often served at breakfast. It is deeply tied to the South Wales coast and local food culture.
A traditional Welsh breakfast in Swansea often includes laverbread and cockles alongside bacon and eggs. It showcases produce gathered from the nearby Gower coast.
Established Swansea seafood spot focused on simple fish, shellfish, and classic British sides in an easy-going atmosphere.
Well-known casual venue in Mumbles serving fresh seafood and fish dishes, with a modern feel and strong local reputation.
Smart waterfront restaurant at the marina serving modern British cooking, steaks, and seafood in a polished setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels, meals and local transport are often cheaper than in London, though summer stays and seafront dining can raise daily costs.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Swansea University Bay Campus -> Swansea Bus Station
National Express offer multiple services from Cardiff Coach Station to Swansea Bus Station each day, with the first service departing from Swansea at 10:30 a.m. and the last service of the day departing from Cardiff Station at 23:20 p.m. The journey time will vary slightly depending on the time of travel, with the fastest journey taking 55 minutes and others in the region of one hour and 15 minutes.
Departure station: Cardiff Coach Station is situated at Sophia Gardens in central Cardiff. The train station is a 15-minute walk from the coach station, however, taxis are available at the bus station. Local bus services to the surrounding areas are also available from the coach station.
Arrival station: Swansea Bus Station is adjacent to the Quadrant Shopping Centre in Central Swansea and less than five minutes walk from Swansea's shops and markets. There is a taxi rank at the bus station which also services local bus routes to the surrounding areas.
Buses from Cardiff to Swansea generally set off from Cardiff Central bus station, or if travelling on a Megabus service, Cardiff, Kingsway. Cardiff Central is directly adjacent to Cardiff Central railway station. The Megabus stop is a little further to the north of Cardiff's main transport interchange, although it is still within easy reach of many of Cardiff's central attractions, including Cardiff Castle. Local buses travel to both bus stations regularly.
This bustling city in South Wales was home to the poet Dylan Thomas, and fans can visit the Dylan Thomas Centre, dedicated to the life and works of this Welsh icon. The National Waterfront Museum explores the impact of industry in Wales over the past 300 years, where guests can also see working machinery in action. The museum also holds a number of free events, such as 'The Science of Harry Potter Show', with something to interest everyone.
Buses from Cardiff to Swansea arrive at Swansea bus station, which is situated in Swansea city centre, next to the Quadrant shopping centre. Swansea railway station is about half a kilometre away. The bus station is also an important terminal for local buses, so onward travel is easy. No night buses are available, but in their place are numerous taxis.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Swansea 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 Swansea, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Swansea buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Swansea, University Bay Campus. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Swansea bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need