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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Watford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£0.00
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£-0.01
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
3 h 47 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
3 h 56 m
Buses on 20 Sept
13
Distance
193 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Watford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
Fast coaches
To travel from Cardiff to Watford you need to make at least one change.
3:403h47Cardiff7:27WatfordFind prices1 change- 5:403h54Cardiff9:34WatfordFind prices1 change
- 7:304h10Cardiff11:40WatfordFind prices1 change
7:454h55Cardiff12:40WatfordFind prices1 change- 9:254h15Cardiff13:40WatfordFind prices1 change
- 3:403h47Cardiff7:27WatfordFind prices1 change
- 5:403h54Cardiff9:34WatfordFind prices1 change
- 11:453h55Cardiff15:40WatfordFind prices2 changes
- 11:404h00Cardiff15:40WatfordFind prices1 change
- 14:404h06Cardiff18:46WatfordFind prices1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Watford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Watford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £66 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 7m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £66, while a train costs an average of £66.
Distance: 193 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£66 Average Price Cheapest | £40 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Watford is a train with an average price of £53.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Watford is by train with an average journey time of 2h 45m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Watford including taking a coach and train.
Live departures
Cardiff to Watford bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Watford coaches for tomorrow, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:40 Cardiff | 3h47 | 7:27 Watford | 1 change | |
| 5:40 Cardiff | 3h54 | 9:34 Watford | 1 change | |
| 7:30 Cardiff | 4h10 | 11:40 Watford | 1 change | |
| 7:45 Cardiff | 4h55 | 12:40 Watford | 1 change | |
| 9:25 Cardiff | 4h15 | 13:40 Watford | 1 change | |
| 9:45 Cardiff | 4h55 | 14:40 Watford | 1 change | |
| 11:40 Cardiff | 4h00 | 15:40 Watford | 1 change | |
| 11:45 Cardiff | 3h55 | 15:40 Watford | 2 changes | |
| 11:45 Cardiff | 4h55 | 16:40 Watford | 1 change | |
| 12:40 Cardiff | 4h58 | 17:38 Watford | 1 change | |
| 14:40 Cardiff | 4h06 | 18:46 Watford | 1 change | |
| 15:05 Cardiff | 4h39 | 19:44 Watford | 1 change | |
| 16:40 Cardiff | 5h03 | 21:43 Watford | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Watford 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.
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
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22 Sept
22 Sept
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23 Sept
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25 Sept
25 Sept
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26 Sept
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Watford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a bus from Cardiff to Watford and enjoy the approximately 193 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest coach runs at 05:00, the last at 22:30.
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 £41
Distance 193 km |
First bus 5:00 |
Last bus 22:30 |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 £41
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Cardiff to WatfordYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Watford with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £41. 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 FlixBus Duration
3h 55m
FlixBus frequency
5 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 National Express Duration
3h 41m
National Express frequency
7 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 Watford
Things to do in Watford
Discover the best of Watford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Watford trip today.
- Recommended
Watford Museum
Watford's local museum in a historic house, with exhibitions on the town's people, industry and changing streets.
Watford Palace Theatre
An arts centre with galleries, performances and cinema, making it a useful stop for contemporary local visual culture.
- Must visit
Cassiobury Park
Watford's best-known park, with broad lawns, woodland walks, playgrounds, sports facilities and the Grand Union Canal nearby.
- Recommended
Watford Town Centre Canalside
A regenerated waterside district with canal walks, modern public spaces, events and easy access from the town centre.
- Recommended
Cheslyn House and Gardens
A large nature reserve with lakes, woodland and meadows, popular for quiet walks, birdwatching and family outings.
Toad in the Hole
A classic pub staple from Hertfordshire and nearby counties: sausages in Yorkshire pudding batter, usually served with onion gravy.
Full English Breakfast
Traditional English breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, mushrooms and toast; a familiar local weekend favourite in Watford cafés.
Fish and Chips
Beer-battered white fish with chips is a core British takeaway and pub dish, commonly eaten across Watford with mushy peas or curry sauce.
The Grove
Upscale country-house dining just outside Watford, serving refined British dishes in elegant historic surroundings.
Tarboush
Smart modern Indian restaurant known for polished curries, grills and friendly service in central Watford.
Best Turkish Kebab
Popular Turkish restaurant serving charcoal-grilled meats, meze and generous sharing plates in a lively setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for southern England. Hotels can be pricey on London commuter routes, but dining and local transport are usually a little cheaper than central London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 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
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, 10% is usual for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.
Intalink
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £10
To the city centre
Watford Junction -> Watford Town Centre
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Most local buses in Watford are covered by the England bus fare cap, with adult single fares up to £3 on participating services. Check operator-specific validity before travel.
- Contactless and mobile ticketing are available on Hertfordshire buses via participating operators and the Intalink m-ticketing app.
FAQs: Cardiff to Watford coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Watford 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 Watford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The earliest coach from Cardiff to Watford leaves at 5:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Watford leaves at 22:30.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Watford, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Watford. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Watford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Watford including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Watford:
- 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 Watford for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Watford 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 National Express, FlixBus.
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 Watford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Watford:
- 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 Watford:
- 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 Watford. 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 Watford with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Watford with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Watford with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Watford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Watford and Cardiff
Most popular bus connections
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