- Must visit
National Railway Museum
A major railway museum with historic locomotives, royal carriages and engineering exhibits. An easy choice for families and transport fans.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to York
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£33
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£46
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
7 h 50 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
9 h 27 m
Buses on 19 Sept
10
Distance
310 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to York is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to York will cost around £46 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £33.
Fast coaches
To travel from Cardiff to York you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus12:1510h15Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)22:30York, Train Station£331One-way1 change
NX202 · NX100 · NX131 · YC84312:3510h47Cardiff, Sophia Gardens23:22York, Station Rd£341One-way3 changes- FlixBus · FlixBus18:1012h20Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)6:30York, Train Station£361One-way1 change
- NX202 · NX100 · NX131 · YC8404:459h40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens14:25York, Station Rd£381One-way3 changes
- NX202 · NX100 · NX131 · YC8436:4010h23Cardiff, Sophia Gardens17:03York, Station Rd£401One-way3 changes
- NX112 · NX131 · YC84312:257h50Cardiff, Sophia Gardens20:15York, Station Rd£411One-way2 changes
- NX111 · NX133 · YC8438:409h23Cardiff, Sophia Gardens18:03York, Station Rd£501One-way2 changes
- NX202 · NX100 · NX131 · YC8404:459h40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens14:25York, Station Rd£381One-way3 changes
- NX509 · NX56114:1510h05Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0:20York, Station Rd£661One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus12:1510h15Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)22:30York, Train Station£331One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to York
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to York among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 7m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, while a train costs an average of £46.
Distance: 310 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£20 Average Price Cheapest | £46 Average Price | £63 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 56m Average total duration 7h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration Fastest 4h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to York is a coach with an average price of £20.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to York:
A coach is £26 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to York costing on average £46.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to York is by train with an average journey time of 4h 37m.
Other travel options to York take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 26m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and York 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 £20 compared to roughly £63 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £43. The journey takes 7h 26m versus 4h 34m 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 York bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to York coaches for tomorrow, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 12h35 | 14:15 York, Train Station | 1 change | |
| NX202 · NX100 · NX131 · YC840 | 4:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 9h40 | 14:25 York, Station Rd | 3 changes | |
| NX202 · NX100 · NX131 · YC843 | 6:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 10h23 | 17:03 York, Station Rd | 3 changes | |
| NX507 · NX561 · YC843 | 7:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 10h45 | 17:45 York, Station Rd | 2 changes | |
| NX111 · NX133 · YC843 | 8:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 9h23 | 18:03 York, Station Rd | 2 changes | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 10h15 | 22:30 York, Train Station | 1 change | |
| NX112 · NX131 · YC843 | 12:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h50 | 20:15 York, Station Rd | 2 changes | |
| NX202 · NX100 · NX131 · YC843 | 12:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 10h47 | 23:22 York, Station Rd | 3 changes | |
| NX509 · NX561 | 14:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 10h05 | 0:20 York, Station Rd | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 18:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 12h20 | 6:30 York, Train Station | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to York 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
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
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23 Sept
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25 Sept
25 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to York coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Cardiff to York.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to York.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to York.
- 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 York.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to York.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to York.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to York
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to York run on average 10 times per day, taking around 7h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 310 km distance in 9h 55m.
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 310 km |
Average bus duration 7h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 9h 55m |
First bus 0:45 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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
Bus providers: National Express from Cardiff to YorkYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to York with National Express for as low as £9. 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
9h 55m
Cheapest National Express Price
£19
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 York
Things to do in York
Discover the best of York — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect York trip today.
- Must visit
JORVIK Viking Centre
An immersive museum street with recreated shops, period rooms and social history exhibits that bring everyday York life to life.
- Recommended
Yorkshire Museum
A broad city museum in riverside gardens, covering archaeology, Roman York, medieval objects and changing local life.
- Must visit
The Shambles
A narrow medieval street with overhanging timber buildings, independent shops and one of York’s most recognisable scenes.
- Recommended
Museum Gardens
Peaceful public gardens beside museum buildings and abbey ruins, ideal for a central stroll, picnics and riverside breaks.
- Recommended
Stonegate
A handsome Georgian street leading to the Minster, known for boutiques, facades and a classic approach through the old city.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
York Peppermint Pattie
A famous York sweet: dark chocolate-coated peppermint fondant, made in the city since the 20th century and strongly associated with York’s confectionery heritage.
- Vegetarian
Yorkshire Tea Loaf
Traditional Yorkshire tea loaf made with dried fruit and tea, often served sliced with butter. A classic regional bake long linked with teatime in York and Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Pudding
A broad, crisp batter pudding served with roast beef and gravy. It is one of Yorkshire’s best-known traditional foods and a staple in York pubs and Sunday roasts.
Legacy at The Grand
Refined British tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting inside The Grand. A strong choice for a special meal in central York.
Rustique
Popular modern British restaurant focused on local produce, seasonal cooking and a relaxed bistro feel near the city walls.
Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms
Well-known traditional tearoom serving afternoon tea, cakes and light lunches in a classic Edwardian-style setting popular with visitors and locals.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller northern cities, but usually below London. Walking helps keep local transport costs low.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, but small change is appreciated.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
York Railway Station -> York City Centre
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- York city centre is walkable from York Railway Station; current council wayfinding and pedestrian crossings are designed to improve the route into the centre.
- Check the operator app before travel. Contactless payment is commonly available on York local buses, but buy the correct ticket in the app if you need a day ticket.
FAQs: Cardiff to York coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to York 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 York, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to York can start from as little as £9 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to York is £20; 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 York is 9h 55m to travel the 310 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 York leaves at 0:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to York leaves at 23:45.
There are 10 coaches a day from Cardiff to York 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 York, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to York. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and York 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, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, University, Newport, Queensway . When arriving in York , you can end your route in coach stations like York, Station Rd, York, Train Station, York, Rail Station, Tadcaster, Commercial Street.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at York, Station Rd, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to York from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to York is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and York including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to York:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to York for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to York 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 York.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to York:
- 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 York:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to York.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to York with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to York with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to York with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and York
Most Cardiff to York buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to York, Station Rd station pair, with some services arriving at York, Train Station. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and York 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 York
Which Cardiff station do buses to York leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to York leave from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. The station is 1 km from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK.
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, 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, 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 York station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to York most often arrive at York, Station Rd. Some services arrive at York, Train Station, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your York arrival station.
York, Station RdYork (YRK), Station Rd, York YO24 1AB, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to York, Station Rd from York city centre
TRUE
York, Station Rd bus station facilities and services
York, Station Rd 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 York, Station Rd. ATMs are available at York, Station Rd.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at York, Station Rd.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at York, Station Rd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at York, Station Rd: Accessible with ramps for wheelchairs.
York, Train StationYork (YRK), Station Rd, York YO24 1AB, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to York, Train Station from York city centre
TRUE
York, Train Station bus station facilities and services
York, Train Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Available in waiting areas. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at York, Train Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at York, Train Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at York, Train Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and exits.
York, Rail StationYork YO1 6JT, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to York, Rail Station from York city centre
TRUE
York, Rail Station bus station facilities and services
York, Rail Station 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 York, Rail Station. ATMs are available at York, Rail Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at York, Rail Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at York, Rail Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at York, Rail Station: Standard accessibility features available.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to York
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from York and Cardiff
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