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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Chester to Cardiff
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 15 Sept
Cheapest price on 15 Sept
£18
Average ticket price on 15 Sept
£24
Fastest journey on 15 Sept
8 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 15 Sept
9 h 33 m
Buses on 15 Sept
4
Distance
191 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Chester to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chester to Cardiff will cost around £24 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £18.
Fast coaches
On Tue 15 Sept, we found 4 buses from Chester to Cardiff, including 4 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 191 km distance in an average of 9 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 45 m .
The slowest buses will take 11 h 10 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.
11:408h45Chester20:25Cardiff£181One-way0 changes- 15:159h30Chester0:45Cardiff£241One-way0 changes
- 16:1511h10Chester3:25Cardiff£271One-way0 changes
- 10:408h45Chester19:25Cardiff£271One-way0 changes
- 11:408h45Chester20:25Cardiff£181One-way0 changes
- 10:408h45Chester19:25Cardiff£271One-way0 changes
- 15:159h30Chester0:45Cardiff£241One-way0 changes
- 16:1511h10Chester3:25Cardiff£271One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Chester to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chester to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, while a train costs an average of £53.
Distance: 191 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£22 Average Price Cheapest | £53 Average Price | £40 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 14m Average total duration 5h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 34m Average total duration Fastest 3h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Chester to Cardiff is a coach with an average price of £22.
This is compared to other travel options from Chester to Cardiff:
A coach is £31 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chester to Cardiff costing on average £53.
The fastest way to travel from Chester to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 3h 4m.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 44m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chester and Cardiff 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 £22 compared to roughly £40 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £18. The journey takes 5h 44m versus 3h 45m 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
Chester to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chester to Cardiff coaches for tomorrow, Tuesday 15 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:40 Chester | 8h45 | 19:25 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 11:40 Chester | 8h45 | 20:25 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 15:15 Chester | 9h30 | 0:45 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chester to Cardiff 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.
Tue
15 Sept
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
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18 Sept
18 Sept
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19 Sept
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21 Sept
21 Sept
Why should you book Chester to Cardiff coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Chester to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chester to Cardiff.
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 Chester to Cardiff.
- 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 Chester to Cardiff.
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 Chester to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Chester to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chester to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Chester to Cardiff run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 191 km distance in 8h 45m.
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 191 km |
Average bus duration 5h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 8h 45m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
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, FlixBus from Chester to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Chester to Cardiff with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £14. 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
8h 45m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£14
FlixBus frequency
1 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
8h 40m
Cheapest National Express Price
£43
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 Cardiff
Things to do in Cardiff
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
- Must visit
St Fagans National Museum of History
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
- Recommended
Museum of Cardiff
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
- Must visit
Cardiff Arcades
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
- Must visit
Bute Park
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
- Must visit
Cardiff Bay
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
- Gluten-free
Cawl
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
- Vegetarian
Welsh rarebit
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
- Vegetarian
Bara brith
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Heaneys
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Asador 44
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
The Potted Pig
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.
Cardiff Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.40
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) -> Cardiff Bus Interchange
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Cardiff Bus accepts contactless payment for adult single and day tickets, including Tap On, Tap Off on bus services.
- For travel from North Road into the centre, Cardiff Bus service 24 runs via North Road to Cardiff Bus Interchange.
FAQs: Chester to Cardiff coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chester to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Chester to Cardiff can start from as little as £14 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Chester to Cardiff is £22; 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 Chester to Cardiff is 8h 45m to travel the 191 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 Chester to Cardiff leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Chester to Cardiff leaves at 23:45.
There are 3 coaches a day from Chester to Cardiff which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Chester to Cardiff, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Chester and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Chester , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange), Liverpool, Liverpool One . When arriving in Cardiff , you can end your route in coach stations like Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Newport, Queensway, Weston-super-Mare, Regent St (Interchange), Weston-super-Mare, Diamond Batch Car Park Stop (Worle Station), Cardiff, University.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Cardiff from Chester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Chester to Cardiff is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chester and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Chester to Cardiff for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Chester to Cardiff:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Chester to Cardiff 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 Chester to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Chester to Cardiff:
- 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 Chester to Cardiff:
- 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 Chester to Cardiff. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Chester to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Chester to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Chester to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chester and Cardiff
Most Chester to Cardiff buses use the Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Use this guide to compare Chester and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Chester
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff
Which Chester station do buses to Cardiff leave from?
Buses from Chester to Cardiff leave from Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange). The station is from Chester city centre at Bus Interchange, Chester CH1 3EF, UK.
Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange)Bus Interchange, Chester CH1 3EF, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) from Chester city centre
Bus11, 11A · 4m · £2 · every ~8 min
61, 16, 62 · 8m · £4 · every ~9 min
Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) bus station facilities and services
Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available within the interchange. ATMs are available at Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange): Fully accessible with ramps and elevators.
Which Cardiff station do buses from Chester arrive at?
Buses from Chester to Cardiff most often arrive at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). Some services arrive at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Cardiff arrival station.
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
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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
More options for your journey from Chester to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cardiff and Chester
Most popular bus connections
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