- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Darlington to Cardiff
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Aug
Cheapest price on 30 Aug
£39
Average ticket price on 30 Aug
£39
Fastest journey on 30 Aug
11 h 20 m
Average journey duration on 30 Aug
11 h 20 m
Buses on 30 Aug
1
Distance
356 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Darlington to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Darlington to Cardiff will cost around £39 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £39.
Fast coaches
On Sun 30 Aug, we found 1 buses from Darlington to Cardiff, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 356 km distance in an average of 11 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 20 m .
The slowest buses will take 11 h 20 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.
14:2511h20Darlington1:45Cardiff£391One-way0 changes
- 14:2511h20Darlington1:45Cardiff£391One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Darlington to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Darlington to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £41 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 34m. 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 £41, while a train costs an average of £69.
Distance: 356 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£41 Average Price Cheapest | £69 Average Price |
9h 57m Average total duration 9h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 34m Average total duration Fastest 5h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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.
Live departures
Darlington to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Darlington to Cardiff coaches for today, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX591 · NX509 | 14:25 Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 11h30 | 1:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Darlington 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.
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30 Aug
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Why should you book Darlington to Cardiff coaches with Omio?
Megabus as well as National Express offer coaches services from Darlington to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Darlington to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs Megabus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Darlington 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Darlington to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Darlington to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Darlington to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Darlington to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Darlington to Cardiff run on average 3 times per day, taking around 9h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £24 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 23:00. The fastest coach covers the 356 km distance in 10h 25m.
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 356 km |
Average bus duration 9h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £24 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 10h 25m |
First bus 0:45 |
Last bus 23:00 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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: Megabus, National Express from Darlington to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Darlington to Cardiff with Megabus, National Express for as low as £24. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Megabus Duration
26h 50m
Cheapest Megabus Price
£31
Megabus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
Entertaiment on board
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
10h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
£24
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.
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
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: Darlington to Cardiff coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Darlington 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 Darlington to Cardiff can start from as little as £24 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Darlington to Cardiff is £41; 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 Darlington to Cardiff is 10h 25m to travel the 356 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 Darlington to Cardiff leaves at 0:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Darlington to Cardiff leaves at 23:00.
There are 3 coaches a day from Darlington to Cardiff which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Darlington to Cardiff, you can count on Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Darlington and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Darlington , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre), Middlesbrough, Bus Station . When arriving in Cardiff , you can end your route in coach stations like Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB), Cardiff, University, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Newport, Queensway.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Cardiff from Darlington is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 10h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Darlington to Cardiff is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Darlington and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Darlington to Cardiff:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Darlington to Cardiff for coach company Megabus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Darlington to Cardiff depends on the coach companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- 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 Darlington to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Darlington to Cardiff:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- 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 Darlington to Cardiff:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Darlington to Cardiff.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Darlington to Cardiff with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Darlington to Cardiff with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Darlington to Cardiff with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Darlington and Cardiff
Most Darlington to Cardiff buses use the Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). Use this guide to compare Darlington and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Darlington
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff
Which Darlington station do buses to Cardiff leave from?
Buses from Darlington to Cardiff leave from Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre). The station is from Darlington city centre at Darlington Feethams Dolphin Centre, Darlington DL1 5PT, UK.
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)Darlington Feethams Dolphin Centre, Darlington DL1 5PT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) from Darlington city centre
Bus6B, 6 · 5m · £4 · every ~6 min
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) bus station facilities and services
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurants available nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Available at the station. ATMs are available within walking distance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Wheelchair accessible.
Which Cardiff station do buses from Darlington arrive at?
Buses from Darlington to Cardiff most often arrive at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Some services arrive at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Cardiff arrival station.
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, Kingsway (Stop GB)Cardiff CF10 3RB, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 21, 136, 23 · 3m · £2 · every ~20 min
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) 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, Kingsway (Stop GB). ATMs are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Accessible via ramped access.
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 Darlington to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cardiff and Darlington
Most popular bus connections
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