Glasgow to Cardiff bus with National Express

Thu, 20 Nov
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National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Glasgow to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 21 Nov

Cheapest price

£55

Average price

£65

Fastest journey

10 h

Average duration

13 h 29 m

Buses per day

5

Distance

493 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Glasgow to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Glasgow to Cardiff will cost around £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £55.

Fast coaches

Of the 5 buses that leave Glasgow for Cardiff every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 493 km distance in an average of 13 h 29 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h .

The slowest buses will take 17 h 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.

National Express
22:0013h25
Glasgow
11:25Cardiff
£551One-way
0 changes
National Express
07:4012h25
Glasgow
20:05Cardiff
£581One-way
0 changes
Megabus
07:2010h00
Glasgow
17:20Cardiff
£601One-way
0 changes
National Express
09:3019h15
Glasgow
04:45Cardiff
£681One-way
0 changes
FlixBus
21:4014h35
Glasgow
12:15Cardiff
£851One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Glasgow to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Glasgow to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, and a train costs an average of £69.

Distance: 493 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train

£53

Average Price

Cheapest

£172

Average Price

12h 6m

Average total duration

11h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 57m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Glasgow to Cardiff bus times

The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Cardiff coaches for today, Thursday 20 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 03:59
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus07:45 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
17h05
00:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX590 · NX50908:40 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
16h10
00:50 Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)1 change
national_expressNX590 · NX111
Delayed
20:15 08:40Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
11h30
20:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 change
national_expressNX591 · NX50909:15 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
17h55
03:10 Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)1 change
national_expressNX591 · NX509
On time
09:15 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
18h00
03:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus10:20 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
15h30
01:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus21:15 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
17h00
14:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX595 · NX507
On time
21:25 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
14h30
11:55 Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
1 change
national_expressNX595 · NX507
On time
21:25 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
14h35
12:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 change
national_expressNX181 · NX101 · NX202
On time
23:00 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
13h05
12:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
2 changes
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus23:55 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
15h50
15:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Glasgow to Cardiff by train or coach

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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Glasgow to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Glasgow to Cardiff run on average 9 times per day, taking around 11h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £22 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 02:45, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 493 km distance in 11h 30m.

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
493 km
Average bus duration
11h 36m
Cheapest ticket price
£22
Buses per day
9
Fastest bus
11h 30m
First bus
02:45
Last bus
23:55
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, Megabus, FlixBus from Glasgow to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Glasgow to Cardiff with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as £22. 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 Duration
14h 35m
Cheapest Price
£43
FlixBus frequency
3 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 Duration
11h 30m
Cheapest Price
£27
National Express frequency
6 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.

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 Duration
10h 0m
Cheapest Price
£52
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.

Buses from Glasgow to Cardiff

Buses from Glasgow to Cardiff operate every day of the week throughout the year. The main provider of this journey is National Express. The route serves several destinations in Cardiff, including Cardiff Coach Station (Sophia Gardens), Cardiff University, and Cardiff Castle Street. Buses depart from Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow. This is usually an indirect service that involves one bus change at either Bristol Coach Station or Birmingham Coach Station. The distance from Glasgow to Cardiff is approximately 390 miles, and the duration of the trip is from 9 hours 20 minutes. Buses from Glasgow to Cardiff start operating at about 8:00 a.m, and the last departure is at approximately 11:55 p.m. There are at least three services each day.

FAQs: Glasgow to Cardiff coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Glasgow 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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Glasgow to Cardiff can start from as little as £23 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Glasgow to Cardiff is £51; 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 Glasgow to Cardiff is 10 h   to travel the 305 mile long route, with around there are 9 coaches per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Glasgow to Cardiff leaves at 07: 45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Glasgow to Cardiff leaves at 23: 55.
Yes, there is 1 direct coach a day from Glasgow to Cardiff with Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
For the best Glasgow to Cardiff coach to book, you can travel safely and comfortably with National Express, Megabus or FlixBus. However, it's always good to check all possible coach companies with services to Cardiff from Glasgow to compare what amenities they may offer.

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station, which is located around 0.7 miles (1.1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Cardiff, University, located 1.1 miles (1.8 km) away from the city centre.

The cheapest month for a coach from Glasgow to Cardiff is February.
You have options as you can travel to Cardiff from Glasgow 2 different ways: train or coach.
No, the coach from Glasgow to Cardiff has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Glasgow to Cardiff.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Glasgow to Cardiff.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Glasgow to Cardiff, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Glasgow to Cardiff.
    No, luggage for the coach from Glasgow to Cardiff needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Glasgow to Cardiff.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Glasgow to Cardiff.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Glasgow to Cardiff.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Glasgow to Cardiff.

    popular bus stations

    Important Stations and Airports in Glasgow and Cardiff

    Glasgow
    Cardiff
    The major coach station for departures in Glasgow is Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station for your trip from Glasgow to Cardiff.
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 05:00-23:59
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Killermont Street
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Cafeteria Buchanan (in the station)
    • Coffee Express (in the station)
    • Fast Bites (in the station).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the main entrance.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transport options for Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
    • Bus: 500, 900, 38, 60A Train: Queen Street Station Metro: Buchanan Street

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