Glasgow to Cardiff bus with National Express

Fri 21 Aug
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National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
First Greater Glasgow
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First Greater Glasgow
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Glasgow to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 21 Aug

Cheapest price

£62

Average price

£79

Fastest journey

13 h 5 m

Average duration

13 h 53 m

Buses per day

9

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 £79 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £62.

Fast coaches

To travel from Glasgow to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.

  • National ExpressNX590 · NX100 · NX202
    8:4013h20
    Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
    22:00Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    £621One-way
    2 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    22:4014h35
    Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
    13:15Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £671One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX181 · NX101 · NX202
    23:0013h05
    Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
    12:05Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    £721One-way
    2 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    19:1516h25
    Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
    11:40Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £731One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    23:5515h20
    Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
    15:15Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £761One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Glasgow to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the train 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 £30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 28m. 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 £30, and a train costs an average of £35.

Distance: 493 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£44

Average Price

Cheapest

£84

Average Price

12h 10m

Average total duration

11h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 58m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 28m

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 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus22:40 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
14h35
13:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX594 · NX50722:45 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
13h15
12:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
National ExpressNX181 · NX101 · NX20223:00 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
13h05
12:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens2 changes
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus23:55 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
15h50
15:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
Friday 21 August
National ExpressNX590 · NX100 · NX2028:40 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
13h20
22:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens2 changes
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:50 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
15h55
0:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX591 · NX5099:15 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
16h40
1:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus10:20 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
15h25
1:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus19:15 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
16h25
11:40 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

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.

Fri
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
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Mon
31 Aug
Tue
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Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept

Why should you book Glasgow to Cardiff coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as Megabus, FlixBus, First Greater Glasgow and more offer coaches services from Glasgow to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Glasgow 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 Megabus, FlixBus or First Greater Glasgow to find the best option for your trip from Glasgow 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 Glasgow 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 Megabus, FlixBus or First Greater Glasgow to find the best option for your trip from Glasgow to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Glasgow to Cardiff.

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 10 times per day, taking around 11h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £30 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 01:40, 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 40m
Cheapest ticket price
£30
Buses per day
10
Fastest bus
11h 30m
First bus
1:40
Last bus
23:55
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
84 days
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, First Greater Glasgow from Glasgow to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Glasgow to Cardiff with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus, First Greater Glasgow for as low as £30. 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 25m
Cheapest Price
£40
FlixBus frequency
4 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
£30
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 5m
Cheapest Price
£29
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.

First Greater Glasgow

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 49m
First Greater Glasgow frequency
1 a day

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.

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.

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 £30 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Glasgow to Cardiff is £44; 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 11h 30m to travel the 493 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 Glasgow to Cardiff leaves at 1:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Glasgow to Cardiff leaves at 23:55.
There are 10 coaches a day from Glasgow to Cardiff which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus, First Greater Glasgow. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Glasgow to Cardiff, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus, First Greater Glasgow for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Glasgow and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Glasgow , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station . When arriving in Cardiff , you can end your route in coach stations like Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB), Cardiff, University, Newport, Queensway, Weston-super-Mare, Regent St (Interchange), Weston-super-Mare, Diamond Batch Car Park Stop (Worle Station).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station, 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 Glasgow is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Glasgow to Cardiff is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Glasgow and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Glasgow 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.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Glasgow to Cardiff for coach company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Glasgow 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.
  • 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 Glasgow to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Glasgow 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.
  • 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 Glasgow 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.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Glasgow 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 Glasgow to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Glasgow to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Glasgow to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Glasgow and Cardiff

Most Glasgow to Cardiff buses use the Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Use this guide to compare Glasgow and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Glasgow
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff

Which Glasgow station do buses to Cardiff leave from?

Buses from Glasgow to Cardiff leave from Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station. The station is from Glasgow city centre at Killermont Street, Glasgow G2 3NW, United Kingdom.
Glasgow, Buchanan Bus StationKillermont Street, Glasgow G2 3NW, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station from Glasgow city centre

Bus15 · 2m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
4 · 4m · £2 · every ~6 min
9, 9A, X8 · 6m · £2 · every ~26 min

Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station bus station facilities and services

Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Cafeteria Buchanan (in the station), Coffee Express (in the station), Fast Bites (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.

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