Gloucester to Cardiff bus with National Express

Wed 14 Oct
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Gloucester to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 14 Oct

Cheapest price on 14 Oct

£9

Average ticket price on 14 Oct

£13

Fastest journey on 14 Oct

2 h 45 m

Average journey duration on 14 Oct

3 h 53 m

Buses on 14 Oct

2

Distance

78 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Gloucester to Cardiff will cost around £13 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £9.

Fast coaches

On Wed 14 Oct, we found 2 buses from Gloucester to Cardiff, including 1 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 78 km distance in an average of 3 h 53 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 45 m .

The slowest buses will take 5 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    10:302h45
    Gloucester, Transport Hub
    13:15Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £91One-way
    0 changes
  • National ExpressNX100 · NX202
    19:505h00
    Gloucester, Transport Hub
    0:50Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    £181One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Gloucester to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Gloucester to Cardiff run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.

There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 02:45, the last at 23:34. The fastest coach covers the 78 km distance in 1h 50m.

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
78 km
Average bus duration
2h 20m
Cheapest ticket price
£6
Buses per day
3
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
1h 50m
First bus
2:45
Last bus
23:34
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
5 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

Live departures

Gloucester to Cardiff bus times

The table below shows live departures for Gloucester to Cardiff coaches for today, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX100 · NX20219:50 Gloucester, Transport Hub
5h00
0:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
Wednesday 14 October
FlixBusFlixBus10:30 Gloucester, Transport Hub
2h45
13:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Gloucester to Cardiff coaches with Omio?

FlixBus as well as National Express offer coaches services from Gloucester to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Gloucester to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Gloucester 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Gloucester 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 National Express to find the best option for your trip from Gloucester to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Gloucester to Cardiff.

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Gloucester to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Gloucester to Cardiff with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £6. 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
2h 45m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£6
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
1h 50m
Cheapest National Express Price
£15
National Express frequency
1 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.

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.

Best day trips from Cardiff by bus

The most popular day trips by bus from Cardiff are Bristol, Bath, Swansea, Newport and Chepstow. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Cardiff on Omio.

A view of Bristol

Day trip from Cardiff to Bristol by bus

Why visit Bristol for the day?

Bristol is known for its maritime past, inventive culture and distinctive street art. Around the harbourside and Clifton, historic landmarks and a strong independent scene give the city an energetic but relaxed feel.

How to get from Cardiff to Bristol by bus?

There are 30 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 41 km distance in 1h 0m.

A view of Bath

Day trip from Cardiff to Bath by bus

Why visit Bath for the day?

Bath is known for its Roman Baths, graceful Georgian architecture and links to Jane Austen. Its compact centre feels elegant yet lively, with historic streets, independent shops and a long-standing spa culture.

How to get from Cardiff to Bath by bus?

The earliest coach runs at 01:55, the last at 23:10. The fastest coach covers the 58 km distance in 1h 51m.

A view of Swansea

Day trip from Cardiff to Swansea by bus

Why visit Swansea for the day?

Swansea is known for its sweeping bay, maritime past and connection to Dylan Thomas. The city mixes a practical urban centre with a waterfront feel and quick access to the Gower coast.

How to get from Cardiff to Swansea by bus?

There are 44 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 55 km distance in 50m.

A view of Newport

Day trip from Cardiff to Newport by bus

Why visit Newport for the day?

Newport is a South Wales city known for its industrial past, the Transporter Bridge and riverside setting on the Usk. Regenerated shopping areas and historic sites give it a practical mix of modern city life and local heritage.

How to get from Cardiff to Newport by bus?

There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:54. The fastest coach covers the 17 km distance in 25m.

A view of Chepstow

Day trip from Cardiff to Chepstow by bus

Why visit Chepstow for the day?

Chepstow is a historic town on the River Wye, best known for its Norman castle and border setting. Its compact centre, medieval streets and access to the Wye Valley give it a strong sense of place.

How to get from Cardiff to Chepstow by bus?

There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 05:15, the last at 23:43. The fastest coach covers the 39 km distance in 45m.

FAQs: Gloucester to Cardiff coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gloucester 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 Gloucester to Cardiff can start from as little as £6 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Gloucester to Cardiff is £17; 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 Gloucester to Cardiff is 1h 50m to travel the 78 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 Gloucester to Cardiff leaves at 2:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Gloucester to Cardiff leaves at 23:34.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Gloucester to Cardiff with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Gloucester to Cardiff, you can count on FlixBus, National Express for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Gloucester and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Gloucester , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Gloucester, Transport Hub, Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub . 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), Newport, Queensway, Cardiff, University.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Gloucester, Transport Hub, 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.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Gloucester and Cardiff including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Gloucester to Cardiff:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Gloucester to Cardiff for coach company FlixBus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Gloucester 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 FlixBus, 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 Gloucester to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Gloucester 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 Gloucester 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 Gloucester 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 Gloucester to Cardiff with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Gloucester to Cardiff with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Gloucester to Cardiff with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Gloucester and Cardiff

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

Departure bus stations in Gloucester
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff

Which Gloucester station do buses to Cardiff leave from?

Buses from Gloucester to Cardiff leave from Gloucester, Transport Hub. The station is from Gloucester city centre at Transport Hub arrival, Gloucester GL1 1SZ, UK.
Gloucester, Transport HubTransport Hub arrival, Gloucester GL1 1SZ, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Gloucester, Transport Hub from Gloucester city centre

TRUE

Gloucester, Transport Hub bus station facilities and services

Gloucester, Transport Hub 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 in main waiting area. ATMs are aTM located near the entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Gloucester, Transport Hub.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Gloucester, Transport Hub: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Gloucester, Transport Hub: Wheelchair accessible ramps available.

More options for your journey from Gloucester to Cardiff

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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