London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) bus with Megabus

Sat 18 Apr
+ Add return
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Go Ahead London
Metroline Travel
2,000+ travel companies
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Go Ahead London
Metroline Travel
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest coaches from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Showing times and prices for 18 Apr

Cheapest price

£5

Average price

£22

Fastest journey

3 h 5 m

Average duration

3 h 12 m

Buses per day

38

Distance

208 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £5.

Fast coaches

Of the 38 buses that leave London Paddington (PAD) for Cardiff Central (CDF) every day 30 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 208 km distance in an average of 3 h 12 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .

The slowest buses will take 3 h 15 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    23:303h55
    London, Victoria Coach Station
    3:25Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £51One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    22:303h15
    London, Victoria Coach Station
    1:45Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £51One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    11:303h45
    London, Victoria Coach Station
    15:15Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £61One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    12:303h40
    London, Victoria Coach Station
    16:10Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £71One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    7:304h10
    London, Victoria Coach Station
    11:40Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £91One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and ferry for London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £7. For those with little time consider booking a ferry which can get you there in 31m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £7, and a train costs an average of £33.

Distance: 208 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Ferry

£13

Average Price

Cheapest

£62

Average Price

£24

Average Price

4h 19m

Average total duration

3h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 7m

Average total duration

2h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 31m

Average total duration

Fastest

31m

Onboard

+

1h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) bus times

The table below shows live departures for London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) coaches for today, Thursday 16 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX040 · NX216
Delayed
13:00 23:30London, Victoria Coach Station
5h05
4:35 Cardiff, University
1 change
Friday 17 April
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus6:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
4h10
10:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX5077:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h20
10:50 Cardiff, University0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus9:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
4h15
13:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX5079:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h30
13:00 Cardiff, University0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus10:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
4h15
14:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus11:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
4h10
15:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX50712:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
4h20
16:50 Cardiff, University0 changesdirect
national_expressNX50714:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
4h20
18:20 Cardiff, University0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus14:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
4h40
18:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX50715:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h40
19:10 Cardiff, University0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus15:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
4h40
20:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus17:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
4h25
21:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX50717:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h45
20:45 Cardiff, University0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus18:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h55
21:55 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX50719:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h25
22:25 Cardiff, University0 changesdirect
national_expressNXA2 · NX509
Delayed
19:10 London, Eastbourne Terrace (Paddington Station)
4h45
0:50 0:50Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
1 change
national_expressNXA2 · NX509
On time
20:06 London, Eastbourne Terrace (Paddington Station)
4h44
0:50 Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus20:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h15
23:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNXA2 · NX509
On time
21:06 London, Eastbourne Terrace (Paddington Station)
4h44
1:50 Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus21:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h15
0:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNXA2 · NX509
On time
22:11 London, Eastbourne Terrace (Paddington Station)
4h29
2:40 Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus22:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h55
2:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX040 · NX216
On time
22:59 London, Victoria Coach Station
5h36
4:35 Cardiff, University
1 change
national_expressNX50923:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h05
2:35 Cardiff, University0 changesdirect
national_expressNX040 · NX2160:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
4h35
4:35 Cardiff, University1 change
national_expressNX209 · NX2161:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
5h00
6:30 Cardiff, University1 change
national_expressNXA2 · NX5075:46 London, Eastbourne Terrace (Paddington Station)
4h59
10:45 Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) by train, coach or ferry

Compare train, coach and ferry 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
17 Apr
Sat
18 Apr
Sun
19 Apr
Mon
20 Apr
Tue
21 Apr
Wed
22 Apr
Thu
23 Apr
Fri
24 Apr
Sat
25 Apr
Sun
26 Apr
Mon
27 Apr
Tue
28 Apr
Wed
29 Apr
Thu
30 Apr
Fri
01 May
Sat
02 May
Sun
03 May
Mon
04 May
Tue
05 May
Wed
06 May
Thu
07 May

Why should you book London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) coaches with Omio?

Megabus as well as National Express, FlixBus, Go Ahead London, Metroline Travel and more offer coaches services from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

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, FlixBus, Go Ahead London or Metroline Travel to find the best option for your trip from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
  • 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, bus and ferry to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

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, FlixBus, Go Ahead London or Metroline Travel to find the best option for your trip from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and ferry to find the ideal travel option from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

Journey information

Overview: Bus from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 27 times per day, taking around 3h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £7 if you book in advance.

There are 19 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:59. The fastest coach covers the 208 km distance in 3h 6m.

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
208 km
Average bus duration
3h 49m
Cheapest ticket price
£7
Buses per day
27
Direct buses
19
Fastest bus
3h 6m
First bus
0:30
Last bus
23:59
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
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, FlixBus, Go Ahead London, Metroline Travel from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF)You can travel by bus between London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus, Go Ahead London, Metroline Travel for as low as £7. 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
3h 15m
Cheapest Price
£7
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
3h 6m
Cheapest Price
£9
National Express frequency
3 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
4h 0m
Cheapest Price
£10
Megabus frequency
2 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.

Go Ahead London

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 56m
Cheapest Price
£34
Go Ahead London frequency
5 a day

Metroline Travel

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 44m
Cheapest Price
£29
Metroline Travel frequency
5 a day

FAQs: London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Central (CDF), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) can start from as little as £7 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is £13; 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 London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is 3h 6m to travel the 208 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 London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 23:59.
Yes, there are 19 direct coaches a day from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF), you can count on Megabus, National Express, FlixBus, Go Ahead London, Metroline Travel for the best way to get you to Cardiff Central (CDF). You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between London Paddington (PAD) and Cardiff Central (CDF) and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Cardiff Central (CDF) from London Paddington (PAD) is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 6m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London Paddington (PAD) and Cardiff Central (CDF) including taking a train, coach and ferry.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF):
  • 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 London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) for coach company Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF):
  • 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 London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF):
  • 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 London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF). The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.

More options for your journey from London Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

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

Most popular buses to and from Cardiff Central (CDF) and London Paddington (PAD)

HomeCoachesLondon Paddington (PAD) to Cardiff Central (CDF) bus

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone