- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Cheapest price
£14
Average price
£31
Fastest journey
3 h 15 m
Average duration
3 h 15 m
Buses per day
30
Distance
211 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from London to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Cardiff will cost around £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £14.
Of the 30 buses that leave London for Cardiff every day 28 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 211 km distance in an average of 3 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 15 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX509
NX509
NX509
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX509
NX509
NX509Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from London to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £5, and a train costs an average of £34.
Distance: 211 km
Most popular Coach | Train |
|---|---|
£9 Average Price Cheapest | £61 Average Price |
3h 51m Average total duration 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 36m Average total duration Fastest 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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.
The table below shows live departures for London to Cardiff coaches for tomorrow, Sunday 16 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX509 | 0:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h15 | 3:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 11:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h45 | 15:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX509 | 11:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h40 | 15:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 12:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h40 | 16:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX509 | 12:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h50 | 16:20 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
NX507 | 13:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h35 | 17:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
NX509 | 14:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h40 | 17:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 15:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 4h40 | 19:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX507 | 15:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h50 | 18:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
NX509 | 15:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h45 | 19:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 16:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 4h40 | 21:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX507 | 16:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h35 | 20:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
NX509 | 17:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h45 | 20:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 18:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 4h25 | 22:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX507 | 18:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h45 | 21:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h55 | 22:55 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX509 | 19:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h45 | 22:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
NX507 | 20:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h35 | 23:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
NX509 | 20:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h29 | 23:59 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
NX509 | 21:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h20 | 0:50 Cardiff, University | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 21:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h15 | 0:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX509 | 21:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h30 | 1:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
NX509 | 22:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h15 | 1:45 Cardiff, University | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 22:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h15 | 1:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX509 | 22:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h25 | 1:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
NX509 | 23:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h15 | 2:45 Cardiff, University | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 23:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h55 | 3:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 changesdirect | |
NX509 | 23:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 3h25 | 2:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 changesdirect | |
NX040 · NX216 | 23:59 London, Victoria Coach Station | 5h36 | 5:35 Cardiff, University | 1 change | |
NX040 · NX216 | 23:59 London, Victoria Coach Station | 5h46 | 5:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from London to Cardiff run on average 45 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.
There are 38 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 211 km distance in 3h 15m.
Distance 211 km |
Average bus duration 3h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Buses per day 45 |
Direct buses 38 |
Fastest bus 3h 15m |
First bus 0:10 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
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.
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.
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.
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) -> Cardiff Bus Interchange
Coaches from London to Cardiff are run by National Express and run on average twice an hour during the weekdays. Most coaches are direct and take around 3hrs to arrive into Cardiff.
Departing from London: Coaches from London to Cardiff depart from Victoria Coach Station in the southwest of London, close to Westminster on Buckingham Palace Road. Passengers can get to Victoria Coach Station by taking the District & Circle Lines or the Victoria Line on the Underground and then walk the few minutes to the coach station.
Passengers can also take a local bus to the station from many areas around London and walk the same distance to the coach station. Victoria departure terminal closes at 01:00 and opens again at 05:00. There are refreshments, cash machines and a left luggage office. Passengers are advised to be at Victoria Coach station at least 30 minutes before the departure time.
Arriving in Cardiff: Buses from London to Cardiff arrive at Cardiff Bus station next to Sophia Gardens, right in the city centre. Onward travel is simple with either local buses and the train station just a short walk away from Sophia Gardens. Cardiff Bus Station has limited facilities, but does include a waiting area and toilets.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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.

Most London to Cardiff buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). Use this guide to compare London and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Caffè Nero (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3.
Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Ramps, assistance.
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: The Crown Rivers (in the station), Giraffe (in the station), Wagamama (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the arrivals and departures areas.
Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5.
Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5: Elevators, ramps.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). ATMs are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Accessible via ramped access.
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