London to Cardiff bus with National Express

Thu 02 Jul
+ Add return
National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
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
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    22:303h15
    London, Victoria Coach Station
    1:45Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £81One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    21:303h15
    London, Victoria Coach Station
    0:45Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £101One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    7:304h10
    London, Victoria Coach Station
    11:40Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £101One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    11:303h45
    London, Victoria Coach Station
    15:15Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £121One-way
    0 changes
  • National ExpressNX509
    21:303h25
    London, Victoria Coach Station
    0:55Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    £131One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for London to Cardiff

The cheapest option from London to Cardiff is coach, with an average price of £9. Omio recommends booking the bus, as it is the most popular option from London to Cardiff among Omio users. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg.

Distance: 211 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train

£9

Average Price

Cheapest option

£61

Average Price

3h 51m

Average total duration

3h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 36m

Average total duration

Fastest option

3h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

London to Cardiff bus times

The table below shows live departures for London to Cardiff coaches for today, Wednesday 1 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus22:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h15
1:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus23:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h55
3:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX50923:59 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h06
3:05 Cardiff, University0 changesdirect
Thursday 2 July
National ExpressNX040 · NX216
Delayed
12:30 0:30London, Victoria Coach Station
5h15
5:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 change
National ExpressNX040 · NX216
Delayed
12:30 0:30London, Victoria Coach Station
5h05
5:35 Cardiff, University
1 change
National ExpressNX209 · NX2162:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
5h10
7:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
National ExpressNX209 · NX2162:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
5h00
7:30 Cardiff, University1 change
National ExpressNX025 · NX201
On time
5:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
6h00
11:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 change
National ExpressNX040 · NX202
Delayed
12:30 7:30London, Victoria Coach Station
4h35
12:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus7:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
4h10
11:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX507
Delayed
16:30 8:30London, Victoria Coach Station
3h40
12:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX507
Delayed
16:30 8:30London, Victoria Coach Station
3h30
20:05 20:05Cardiff, University
0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus10:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
4h15
14:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX507
Delayed
16:30 10:30London, Victoria Coach Station
3h30
14:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX507
Delayed
16:30 10:30London, Victoria Coach Station
3h20
20:05 20:05Cardiff, University
0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus11:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h45
15:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX509
Delayed
13:20 12:30London, Victoria Coach Station
3h50
16:20 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus12:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h40
16:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX509
Delayed
13:20 12:30London, Victoria Coach Station
3h40
16:10 Cardiff, University
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX507
Delayed
16:30 13:30London, Victoria Coach Station
3h50
17:20 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX507
Delayed
16:30 13:30London, Victoria Coach Station
3h35
20:05 20:05Cardiff, University
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX509
On time
14:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
4h00
18:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX509
On time
14:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h50
18:20 Cardiff, University
0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus15:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
4h40
19:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX507
Delayed
16:30 15:30London, Victoria Coach Station
4h10
19:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX507
Delayed
16:30 15:30London, Victoria Coach Station
4h00
20:05 20:05Cardiff, University
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX509
On time
16:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h55
20:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX509
On time
16:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h45
20:15 Cardiff, University
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX507
On time
17:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h45
21:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX507
On time
17:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h35
21:05 Cardiff, University
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX509
On time
18:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h45
21:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX509
On time
18:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h35
21:35 Cardiff, University
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX509
On time
19:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h40
22:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus19:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h55
22:55 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX509
On time
19:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h30
22:30 Cardiff, University
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX507
On time
20:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h35
23:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX507
On time
20:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h25
23:25 Cardiff, University
0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX509
On time
21:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h25
0:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus21:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h15
0:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX509
On time
23:59 London, Victoria Coach Station
3h16
3:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London 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.

Wed
01 Jul
Thu
02 Jul
Fri
03 Jul
Sat
04 Jul
Sun
05 Jul
Mon
06 Jul
Tue
07 Jul
Wed
08 Jul
Thu
09 Jul
Fri
10 Jul
Sat
11 Jul
Sun
12 Jul
Mon
13 Jul
Tue
14 Jul
Wed
15 Jul
Thu
16 Jul
Fri
17 Jul
Sat
18 Jul
Sun
19 Jul
Mon
20 Jul
Tue
21 Jul

Why should you book London to Cardiff coaches with Omio?

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

Journey information

Overview: Bus from London to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Typically, there are 45 buses per day from London to Cardiff, including 38 direct buses, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 211 km distance in 3h 15m.

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
211 km
Average bus duration
3h 21m
Lowest 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
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 London to CardiffYou can travel by bus between London to Cardiff with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as £5. 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
£5
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
3h 16m
Cheapest Price
£8
National Express frequency
9 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
3h 25m
Cheapest Price
£11
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.

FAQs: London to Cardiff coach

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.

FAQs
The earliest coach from London to Cardiff leaves at 0:10. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from London to Cardiff leaves at 23:45.
Yes, there are 38 direct coaches a day from London to Cardiff with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from London to Cardiff, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between London and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
The cheapest month for a coach from London to Cardiff is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from London 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 London to Cardiff for coach company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from London 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.
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 to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from London 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 London 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 London 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 London to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from London to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from London to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in London and Cardiff

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.

Departure bus stations in London
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff

Which London station do buses to Cardiff leave from?

Buses from London to Cardiff leave from London, Victoria Coach Station. The station is 2 km from London city centre at 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP, United Kingdom.
London, Victoria Coach Station164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to London, Victoria Coach Station from London city centre

London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:

BusN11, N44 · 9m · £10 · every ~4 min
148 · 17m · £2 · every ~30 min
24 · 25m · £2 · every ~25 min
38, N38 · 30m · £2 · every ~46 min
A8 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~10 min
390 · 35m · £2 · every ~26 min

London, Victoria Coach Station bus station facilities and services

London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

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

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.

London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3, Hounslow, TW6 1EW, London, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 from London city centre

TrainElizabeth, London Paddington - Heathrow Terminal 4, London Paddington - Heathrow Terminal 5 · 21m · £32 · every ~3 min
Elizabeth · 41m · £15 · every ~8 min
BusUkn14, Ukn02, Uk043, Uk042, Ukn23, Ukxn10, Ukn49 · 50m · £2 · every ~1 min
Ukxn10 · 50m · £3 · every ~1 min
Ukxn10 · 50m · £3 · every ~1 min
N9 · 1h 11m · £2 · every ~4 min
SubwayPiccadilly · 48m · £19 · every ~27 min

London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 bus station facilities and services

London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Caffè Nero (in the station)

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas, offering multiple currency options.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Ramps, assistance.

London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, Longford, Hounslow TW6 2GA, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 from London city centre

London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainElizabeth, London Paddington - Heathrow Terminal 5 · 22m · £32
Elizabeth, London Paddington - Heathrow Terminal 5 · 22m · £32
BusUk061 · 1h 5m · £3 · every ~1 min
035, 025, 030, 032, A40 · 1h 10m · £5 · every ~12 min
025, 030, 032, 035, A40 · 1h 10m · £5 · every ~12 min
N9 · 1h 22m · £2 · every ~4 min
SubwayPiccadilly · 53m · £21 · every ~27 min

London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 bus station facilities and services

London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Crown Rivers (in the station), Giraffe (in the station), Wagamama (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the arrivals and departures areas.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5: Elevators, ramps.

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