- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Loughborough to Cardiff
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 09 Sept
Cheapest price on 09 Sept
£16
Average ticket price on 09 Sept
£24
Fastest journey on 09 Sept
8 h 5 m
Average journey duration on 09 Sept
8 h 57 m
Buses on 09 Sept
5
Distance
197 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Loughborough to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Loughborough to Cardiff will cost around £24 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £16.
Fast coaches
To travel from Loughborough to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus6:458h30Loughborough, The Rushes15:15Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)£161One-way1 change- FlixBus · FlixBus9:3510h05Loughborough, The Rushes19:40Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)£221One-way1 change
NX440 · NX5099:508h40Loughborough, The Rushes18:30Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£261One-way1 change- NX440 · NX5096:559h25Loughborough, The Rushes16:20Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£261One-way1 change
- NX440 · NX50912:208h05Loughborough, The Rushes20:25Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£291One-way1 change
- NX440 · NX50912:208h05Loughborough, The Rushes20:25Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£291One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus6:458h30Loughborough, The Rushes15:15Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)£161One-way1 change
- NX440 · NX5099:508h40Loughborough, The Rushes18:30Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£261One-way1 change
- NX440 · NX5096:559h25Loughborough, The Rushes16:20Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£261One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus9:3510h05Loughborough, The Rushes19:40Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)£221One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Loughborough to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Loughborough to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 32m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, while a train costs an average of £54.
Distance: 197 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£31 Average Price Cheapest | £54 Average Price | £41 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 42m Average total duration 8h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 32m Average total duration Fastest 3h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Loughborough to Cardiff is a coach with an average price of £31.
This is compared to other travel options from Loughborough to Cardiff:
A coach is £23 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Loughborough to Cardiff costing on average £54.
The fastest way to travel from Loughborough to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 3h 2m.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 12m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Loughborough and Cardiff including taking a coach and train.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £31 compared to roughly £41 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £10. The journey takes 8h 12m versus 3h 2m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Loughborough to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Loughborough to Cardiff coaches for today, Tuesday 8 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17:00 Loughborough | 8h45 | 1:45 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Loughborough to Cardiff by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
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09 Sept
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Loughborough to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Loughborough to Cardiff run on average 14 times per day, taking around 8h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 01:40, the last at 23:25. The fastest coach covers the 197 km distance in 7h 35m.
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 197 km |
Average bus duration 8h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 7h 35m |
First bus 1:40 |
Last bus 23:25 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 28 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: Kinchbus from Loughborough to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Loughborough to Cardiff with Kinchbus for as low as £19. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Kinchbus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Kinchbus Duration
4h 46m
Cheapest Kinchbus Price
£34
Kinchbus 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
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.
- Must visit
Cardiff Arcades
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
- Must visit
Bute Park
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
- Must visit
Cardiff Bay
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
- Gluten-free
Cawl
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.
- Vegetarian
Welsh rarebit
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.
- Vegetarian
Bara brith
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.
Heaneys
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Asador 44
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
The Potted Pig
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
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.
Cardiff Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.40
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) -> Cardiff Bus Interchange
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Cardiff Bus accepts contactless payment for adult single and day tickets, including Tap On, Tap Off on bus services.
- For travel from North Road into the centre, Cardiff Bus service 24 runs via North Road to Cardiff Bus Interchange.
FAQs: Loughborough to Cardiff coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Loughborough 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.
Cheap coach tickets from Loughborough to Cardiff can start from as little as £19 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Loughborough to Cardiff is £31; 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 Loughborough to Cardiff is 7h 35m to travel the 197 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 Loughborough to Cardiff leaves at 1:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Loughborough to Cardiff leaves at 23:25.
There are 14 coaches a day from Loughborough to Cardiff which require at least one change with Kinchbus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Loughborough to Cardiff, you can count on Kinchbus for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Loughborough and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Loughborough , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Loughborough, The Rushes, Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda), Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station, Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station, Nottingham, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Millennium Way East (Phoenix Park P+R) . 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.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Loughborough, The Rushes, which is located around 1 km 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 Loughborough is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Loughborough to Cardiff is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Loughborough and Cardiff including taking a coach and train.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Loughborough to Cardiff.
No, the coach from Loughborough to Cardiff has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Loughborough to Cardiff.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Loughborough to Cardiff.
No, luggage for the coach from Loughborough to Cardiff needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Loughborough to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Loughborough to Cardiff.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Loughborough to Cardiff.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Loughborough to Cardiff.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Loughborough and Cardiff
Most Loughborough to Cardiff buses use the Loughborough, The Rushes to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). Use this guide to compare Loughborough and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Loughborough
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff
Which Loughborough station do buses to Cardiff leave from?
Buses from Loughborough to Cardiff leave from Loughborough, The Rushes. The station is 1 km from Loughborough city centre at Loughborough (The Rushes), Loughborough LE11 5BE, UK.
Loughborough, The RushesLoughborough (The Rushes), Loughborough LE11 5BE, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Loughborough, The Rushes from Loughborough city centre
Loughborough, The Rushes is 1 km from Loughborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus127 · 4m · £2 · every ~11 min
Sky · 7m · £2 · every ~15 min
Loughborough, The Rushes bus station facilities and services
Loughborough, The Rushes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Loughborough, The Rushes. ATMs are available at Loughborough, The Rushes.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Loughborough, The Rushes.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Loughborough, The Rushes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Loughborough, The Rushes: Basic accessibility features are available.
Which Cardiff station do buses from Loughborough arrive at?
Buses from Loughborough to Cardiff most often arrive at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). Some services arrive at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Cardiff arrival station.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre
TRUE
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre
Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)Cardiff CF10 3RB, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 21, 136, 23 · 3m · £2 · every ~20 min
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). ATMs are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Accessible via ramped access.
Most popular bus connections from Loughborough
More options for your journey from Loughborough to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cardiff and Loughborough
Most popular bus connections
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