Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Cheapest price on 04 Sept
£13
Average ticket price on 04 Sept
£26
Fastest journey on 04 Sept
7 h 10 m
Average journey duration on 04 Sept
7 h 51 m
Buses on 04 Sept
9
Distance
214 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Nottingham to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Nottingham to Cardiff will cost around £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £13.
On Fri 04 Sept, we found 9 buses from Nottingham to Cardiff, including 9 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 214 km distance in an average of 7 h 51 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 10 m .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 40 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Nottingham to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 47m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, while a train costs an average of £52.
Distance: 214 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£19 Average Price Cheapest | £52 Average Price | £44 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 27m Average total duration 5h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Nottingham to Cardiff:
A coach is £33 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nottingham to Cardiff costing on average £52.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 57m.
Tickets start at around £19 compared to roughly £44 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £25. The journey takes 5h 57m versus 3h 6m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Nottingham to Cardiff coaches for tomorrow, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:05 Nottingham | 10h35 | 13:40 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 4:20 Nottingham | 7h50 | 12:10 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 5:20 Nottingham | 7h50 | 13:10 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:20 Nottingham | 9h05 | 20:25 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 14:20 Nottingham | 10h00 | 0:20 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 15:15 Nottingham | 7h44 | 22:59 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 17:45 Nottingham | 7h10 | 0:55 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Nottingham to Cardiff run on average 27 times per day, taking around 5h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 214 km distance in 5h 15m.
Distance 214 km |
Average bus duration 5h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Buses per day 27 |
Fastest bus 5h 15m |
First bus 0:45 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Compare Megabus classes and the amenities included in each one.
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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nottingham 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 Nottingham to Cardiff buses use the Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). Use this guide to compare Nottingham and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Broadmarsh (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station), Coffee Corner (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station.
Available at Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nottingham, University of Nottingham has practical services for this route, including Parking, ATM, WC and Bike Parking.
ATMs are available at Nottingham, University of Nottingham.
Available at Nottingham, University of Nottingham: Parking, WC.
Available at Nottingham, University of Nottingham: Bike Parking.
Nottingham, Millennium Way East (Phoenix Park P+R) is 5 km from Nottingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Nottingham, Millennium Way East (Phoenix Park P+R) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Nottingham, Millennium Way East (Phoenix Park P+R). ATMs are available at Nottingham, Millennium Way East (Phoenix Park P+R).
Ticket office support is available at Nottingham, Millennium Way East (Phoenix Park P+R).
Available at Nottingham, Millennium Way East (Phoenix Park P+R): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nottingham, Millennium Way East (Phoenix Park P+R): Wheelchair accessible paths 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, 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, 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need