The cheapest and fastest coaches from Portsmouth to Cardiff
Cheapest price
£20
Average price
£50
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
6 h 1 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
164 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Portsmouth to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Cardiff will cost around £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £20.
To travel from Portsmouth to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
NX030 · NX50918:456h15Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange1:00Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£201One-way1 change
NX030 · NX50912:357h20Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange19:55Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£241One-way1 change
NX030 · NX5077:206h50Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange14:10Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£401One-way1 change
NX030 · NX20116:455h55Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange22:40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£551One-way1 change
NX030 · NX20120:105h30Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange1:40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£551One-way1 change
NX030 · NX20120:105h30Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange1:40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£551One-way1 change
NX030 · NX20116:455h55Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange22:40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£551One-way1 change
NX030 · NX20110:506h10Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange17:00Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£621One-way1 change
NX030 · NX50918:456h15Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange1:00Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£201One-way1 change
NX030 · NX20213:506h15Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange20:05Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£661One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Portsmouth to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £31.
Distance: 164 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£30 Average Price Cheapest | £69 Average Price |
6h 28m Average total duration 5h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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.
Live departures
Portsmouth to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Cardiff coaches for tomorrow, Friday 10 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX030 · NX201 | Delayed 11:35 3:20Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 7h40 | 13:25 13:25Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
NX030 · NX202 | Delayed 11:35 5:35Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 6h30 | 11:35 11:35Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
NX030 · NX507 | Delayed 11:35 7:20Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 6h50 | 14:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
NX030 · NX201 | Delayed 11:35 8:20Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 6h25 | 14:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
NX030 · NX201 | Delayed 11:35 10:50Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 6h10 | 17:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
NX030 · NX509 | On time 12:35 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 7h20 | 19:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
NX030 · NX202 | On time 13:50 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 6h15 | 20:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
NX030 · NX201 | On time 16:45 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 5h55 | 22:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
NX030 · NX509 | On time 18:45 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 6h15 | 1:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
NX030 · NX201 | On time 20:10 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 5h30 | 1:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth 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.
10 Jul
11 Jul
12 Jul
13 Jul
14 Jul
15 Jul
16 Jul
Why should you book Portsmouth to Cardiff coaches with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 Portsmouth to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Portsmouth to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Portsmouth to Cardiff
Buses from Portsmouth to Cardiff run on average 10 times per day, taking around 5h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:05, the last at 21:20. The fastest coach covers the 164 km distance in 5h 30m.
Distance 164 km |
Average bus duration 5h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 5h 30m |
First bus 3:05 |
Last bus 21:20 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 days |
Bus providers: National Express from Portsmouth to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Portsmouth to Cardiff with National Express for as low as £13. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
FAQs: Portsmouth to Cardiff coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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.

- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- 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.
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Portsmouth and Cardiff
Most Portsmouth to Cardiff buses use the Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Portsmouth station do buses to Cardiff leave from?
Getting to Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange from Portsmouth city centre
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange bus station facilities and services
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at The Hard (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Getting to Southsea, Clarence Esplanade from Portsmouth city centre
Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre
Getting to Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) from Cardiff city centre
Most popular bus connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

