- 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 Reading to Cardiff
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Nov
- Cheapest price on 02 Nov
- £41
- Average ticket price on 02 Nov
- £44
- Fastest journey on 02 Nov
- 4 h 37 m
- Average journey duration on 02 Nov
- 4 h 47 m
- Buses on 02 Nov
- 16
- Distance
- 153 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Reading to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Cardiff will cost around £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £41.
Fast coaches
To travel from Reading to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
RRRA1 · NX20122:03 5h57 Reading, Blagrave Street 4:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens £41 1 One-way 1 change- RRRA1 · NX201
21:03 4h37 Reading, Blagrave Street 1:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens £41 1 One-way 1 change - RRRA1 · NX201
17:43 4h57 Reading, Blagrave Street 22:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens £41 1 One-way 1 change - RRRA1 · NX201
5:25 5h35 Reading, Blagrave Street 11:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens £41 1 One-way 1 change - RRRA1 · NX201
9:45 4h40 Reading, Blagrave Street 14:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens £41 1 One-way 1 change
- RRRA1 · NX201
21:03 4h37 Reading, Blagrave Street 1:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens £41 1 One-way 1 change - RRRA1 · NX201
9:45 4h40 Reading, Blagrave Street 14:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens £41 1 One-way 1 change - RRRA1 · NX201
7:41 4h44 Reading, Blagrave Street 12:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens £43 1 One-way 1 change - RRRA1 · NX201
13:45 4h55 Reading, Blagrave Street 18:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens £43 1 One-way 1 change - RRRA1 · NX201
17:43 4h57 Reading, Blagrave Street 22:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens £41 1 One-way 1 change
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Cardiff run on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 153 km distance in 2h 30m.
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 153 km |
Average bus duration 4h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 2h 30m |
First bus 0:10 |
Last bus 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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
Frequently asked questions about your Reading to Cardiff trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Reading to Cardiff.
Cheap coach tickets from Reading to Cardiff can start from as little as £8 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Reading to Cardiff is £56; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest coach from Reading to Cardiff leaves at 0:10. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Reading to Cardiff leaves at 23:40.
There are 13 coaches a day from Reading to Cardiff which require at least one change with FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
Live departures
Reading to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Cardiff coaches for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RRRA1 · NX201 | 5:27 Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h23 | 10:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX202 | 6:27 Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h28 | 11:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX201 | 7:57 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h43 | 12:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX202 | 8:27 Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h28 | 13:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX201 | 9:57 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h43 | 14:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX202 | 10:26 Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h29 | 15:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX201 | 11:56 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h44 | 16:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX202 | 12:26 Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h29 | 17:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX201 | 13:56 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h39 | 18:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX202 | 14:26 Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h24 | 19:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX201 | 15:56 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h39 | 20:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX202 | 16:26 Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h34 | 22:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX201 | 17:56 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h44 | 22:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX202 | 19:26 Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h09 | 0:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX201 | 21:03 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h37 | 1:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX201 | 22:03 Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h32 | 3:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Reading to Cardiff coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as National Express offer coaches services from Reading to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Reading 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading 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 National Express to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Cardiff.
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Reading to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Reading to Cardiff with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £8. 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 FlixBus Duration
2h 30m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£8
FlixBus frequency
1 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 National Express Duration
3h 57m
Cheapest National Express Price
£39
National Express frequency
15 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.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Reading and Cardiff
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a coach from Reading to Cardiff, you can count on FlixBus, National Express for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Reading and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Reading to Cardiff:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Reading to Cardiff for coach company FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company {providersWithBike}.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Reading to Cardiff depends on the coach companies:
- 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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Reading to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Reading to Cardiff:
- 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 Reading to Cardiff:
- 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 Reading 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 Reading to Cardiff with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Reading to Cardiff with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Reading to Cardiff with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.
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: Reading to Cardiff coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
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.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Cardiff
Most Reading to Cardiff buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). Use this guide to compare Reading and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Reading
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff
Which Reading station do buses to Cardiff leave from?
Buses from Reading to Cardiff leave from Reading, Blagrave Street. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading RG1 1PZ, UK.
Reading, Blagrave StreetReading RG1 1PZ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading, Blagrave Street from Reading city centre
Bus19a, 19c · 1h 21m · £2
Reading, Blagrave Street bus station facilities and services
Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Which Cardiff station do buses from Reading arrive at?
Buses from Reading to Cardiff most often arrive at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Some services arrive at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Cardiff arrival station.
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, 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, University
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £1 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
Bus stations for Reading to Cardiff
Check bus stations information for Reading and Cardiff, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
When departing from Reading , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Reading, Blagrave Street . When arriving in Cardiff , you can end your route in coach stations like Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, University, Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Reading, Blagrave Street, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, located 1 away from the city centre.
More options for your journey from Reading to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cardiff and Reading
Most popular bus connections
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