Swansea to Cardiff bus with National Express

Sat 18 Jul
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Swansea to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 18 Jul

Cheapest price

£5

Average price

£6

Fastest journey

50 m

Average duration

54 m

Buses per day

48

Distance

55 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Swansea to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Swansea to Cardiff will cost around £6 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £5.

Fast coaches

Of the 48 buses that leave Swansea for Cardiff every day 48 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 55 km distance in an average of 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 50 m .

The slowest buses will take 55 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    3:251h10
    Swansea, University Bay Campus
    4:35Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £51One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    2:301h05
    Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
    3:35Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £51One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    2:400h55
    Swansea, University Bay Campus
    3:35Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £51One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    17:101h05
    Swansea, University Bay Campus
    18:15Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £51One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    22:001h20
    Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
    23:20Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £51One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Swansea to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Swansea to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £4, and a train costs an average of £3.

Distance: 55 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£6

Average Price

Cheapest

£11

Average Price

1h 49m

Average total duration

1h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 27m

Average total duration

Fastest

57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.0kg

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

Swansea to Cardiff bus times

The table below shows live departures for Swansea to Cardiff coaches for today, Friday 17 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus9:30 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h05
10:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX5079:30 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h05
10:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus9:40 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h55
10:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus10:40 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h10
11:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus10:50 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h00
11:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX11210:53 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h07
12:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus11:00 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h05
12:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus11:10 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h55
12:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX50711:10 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h55
12:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus12:25 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h05
13:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus12:35 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h55
13:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus14:25 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h05
15:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus14:35 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h55
15:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX50714:35 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h00
15:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus15:10 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h25
16:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX11115:17 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h58
16:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus15:20 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h15
16:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus16:05 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h10
17:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus16:10 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h05
17:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus17:00 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h15
18:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus17:10 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h05
18:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX50717:30 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h05
18:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus19:45 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
0h55
20:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus19:50 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h50
20:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus22:00 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h20
23:20 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus22:10 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h10
23:20 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus23:20 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h20
0:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus23:30 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h10
0:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
Saturday 18 July
FlixBusFlixBus0:30 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h05
1:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus0:40 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h55
1:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus1:45 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h20
3:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus1:55 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h10
3:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus2:30 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h05
3:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus2:40 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h55
3:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus3:15 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h20
4:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus3:25 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h10
4:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus5:05 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h05
6:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus5:15 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h55
6:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX5075:35 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h00
6:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX5076:40 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h55
7:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus7:10 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h25
8:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus7:20 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h15
8:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX1117:32 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h58
8:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus7:40 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h10
8:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus7:50 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h00
8:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX5078:10 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h55
9:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus9:15 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h10
10:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus9:25 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h00
10:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Swansea 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.

Sat
18 Jul
Sun
19 Jul
Mon
20 Jul
Tue
21 Jul
Wed
22 Jul
Thu
23 Jul
Fri
24 Jul

Why should you book Swansea to Cardiff coaches with Omio?

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

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Swansea to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Swansea to Cardiff run on average 29 times per day, taking around 1h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £4 but you can travel from only £3 by train.

There are 29 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 55 km distance in 55m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £3
Distance
55 km
Average bus duration
1h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
£4
Buses per day
29
Direct buses
29
Fastest bus
55m
First bus
0:05
Last bus
23:55
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
1 day
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £3

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus from Swansea to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Swansea to Cardiff with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for as low as £3. 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
1h 5m
Cheapest Price
£4
FlixBus frequency
11 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
55m
Cheapest Price
£5
National Express frequency
14 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
55m
Cheapest Price
£5
Megabus frequency
6 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.

Buses from Swansea to Cardiff

It is simple to travel by bus between Wales's two largest cities. Buses from Swansea to Cardiff leave at least twice an hour during the day, with the first bus departing at 3:00 am and the final service leaving at 3:35 pm. All buses travel directly to Cardiff, and the journey takes around an hour in all cases. Every bus on the route is operated by National Express.

What is the departure and arrival station for buses from Swansea to Cardiff?

Departure Station: There are two places where travellers can catch buses from Swansea to Cardiff. Firstly, you can board at Swansea University's Bay Campus in the east of the city. A more central option is to board at West Way, just southeast of the Quadrant Shopping Centre.

Arrival Station: All buses from Swansea to Cardiff arrive at Sophia Gardens, right next to the River Taff. The stop is 100 metres from the SWALEC Stadium, so it is convenient for cricket matches, while the Principality Stadium is a 10-minute walk to the south and the city centre is just across the river.

FAQs: Swansea to Cardiff coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Swansea 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
Cheap coach tickets from Swansea to Cardiff can start from as little as £4 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Swansea to Cardiff is £6; 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 Swansea to Cardiff is 55m to travel the 55 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 Swansea to Cardiff leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Swansea to Cardiff leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 29 direct coaches a day from Swansea to Cardiff with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Swansea to Cardiff, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Swansea and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A day trip to Cardiff from Swansea is worth doing with a journey time of 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Swansea to Cardiff is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Swansea and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Swansea 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 Swansea to Cardiff for coach company National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Swansea 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
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 Swansea to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Swansea 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 Swansea 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 Swansea 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 Swansea to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Swansea to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Swansea to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Swansea and Cardiff

Most Swansea to Cardiff buses use the Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). Use this guide to compare Swansea and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Swansea
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff
Swansea, Quadrant Bus StationSwansea Quadrant Bus Station, Dillwyn St, SA1 3AR
City-centre transport

Getting to Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station from Swansea city centre

Bus49, 30, 54 · 3m · £4 · every ~3 min
Swansea, University Bay Campus
City-centre transport

Getting to Swansea, University Bay Campus from Swansea city centre

Bus84, X5, X1, 38, X7, 90, 92, N92 · 10m · £4 · every ~11 min
X1, 38, X7, X5, 84, 92, N92, 90 · 12m · £0.89 · every ~11 min

More options for your journey from Swansea to Cardiff

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