Swansea to Cardiff bus with National Express

Thu 04 Dec
+ Add return
National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
Transport for Wales
Alsa
1,000+ travel companies
National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
Transport for Wales
Alsa
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest coaches from Swansea to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 04 Dec

Cheapest price

£6

Average price

£7

Fastest journey

55 m

Average duration

55 m

Buses per day

47

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 £7 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £6.

Fast coaches

Of the 47 buses that leave Swansea for Cardiff every day 47 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 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 55 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.

National ExpressNX201
15:001h20
Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
16:20Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£61One-way
0 changes
National ExpressNX201
06:001h10
Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
07:10Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£61One-way
0 changes
National ExpressNX201
04:001h15
Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
05:15Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£61One-way
0 changes
National ExpressNX201
08:051h10
Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
09:15Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£61One-way
0 changes
National ExpressNX201
13:151h10
Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
14:25Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£61One-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 £5. 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 £5, and a train costs an average of £4.

Distance: 55 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£6

Average Price

Cheapest

£8

Average Price

1h 47m

Average total duration

1h 17m

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 Rail

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, Wednesday 3 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 03:43
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus03:55 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h05
05:00 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX201
Delayed
02:50 04:00Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h15
05:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
national_expressNX50704:00 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h05
05:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus04:05 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h55
05:00 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX20205:05 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h10
06:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
national_expressNX201
Delayed
02:50 06:00Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h10
07:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
national_expressNX50706:40 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h10
07:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
national_expressNX111
Delayed
12:15 06:55Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h15
20:10 20:10Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
national_expressNX20207:00 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h20
08:20 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus07:10 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h15
08:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus07:20 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h20
08:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus07:20 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h05
08:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus07:30 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h10
08:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus08:00 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h10
09:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX201
Delayed
02:50 08:05Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h10
09:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus08:10 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h00
09:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX50708:30 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h05
09:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
national_expressNX20209:20 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h10
10:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
national_expressNX11209:55 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h15
11:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus10:05 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h05
11:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus10:15 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h55
11:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX50710:20 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h00
11:20 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
national_expressNX201
Delayed
02:50 10:20Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h10
11:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus10:45 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h15
12:00 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus10:55 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h05
12:00 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus11:20 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h20
12:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus11:30 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h10
12:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX111
Delayed
12:15 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h15
20:10 20:10Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
national_expressNX201
Delayed
02:50 13:15Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h10
14:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus13:40 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h05
14:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus13:50 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h55
14:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX50714:30 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h05
15:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
national_expressNX201
Delayed
02:50 15:00Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h20
16:20 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus15:20 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h20
16:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus15:30 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h10
16:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX111
Delayed
15:45 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h15
20:10 20:10Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
0 changesdirect
national_expressNX50716:35 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h15
17:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus22:25 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h05
23:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus22:35 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h55
23:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus23:20 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h20
00:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus23:30 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h10
00:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
Thursday 4 December
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus01:10 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h05
02:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX20201:10 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h15
02:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus01:20 Swansea, University Bay Campus
0h55
02:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX20203:10 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h10
04:20 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus03:20 Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
1h20
04:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus03:30 Swansea, University Bay Campus
1h10
04:40 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.

Thu
04 Dec
Fri
05 Dec
Sat
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec
Mon
08 Dec
Tue
09 Dec
Wed
10 Dec

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 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £5 but you can travel from only £4 by train.

There are 29 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:07, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 55 km distance in 1h 0m.

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 £4
Distance
55 km
Average bus duration
1h 17m
Cheapest ticket price
£5
Buses per day
29
Direct buses
29
Fastest bus
1h 0m
First bus
00:07
Last bus
23:55
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 £4

Bus providers: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus, Transport for Wales from Swansea to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Swansea to Cardiff with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus, Transport for Wales for as low as £4. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
43m
Cheapest Price
£4
Transport for Wales frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

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
55m
Cheapest Price
£5
FlixBus frequency
23 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.
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
1h 0m
Cheapest Price
£5
National Express frequency
16 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.

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 55 min   to travel the 34 mile long trip, with around there are 16 coaches per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Swansea to Cardiff leaves at 04: 30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Swansea to Cardiff leaves at 23: 30.
Yes, there are 16 direct coaches a day from Swansea to Cardiff with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus or Transport for Wales. 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, Megabus, FlixBus or Transport for Wales 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.

When departing from Swansea, you have various coach station options to start your journey from including Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station and Swansea, University Bay Campus. When arriving in Cardiff, you can end your trip in coach stations like Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Lloyd George Ave / Herbert Street, Cardiff, University and Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station, which is located around 0.7 miles (1.2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, located 0.9 miles (1.4 km) away from the city centre.

A day trip to Cardiff from Swansea is worth doing with a journey time of 55 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Swansea to Cardiff by coach is March.
You have options as you can travel to Cardiff from Swansea 2 different ways: train or coach.
No, the coach from Swansea to Cardiff has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Swansea to Cardiff.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Swansea to Cardiff.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Swansea to Cardiff, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Swansea to Cardiff.
    No, luggage for the coach from Swansea to Cardiff needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Swansea to Cardiff.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Swansea to Cardiff.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Swansea to Cardiff.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Swansea to Cardiff.

    popular bus stations

    Important Stations and Airports in Swansea and Cardiff

    Swansea
    Cardiff
    The major coach station for departures in Swansea is Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station for your trip from Swansea to Cardiff.
    Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
    Swansea, University Bay Campus
    information

    More options for your journey from Swansea to Cardiff

    Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

    The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

    We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

    ios-badge
    android-badge
    Hand With Phone