- 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 York to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 04 Aug
Cheapest price
£24
Average price
£30
Fastest journey
7 h 59 m
Average duration
10 h 7 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
310 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from York to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from York to Cardiff will cost around £30 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £24.
Fast coaches
Of the 4 buses that leave York for Cardiff every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 310 km distance in an average of 10 h 7 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 59 m .
The slowest buses will take 12 h 25 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.
7:0012h25York19:25Cardiff£241One-way0 changes
7:509h10York17:00Cardiff£291One-way0 changes- 16:1310h52York3:05Cardiff£331One-way0 changes
- 12:117h59York20:10Cardiff£331One-way0 changes
- 12:117h59York20:10Cardiff£331One-way0 changes
- 7:509h10York17:00Cardiff£291One-way0 changes
- 16:1310h52York3:05Cardiff£331One-way0 changes
- 7:0012h25York19:25Cardiff£241One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for York to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from York to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 39m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, and a train costs an average of £32.
Distance: 310 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£30 Average Price Cheapest | £66 Average Price |
7h 39m Average total duration 7h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 9m Average total duration Fastest 4h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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
York to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for York to Cardiff coaches for today, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YC843 · NX131 · NX100 · NX202 | 5:58 York, Station Rd | 10h32 | 16:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 3 changes | |
| YC840 · NX131 · NX112 | 7:51 York, Station Rd | 8h49 | 16:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 York, Train Station | 12h25 | 20:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
| NX561 · NX509 | 9:00 York, Station Rd | 10h35 | 19:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| YC843 · NX133 · NX111 | 10:01 York, Station Rd | 9h44 | 19:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
| NX561 · NX131 · NX100 · NX202 | 11:55 York, Station Rd | 10h05 | 22:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 3 changes | |
| YC843 · NX131 · NX100 · NX202 | 14:31 York, Station Rd | 10h19 | 0:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 3 changes | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 15:45 York, Train Station | 11h40 | 3:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
| YC843 · NX426 · NX509 | 16:13 York, Station Rd | 10h42 | 2:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
| YC840 · NX561 · NX509 | 16:56 York, Station Rd | 10h49 | 3:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
| YC843 · NX466 · NX507 | 22:12 York, Station Rd | 13h58 | 12:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:45 York, Train Station | 11h00 | 10:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets York 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.
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08 Aug
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Why should you book York to Cardiff coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from York to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from York to Cardiff.
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 York 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 York to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from York to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from York to Cardiff run on average 18 times per day, taking around 7h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £20 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 310 km distance in 7h 35m.
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 310 km |
Average bus duration 7h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Buses per day 18 |
Fastest bus 7h 35m |
First bus 0:45 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 2 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
Bus providers: National Express from York to CardiffYou can travel by bus between York to Cardiff with National Express for as low as £20. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
7h 35m
Cheapest Price
£22
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.
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: York to Cardiff coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from York 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.
Cheap coach tickets from York to Cardiff can start from as little as £20 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for York to Cardiff is £30; 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 York to Cardiff is 7h 35m to travel the 310 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 York to Cardiff leaves at 0:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from York to Cardiff leaves at 23:45.
There are 18 coaches a day from York to Cardiff which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from York to Cardiff, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between York and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Cardiff from York is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from York to Cardiff is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between York and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from York to Cardiff:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from York to Cardiff for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from York 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
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 York to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from York to Cardiff:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from York to Cardiff:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from York to Cardiff.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from York to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from York to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from York to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in York and Cardiff
Most York to Cardiff buses use the York, Rail Station to Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Use this guide to compare York and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in York
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff
York, Rail Station
York, Train Station
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 21, 136, 23 · 3m · £2 · every ~20 min
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
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, 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 · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
More options for your journey from York to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cardiff and York
Most popular bus connections
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