- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Major national museum with art, natural history, and archaeology collections. A top cultural stop in the city centre.
Cheapest price
$11
Average price
$25
Fastest journey
2 h 40 m
Average duration
2 h 43 m
Buses per day
14
Distance
142 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Birmingham to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Cardiff will cost around $25 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $11.
Of the 14 buses that leave Birmingham for Cardiff on Wed, Jun 03, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 03 the direct buses cover the 142 km distance in an average of 2 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 40 m .
On Wed, Jun 03 the slowest buses will take 2 h 50 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX111
NX111
NX111
NX112
GW577500+
G01170
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 14m. 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 bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $23.
Distance: 88 miles (142 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$17 Average price Cheapest | $51 Average price | $52 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 53m Average total duration 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Cardiff:
A bus is $34 (€28) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Cardiff costing on average $51 (€42).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 23m.
Tickets start at around $17 (€14) compared to roughly $52 (€42) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $35 (€28). The journey takes 3h 23m versus 2h 16m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Great Western Railway | Departure Time 10:12PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 2h43 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $45 |
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Cardiff buses for today, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX100 · NX216 | Delayed 6:00 PM 1:00 AMBirmingham, Coach Station | 4h45 | 5:45 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX100 · NX201 | Delayed 6:00 PM 5:00 AMBirmingham, Coach Station | 6h00 | 11:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX101 · NX202 | Delayed 1:00 PM 7:50 AMBirmingham, Coach Station | 4h15 | 12:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 8:50 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 4h25 | 1:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX111 | 10:00 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 2h40 | 12:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:15 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 2h50 | 1:05 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX112 | 12:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 2h40 | 2:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:00 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 4h05 | 5:05 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX111 | 3:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 3h00 | 6:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX100 · NX202 | Delayed 6:00 PM 3:30 PMBirmingham, Coach Station | 4h35 | 8:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 4:55 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 3h30 | 8:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX111 | 5:30 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 2h40 | 8:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX100 · NX202 | On time 8:15 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h35 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, June 3 | |||||
NX100 · NX216 | 1:00 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h45 | 5:45 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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.
Buses from Birmingham to Cardiff run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 7 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 88 miles (142 km) distance in 2h 25m.
Distance 88 miles (142 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Buses per day 12 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 2h 25m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Major national museum with art, natural history, and archaeology collections. A top cultural stop in the city centre.
Open-air museum showing Welsh historic buildings, crafts, and daily life. One of Wales's most celebrated cultural attractions.
Local history museum covering Cardiff's growth from small town to capital city, with interactive displays and social history exhibits.
Waterfront district with modern public spaces, harbourside walks, major landmarks, and a lively atmosphere.
Large riverside park beside the castle, ideal for walking, cycling, and relaxing near the city centre.
Network of elegant Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades, famous for architecture and independent businesses.
Traditional Welsh soup or stew, usually made with lamb or beef, leeks, potatoes, and root vegetables. It is one of Wales’s best-known comfort dishes.
Toasted bread topped with a rich savoury cheese sauce, often flavoured with mustard or ale. A classic Welsh dish strongly associated with Cardiff pubs and cafes.
A traditional Welsh vegetarian sausage made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. It is a distinctive meat-free regional speciality.
Popular steakhouse focused on wood-fired cooking, quality Welsh beef, and a lively upscale atmosphere close to the city centre.
Well-known restaurant at HMP Cardiff offering refined dining with a social mission, using seasonal ingredients in a calm, professional setting.
Charming tea room near Bute Park, loved for Welsh cakes, afternoon tea, and homemade bakes in a relaxed heritage atmosphere.
Moderate by UK standards. Dining and transport are manageable, while central hotels and nightlife cost more on busy weekends.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up taxis. Not expected in pubs or cafés, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) -> Cardiff Central Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Cardiff by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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