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The cheapest and fastest buses from Birmingham to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for Mar 05
Cheapest price
$15
Average price
$23
Fastest journey
2 h 40 m
Average duration
2 h 54 m
Buses per day
14
Distance
142 km
Cheap tickets
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 $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $15.
Fast buses
Of the 14 buses that leave Birmingham for Cardiff on Thu, Mar 05, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Mar 05 the direct buses cover the 142 km distance in an average of 2 h 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 40 m .
On Thu, Mar 05 the slowest buses will take 3 h 30 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.
FlixBus08:50AM4h25
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway01:15PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
$151One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus04:55PM3h30
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway08:25PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
$151One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus01:00PM4h05
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway05:05PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
$151One-way
0 transfers
NX100 · NX21601:00AM4h45
Birmingham, Coach Station05:45AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
$201One-way
1 transfer
NX100 · NX21601:00AM4h40
Birmingham, Coach Station05:40AMCardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
$201One-way
1 transfer
NX11110:00AM2h40
Birmingham, Coach Station12:40PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
$251One-way
0 transfers
NX11212:00PM2h40
Birmingham, Coach Station02:40PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
$261One-way
0 transfers
NX11105:30PM2h40
Birmingham, Coach Station08:10PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
$331One-way
0 transfers
NX11103:00PM3h00
Birmingham, Coach Station06:00PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
$291One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus04:55PM3h30
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway08:25PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
$151One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Birmingham to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the bus 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 $21.
Distance: 88 miles (142 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
$19 Average price Cheapest | $48 Average price |
3h 54m Average total duration 3h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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.
Birmingham to Cardiff Bus Timetables
| 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 Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $16 |
Live departures
Birmingham to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Cardiff buses for today, Wednesday, March 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 12:04 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX100 · NX216 | Delayed 9:30 AM 1:00 AMBirmingham, Coach Station | 4h45 | 8:45 AM 8:45 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
| NX100 · NX216 | Delayed 9:30 AM 1:00 AMBirmingham, Coach Station | 4h40 | 2:30 PM 2:30 PMCardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) | 1 transfer | |
| NX100 · NX201 | Delayed 9:30 AM 5:00 AMBirmingham, Coach Station | 6h00 | 11:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
| NX101 · NX202 | 7:50 AM Birmingham, 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 | |
| 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 | On time 3:30 PM Birmingham, 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 | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:40 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 4h40 | 2:20 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Cardiff by bus or train
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.
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Why should you book Birmingham to Cardiff buses with Omio?
Megabus as well as National Express or FlixBus offer buses services from Birmingham to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs Megabus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham 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 or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Birmingham to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Birmingham to Cardiff run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€9) 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.
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 88 miles (142 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€9) |
Buses per day 12 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 2h 25m |
First bus 00:45 |
Last bus 23:40 |
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: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus from Birmingham to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Birmingham to Cardiff with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for as low as $12 (€9). 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
3h 30m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€9)
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 Duration
2h 25m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€10)
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
3h 35m
Cheapest Price
$21 (€17)
Megabus frequency
1 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.
FAQs: Bus from Birmingham to Cardiff
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Birmingham to Cardiff can start from as little as $12 (€9) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Birmingham to Cardiff is $19 (€15) ; 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 bus from Birmingham to Cardiff is 2h 25m to travel the 88 miles (142 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Birmingham to Cardiff leaves at 12:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Birmingham to Cardiff leaves at 11:40 PM.
Yes, there are 7 direct buses a day from Birmingham to Cardiff with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Birmingham to Cardiff, you can count on Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Birmingham and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Cardiff from Birmingham is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Birmingham to Cardiff is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Cardiff including taking a bus and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Birmingham to Cardiff for bus company Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Birmingham 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.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Cardiff are:
- Cardiff Castle, a historic fortress with Roman and Norman roots offering guided tours and events
- St Fagans National Museum of History, an open-air museum showcasing Welsh life and culture through reconstructed buildings and exhibits
- Cardiff Bay, a vibrant waterfront area with dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions
- National Museum Cardiff, featuring art, archaeology, and natural history collections
- Bute Park, a large green space perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.
The best things to do in Cardiff include:
- Millennium Centre, a renowned arts venue hosting opera, ballet, and theater performances
- Explore the vibrant nightlife in Cardiff's city center with its array of pubs and clubs
- Take a boat tour around Cardiff Bay for scenic views and historical insights
- Visit the Cardiff International White Water for an adventurous day of rafting and kayaking
- Enjoy shopping and dining at the bustling Cardiff Market, offering local produce and unique finds.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Birmingham to Cardiff depends on the bus 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 bus with bus 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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Birmingham to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Birmingham 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 bus ticket from Birmingham 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 bus from Birmingham to Cardiff. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Birmingham to Cardiff with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Birmingham to Cardiff with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Birmingham to Cardiff with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Birmingham to Cardiff
Birmingham
Cardiff
The major bus station for departures in Birmingham is Birmingham, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Birmingham, Coach Station for your trip from Birmingham to Cardiff.
Birmingham, Coach Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
Mill LaneWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Birmingham, Coach Station
- Bus: 97, 97A, X1, X2 Train: Birmingham New Street
Birmingham, Paradise Circus Queensway
information
Birmingham, Brunel Street
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens for your trip to Cardiff from Birmingham.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
information
Cardiff, University
information
More options for your journey from Birmingham to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cardiff and Birmingham
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