- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Cheapest price on Oct 16
$12
Average ticket price on Oct 16
$24
Fastest journey on Oct 16
2 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Oct 16
3 h 16 m
Buses on Oct 16
12
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 $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
On Fri, Oct 16, we found 12 buses from Birmingham to Cardiff, including 7 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 16 the direct buses cover the 142 km distance in an average of 3 h 16 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 50 m .
On Fri, Oct 16 the slowest buses will take 3 h 35 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
NX101 · NX202
FlixBus
NX112
FlixBus
NX111
NX100 · NX202Buses from Birmingham to Cardiff run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 22m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $10 (€8) 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 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $10 (€8) |
Buses per day 11 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 2h 25m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Cardiff buses for today, Thursday, October 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 4:50 PM Birmingham | 3h15 | 8:05 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX100 · NX202 | 5:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 5h00 | 10:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX100 · NX202 | 8:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h50 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:40 PM Birmingham | 4h40 | 2:20 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, October 16 | |||||
NX101 · NX202 | 7:50 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h05 | 11:55 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 8:50 AM Birmingham | 4h25 | 1:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX111 | 9:30 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 3h30 | 1:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:15 AM Birmingham | 2h50 | 1:05 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX104 · NX202 | 10:30 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 6h05 | 4:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 1:00 PM Birmingham | 4h05 | 5:05 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX112 | 1:30 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 3h10 | 4:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX105 · NX202 | 2:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h35 | 6:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX111 | 4:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 3h45 | 7:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.
Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.
Revitalised waterfront district with basin views, modern landmarks, trails, and easy access to culture, public art, and waterside walks.
Large central park behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, arboretum views, sculptures, and quick escapes from the busy centre.
Victorian shopping arcade packed with independent boutiques and period detail, representing Cardiff’s famous arcade culture at its best.
A Welsh breakfast staple of seaweed cooked into a savoury puree, often served with oats or alongside bacon and cockles. It is a classic taste of Welsh coastal cooking.
Cockles gathered from the Welsh coast, commonly eaten with laverbread. They are a long-standing local delicacy linked to South Wales seaside food culture.
A traditional Welsh broth made with lamb or beef, root vegetables, and leeks. It is hearty, homely, and closely associated with Welsh family cooking.
Refined modern British dining with tasting menus in an elegant city-centre setting. It is one of Cardiff’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants.
A stylish venue known for seasonal Welsh ingredients, creative small plates, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere near the city centre.
Historic indoor market ideal for casual local food, Welsh cakes, fresh produce, and traditional snacks. It offers a lively everyday taste of Cardiff.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10%. Taxi tips are optional, often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tipping, but small tips are 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.

Most Birmingham to Cardiff buses use the Birmingham, Coach Station to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. ATMs are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Bus stops are wheelchair accessible.
Birmingham has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple fast food and cafes inside
Free Wi-Fi available within the station. ATMs are multiple ATMs available inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham.
Available at Birmingham: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham: Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). ATMs are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Accessible via ramped access.
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