- 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 Sep 10
$24
Average ticket price on Sep 10
$46
Fastest journey on Sep 10
6 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 10
6 h 34 m
Buses on Sep 10
19
Distance
124 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bournemouth to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bournemouth to Cardiff will cost around $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
It's difficult to get from Bournemouth to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX035 · NX202
NX035 · NX202
NX035 · NX202
NX035 · NX202
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bournemouth to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $57 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 42m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, while a train costs an average of $114.
Distance: 77 miles (124 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$57 Average price Cheapest | $114 Average price | $43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 29m Average total duration 5h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration Fastest 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Bournemouth to Cardiff:
A bus is $57 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bournemouth to Cardiff costing on average $114.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 59m.
Tickets start at around $57 compared to roughly $43 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-14.20. The journey takes 5h 59m versus 2h 55m 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.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
The table below shows live departures for Bournemouth to Cardiff buses for today, Wednesday, September 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX035 · NX201 | 8:30 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 7h30 | 4:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, September 10 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:20 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 7h25 | 10:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX035 · NX201 | 3:20 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 7h40 | 11:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:20 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 6h50 | 12:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX035 · NX202 | 5:30 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 6h35 | 12:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX035 · NX507 | 6:40 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 7h20 | 2:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX035 · NX202 | 7:25 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 6h40 | 2:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:25 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 8h05 | 4:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX035 · NX509 | 8:50 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 7h30 | 4:20 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX035 · NX202 | 9:40 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 6h50 | 4:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 7h05 | 6:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX035 · NX202 | 11:40 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 6h35 | 6:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:55 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 6h35 | 7:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX035 · NX202 | 1:30 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 6h35 | 8:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:55 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 8h20 | 10:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX035 · NX202 | 3:30 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 6h30 | 10:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:45 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 7h30 | 11:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX035 · NX202 | 5:30 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 7h20 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX035 · NX509 | 7:15 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 8h00 | 3:15 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Bournemouth to Cardiff run on average 22 times per day, taking around 5h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $17 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:30, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 77 miles (124 km) distance in 4h 55m.
Distance 77 miles (124 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 |
Buses per day 22 |
Fastest bus 4h 55m |
First bus 2:30 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 42 days |
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 Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth to Cardiff buses use the Bournemouth, Coach Station to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). Use this guide to compare Bournemouth and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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, 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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need