The cheapest and fastest buses from Bristol to Cardiff
Cheapest price
$7
Average price
$10
Fastest journey
1 h 10 m
Average duration
1 h 14 m
Buses per day
33
Distance
41 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bristol to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Cardiff will cost around $10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $7.
Of the 33 buses that leave Bristol for Cardiff on Wed, Jul 15, 33 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 15 the direct buses cover the 41 km distance in an average of 1 h 14 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .
On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest buses will take 1 h 15 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.
NX2164:35 AM1h10Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)5:45 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens$71One-way0 transfers
NX2166:25 AM1h15Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)7:40 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens$71One-way0 transfers
FlixBus7:00 PM1h25Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)8:25 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$81One-way0 transfers
FlixBus7:10 PM1h15Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)8:25 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$81One-way0 transfers
FlixBus7:35 PM1h35Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)9:10 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$81One-way0 transfers
NX2164:35 AM1h10Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)5:45 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens$71One-way0 transfers
FlixBus7:10 PM1h15Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)8:25 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$81One-way0 transfers
FlixBus12:10 AM1h15Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)1:25 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$81One-way0 transfers
FlixBus1:00 PM1h15Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)2:15 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$81One-way0 transfers
NX2166:25 AM1h15Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)7:40 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens$71One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Bristol to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $5, and a train costs an average of $13.
Distance: 25 miles (41 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$8 Average price Cheapest | $27 Average price | $28 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 49m Average total duration 1h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 40m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg 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 Bristol to Cardiff:
A bus is $18 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Cardiff costing on average $27 (€22).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 19m.
Tickets start at around $8 (€7) compared to roughly $28 (€23) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $20 (€16). The journey takes 1h 19m versus 59m 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 FlixBus, Megabus, National Express.
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.
Bristol to Cardiff Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10AM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:35PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 1h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $10 |
Live departures
Bristol to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Cardiff buses for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 8:30 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h20 | 9:50 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:15 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h30 | 10:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX201 | 9:40 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h20 | 11:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:40 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h30 | 12:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX202 | 10:45 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h20 | 12:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:40 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h35 | 1:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:10 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h30 | 1:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX202 | 12:45 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h20 | 2:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:00 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 2:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:50 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h40 | 4:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX202 | 2:55 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h35 | 4:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:30 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h35 | 5:05 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX202 | 4:45 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h30 | 6:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:55 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h40 | 6:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:55 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h35 | 7:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX111 | 6:30 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 7:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX202 | 6:50 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 8:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:00 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h25 | 8:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:35 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h35 | 9:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX202 | 8:45 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 10:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:55 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h20 | 10:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:05 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h20 | 10:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:00 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 11:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:10 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 12:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX202 | 11:35 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:10 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 1:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:05 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 2:20 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:50 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 4:05 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX216 | 4:35 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h10 | 5:45 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:10 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 6:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX216 | 6:25 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 1h15 | 7:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Cardiff by train or bus
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.
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Why should you book Bristol to Cardiff buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus, National Express or First Bristol, Bath & the West to find the best option for your trip from Bristol 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol 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 Megabus, National Express or First Bristol, Bath & the West to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bristol to Cardiff
Buses from Bristol to Cardiff run on average 25 times per day, taking around 1h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $5 (€4) if you book in advance.
There are 25 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 25 miles (41 km) distance in 1h 10m.
Distance 25 miles (41 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $5 (€4) |
Buses per day 25 |
Direct buses 25 |
Fastest bus 1h 10m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 3 days |
Bus providers: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express, First Bristol, Bath & the West from Bristol to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Cardiff with FlixBus, Megabus, National Express, First Bristol, Bath & the West for as low as $5 (€4). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
Megabus
First Bristol, Bath & the West
FAQs: Bus from Bristol to Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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.

- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
More options for your journey from Bristol to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

