- Must visit
No. 1 Royal Crescent
Museum inside No. 1 Royal Crescent, restored to the late 18th century. Best place to understand Bath's Georgian domestic life and design.
Cheapest price on Sep 05
$17
Average ticket price on Sep 05
$22
Fastest journey on Sep 05
2 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Sep 05
2 h 40 m
Buses on Sep 05
10
Distance
58 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Bath is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Bath will cost around $22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $17.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Bath without transferring at least once.
NX202 · BLX39
NX216 · BL39
NX216 · BL39
NX202 · BL39
NX202 · BLX39
NX202 · BL39
NX202 · BLX39
NX202 · BLX39
NX202 · BLX39
NX216 · BL39Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Bath among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 35m. 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 $22, while a train costs an average of $40.
Distance: 36 miles (58 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$22 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price | $19 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 42m Average total duration 2h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 35m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.1kg 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 Cardiff to Bath:
A bus is $18 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Bath costing on average $40 (€32).
Other travel options to Bath take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 12m.
Tickets start at around $22 (€18) compared to roughly $19 (€16) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-2.73 (€-2.21). The journey takes 2h 12m versus 1h 20m 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 National Express | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 05:54AM | Duration 3h19 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 07:11AM | Duration 2h41 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 08:58AM | Duration 4h13 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 09:41AM | Duration 3h16 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 09:24AM | Duration 2h44 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 11:33AM | Duration 3h03 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 11:23AM | Duration 2h43 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 12:18PM | Duration 2h43 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 01:29PM | Duration 2h49 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 03:29PM | Duration 2h54 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 06:11PM | Duration 3h16 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 05:46PM | Duration 2h41 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 07:28PM | Duration 2h58 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 07:31PM | Duration 2h51 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 09:07PM | Duration 3h02 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 08:49PM | Duration 2h34 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 11:06PM | Duration 2h51 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 11:24PM | Duration 2h59 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 04:51AM | Duration 5h11 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Bath buses for today, Friday, September 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX216 · BLX39 | 6:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2h44 | 8:49 PM Bath, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX216 · BL39 | 8:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 3h09 | 11:24 PM Bath, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX201 · BL39 | 11:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h11 | 4:51 AM Bath, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, September 5 | |||||
NX202 · BL39 | 2:45 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2h25 | 5:10 AM Bath, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · BLX39 | 4:45 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2h34 | 7:19 AM Bath, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · BLX39 | 6:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2h41 | 9:21 AM Bath, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · BLX39 | 8:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2h57 | 11:37 AM Bath, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · BLX39 | 8:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2h57 | 11:37 AM Bath, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · BLX39 | 10:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 3h01 | 1:41 PM Bath, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · BLX39 | 12:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2h57 | 3:32 PM Bath, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · BLX39 | 3:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2h49 | 5:54 PM Bath, Bus Station | 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 Cardiff to Bath run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) but you can travel from only $8 (€7) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 01:55, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 36 miles (58 km) distance in 1h 51m.
Distance 36 miles (58 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 1h 51m |
First bus 1:55 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Bath — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bath trip today.
Museum inside No. 1 Royal Crescent, restored to the late 18th century. Best place to understand Bath's Georgian domestic life and design.
Major museum of painting, decorative arts, and fashion in a grand historic building. Strong collection and central location near the Abbey.
Bath's leading museum of decorative arts with ceramics, furniture, and changing displays. Housed in handsome Assembly Rooms surroundings.
Long-distance footpath section encircling Bath's hills and valleys. Excellent for walkers wanting nature, heritage, and superior city viewpoints.
Large landscaped park west of the centre with lawns, botanical gardens, and iconic views toward the Royal Crescent. Ideal for relaxed walking.
Historic cobbled lane below Pulteney Bridge with artisan fronts and riverside charm. One of Bath's prettiest short walks and photo spots.
Bath Bun is a rich sweet bun with currants and crushed sugar, long linked to Georgian Bath tea rooms and the city’s spa-era dining culture.
Sally Lunn Bun is Bath’s famous large brioche-like bun, served sweet or savoury, and associated with one of the city’s oldest historic eating houses.
Bath Chap is a traditional Somerset cured and smoked pig’s cheek or jowl, valued for its rich flavour and old West Country farmhouse roots.
Refined fine dining in a Georgian setting, known for seasonal British tasting menus and polished service.
Well-known modern Indian restaurant with bold regional flavours, stylish rooms and a strong reputation in central Bath.
Historic bakery and tea room famed for the Sally Lunn Bun. Casual, atmospheric and one of Bath’s classic food stops.
Bath is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels, dining, and attractions are often above average, though buses and casual meals remain manageable for tourists.
Service may be included at restaurants; otherwise tip about 10-12.5% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Cafe tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Bath Bus Station -> Bath Abbey
The first bus from Cardiff to Bath departs Cardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, at around 4:15 a.m. Journeys generally take between 2 and 30 minutes to 3 hours. In the evening, the last bus departs Cardiff Coach Station after 11:00 p.m. The last late afternoon and early evening service is around 5:00 p.m. National Express operates this service and journeys involve one change in Bristol with a comfortable interval between buses to make the connection.
Buses from Cardiff to Bath usually leave from Cardiff Coach Station, which is located at Sophia Gardens (along Lower Cathedral Road). The station is open 24/7. Cardiff Coach Station shares its site with a large parking lot, which is convenient for those arriving by cab or private vehicle. Approximately 1 mile from the bus station is Cardiff Central Train Station. Local bus routes 63 and 24 provide frequent services between the city centre and the coach station. It’s also possible to catch a cab to the station.
Bath is situated in south-west England. It is a beautiful city that is famous for its original Roman style baths and natural spa water. This designated UNESCO World Heritage site is also home to a wealth of other attractions, including Wookey Hole caves, The Circus, Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge. Buses from Cardiff to Bath usually terminate at Bath Bus Station, which is located on Dorchester Street. Local bus services from the station to the centre are mainly provided by First Group (including route numbers 1, 264, 265 and 173). Night bus services are operated in the city. The bus station is also adjacent to Bath Spa train station.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Bath 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 Bath, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Bath buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Bath, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Bath 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.
Bath, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café and fast food options (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Bath, Bus Station.
Available at Bath, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bath, Bus Station: Ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need