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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Birmingham
Showing times and prices for Dec 06
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$36
Fastest journey
2 h 35 m
Average duration
2 h 42 m
Buses per day
14
Distance
142 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Birmingham will cost around $36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Fast buses
Of the 14 buses that leave Cardiff for Birmingham on Sat, Dec 06, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Dec 06 the direct buses cover the 142 km distance in an average of 2 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 35 m .
On Sat, Dec 06 the slowest buses will take 2 h 50 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.
FlixBus04:00PM4h15
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)08:15PMBirmingham
$181One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus12:15PM3h30
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)03:45PMBirmingham
$201One-way
0 transfers
NX216 · NX10010:10PM5h25
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens03:35AMBirmingham, Coach Station
$231One-way
1 transfer
FlixBus06:10AM3h45
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)09:55AMBirmingham
$261One-way
0 transfers
NX202 · NX10602:45AM4h55
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens07:40AMBirmingham, Coach Station
$331One-way
1 transfer
NX11105:25PM2h35
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens08:00PMBirmingham, Coach Station
$401One-way
0 transfers
NX11109:50AM2h40
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens12:30PMBirmingham, Coach Station
$401One-way
0 transfers
NX11211:20AM2h40
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens02:00PMBirmingham, Coach Station
$421One-way
0 transfers
NX11101:45PM2h45
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens04:30PMBirmingham, Coach Station
$401One-way
0 transfers
NX11112:40PM2h50
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens03:30PMBirmingham, Coach Station
$401One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Birmingham
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 23m. 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 €10, and a train costs an average of €18.
Distance: 88 miles (142 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
€15 Average price Cheapest | €59 Average price |
3h 54m Average total duration 3h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 23m 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.
Cardiff to Birmingham Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $18 |
Live departures
Cardiff to Birmingham bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Birmingham buses for today, Friday, December 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 1:58 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX202 · NX106 | Delayed 6:25 AM 2:35 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h20 | 7:55 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX202 · NX100 | Delayed 6:25 AM 4:30 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h00 | 7:00 PM 7:00 PMBirmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 6:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 3h45 | 9:55 AM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| NX202 · NX101 | Delayed 6:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 4h35 | 4:15 PM 4:15 PMBirmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX111 | 9:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2h40 | 12:30 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| NX112 | 11:05 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2h55 | 2:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 12:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 3h30 | 3:45 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| NX111 | 12:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 3h00 | 3:30 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| NX111 | 1:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2h55 | 4:30 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| NX202 · NX100 | On time 2:55 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 4h20 | 7:15 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 4:00 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 4h15 | 8:15 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| NX111 | 5:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2h50 | 8:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| NX216 · NX100 | On time 6:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h50 | 11:55 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX216 · NX100 | On time 10:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h25 | 3:35 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Birmingham by train or bus
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Birmingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Birmingham run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 6 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 88 miles (142 km) distance in 2h 35m.
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 (€10) |
Buses per day 11 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 2h 35m |
First bus 00:45 |
Last bus 23:55 |
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 Cardiff to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Birmingham with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for as low as $12 (€10). 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
$6 (€4)
FlixBus frequency
3 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 35m
Cheapest Price
$13 (€10)
National Express frequency
9 a day
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 25m
Cheapest Price
$21 (€17)
Megabus frequency
5 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 Cardiff to Birmingham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Birmingham can start from as little as $13 (€10) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Birmingham is $27 (€22); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time to Birmingham from Cardiff is on average 2 h 35 min for the 87 mile (141 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go from Cardiff to Birmingham by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Cardiff to Birmingham leaves at 5: 35AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last bus from Cardiff to Birmingham leaves at 10: 10PM.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Cardiff to Birmingham without having to change trains with Megabus, National Express or FlixBus. There are 6 direct buses from Cardiff to Birmingham each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
When taking a bus from Cardiff to Birmingham, you can count on Megabus, National Express or FlixBus for the best way to get you to Birmingham. You can also check all possible bus providers who offer a service from Cardiff to Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Cardiff, you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Lloyd George Ave / Herbert Street, Cardiff, University, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) and Cardiff, Millennium Stadium. When arriving in Birmingham, you can end your journey in bus stations like Birmingham, Coach Station, Birmingham, Paradise Circus Queensway, Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) and Birmingham, Brunel Street.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, which is located around 0.9 miles (1.4 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Birmingham, Coach Station, located 2.4 miles (3.8 km) away from the city centre.
A trip to Birmingham from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 35 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cardiff to Birmingham is March.
You have options as you can travel from Cardiff to Birmingham 2 different ways: train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Birmingham:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Birmingham for bus companies National Express and FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Birmingham are:
- Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, a cultural institution housing a vast collection of art and historical artifacts
- Cadbury World, an interactive chocolate-themed attraction offering tours and exhibits
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a serene 15-acre garden featuring exotic plants and glasshouses
- Symphony Hall, a renowned concert venue known for its exceptional acoustics and diverse performances
- The Bullring, a major shopping center with a wide range of retail outlets and dining options.
The best things to do in Birmingham include:
- Explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, known for its unique shops and vibrant atmosphere
- Take a canal boat tour to see the city from a different perspective
- Visit the National SEA LIFE Centre, home to a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits
- Enjoy a performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome, one of the busiest theatres in the UK
- Discover the rich history of the city at the Birmingham Back to Backs, a preserved 19th-century courtyard of working people's houses.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus companies National Express and FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Birmingham depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cardiff to Birmingham, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cardiff to Birmingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Birmingham:
- 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 Cardiff to Birmingham:
- 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 Cardiff to Birmingham. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cardiff to Birmingham with the following bus companies: National Express and FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Birmingham with the following bus providers: National Express and FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Birmingham with the following bus providers: National Express and FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Birmingham
Cardiff
Birmingham
The major bus station for departures 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 from Cardiff to Birmingham.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, Millennium Stadium
information
Cardiff, University
information
The major bus station for arrivals 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 to Birmingham from 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, Brunel Street
information
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport)
information
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Birmingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Birmingham and Cardiff
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