- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major city museum with Pre-Raphaelite art, local history, and changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
Cheapest price
$11
Average price
$25
Fastest journey
2 h 40 m
Average duration
2 h 46 m
Buses per day
14
Distance
142 km
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 $25 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $11.
Of the 14 buses that leave Cardiff for Birmingham on Thu, Jun 04, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 04 the direct buses cover the 142 km distance in an average of 2 h 46 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 40 m .
On Thu, Jun 04 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX111
NX112
NX111
NX111
NX111
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train 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 $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 14m. 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 $12, and a train costs an average of $18.
Distance: 88 miles (142 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$17 Average price Cheapest | $54 Average price | $52 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 49m Average total duration 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg 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 Birmingham:
A bus is $37 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Birmingham costing on average $54 (€44).
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 19m.
Tickets start at around $17 (€13) compared to roughly $52 (€42) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $35 (€28). The journey takes 3h 19m versus 2h 18m 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 National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
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 07:55AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
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 Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Birmingham buses for tomorrow, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX202 · NX106 | 2:35 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h20 | 7:55 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · NX100 | On time 4:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h00 | 9:30 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 6:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 3h45 | 9:55 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX111 | 8:20 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2h40 | 11:00 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX202 · NX100 | On time 8:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 4h30 | 1:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX112 | 11:20 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2h40 | 2:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 3h30 | 3:45 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX111 | 1:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2h50 | 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, Great Charles Street Queensway | 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 | |
FlixBus | 6:20 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 2h50 | 9:10 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Birmingham run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 7 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.
Distance 88 miles (142 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Buses per day 12 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 2h 35m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.
Major city museum with Pre-Raphaelite art, local history, and changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
Interactive science museum with hands-on galleries, a historic collection, and family-friendly exhibits at Millennium Point.
Leading contemporary art gallery in Brindleyplace, known for ambitious exhibitions by international and British artists.
Historic district of workshops, independent businesses, heritage buildings, and photogenic streets with strong local character.
Atmospheric canal junction popular for walking, photography, and experiencing Birmingham's industrial waterways heritage.
Creative neighborhood known for street art, warehouses, indie culture, and a strong social-media-friendly visual identity.
Birmingham’s signature curry, traditionally cooked and served in a thin pressed-steel bowl called a balti. The city’s Balti Triangle made this style famous across the United Kingdom.
A meat-free version of the city’s best-known dish, cooked quickly with spices, tomatoes, and mixed vegetables. It is a classic order in Birmingham curry houses.
A traditional Black Country dish closely associated with the Birmingham area, made from seasoned meatballs in rich gravy and often served with mushy peas.
A well-established fine dining restaurant in central Birmingham, known for modern British tasting menus, polished service, and an elegant atmosphere.
Acclaimed Indian fine dining restaurant by Aktar Islam, celebrated for refined modern dishes inspired by Indian flavors in a stylish setting.
Popular casual burger venue in Digbeth, known for high-quality patties, bold flavors, and a lively, urban atmosphere.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping is not expected for pubs or takeaway.
Official public transport app
Birmingham Coach Station -> Birmingham New Street Station
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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need