- Must visit
National Science and Media Museum
World-leading museum of photography, film and television with major galleries, exhibitions, and IMAX. One of Bradford’s essential cultural visits.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Bradford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 05
Cheapest price on Sep 05
$31
Average ticket price on Sep 05
$34
Fastest journey on Sep 05
7 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 05
8 h 18 m
Buses on Sep 05
2
Distance
275 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Bradford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Bradford will cost around $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Fast buses
On Sat, Sep 05, we found 2 buses from Cardiff to Bradford, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 05 the direct buses cover the 275 km distance in an average of 8 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 5 m .
On Sat, Sep 05 the slowest buses will take 9 h 30 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.
12:40 PM7h05Cardiff7:45 PMBradford$311One-way0 transfers- 2:45 PM9h30Cardiff12:15 AMBradford$371One-way0 transfers
- 12:40 PM7h05Cardiff7:45 PMBradford$311One-way0 transfers
- 2:45 PM9h30Cardiff12:15 AMBradford$371One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Cardiff to Bradford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Bradford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $60 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 52m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, while a train costs an average of $124.
Distance: 170 miles (275 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$60 Average price Cheapest | $124 Average price | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 20m Average total duration 8h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration Fastest 4h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Bradford is a bus with an average price of $60 (€48).
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Bradford:
A bus is $64 (€52) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Bradford costing on average $124 (€100).
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Bradford is by train with an average journey time of 4h 22m.
Other travel options to Bradford take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 50m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Bradford including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to Bradford among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $60 (€48) compared to roughly $78 (€63) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $18 (€15). The journey takes 8h 50m versus 4h 35m 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.
Cardiff to Bradford Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:53PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 10h22 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:53PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 9h22 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 20h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 13h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Live departures
Cardiff to Bradford bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Bradford buses for today, Friday, September 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:53 PM Cardiff | 10h22 | 11:15 PM Bradford | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:10 PM Cardiff | 11h50 | 9:00 AM Bradford | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:15 PM Cardiff | 11h45 | 10:00 AM Bradford | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Bradford by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Sat
Sep 05
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06
Sep 06
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Sep 07
Tue
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Sep 11
Sep 11
Why should you book Cardiff to Bradford buses with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Cardiff to Bradford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Bradford.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Bradford.
- 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Bradford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Bradford.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Bradford.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Bradford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Bradford run on average 8 times per day, taking around 8h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:40, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 170 miles (275 km) distance in 6h 25m.
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 170 miles (275 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 6h 25m |
First bus 1:40 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
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: National Express, FlixBus from Cardiff to BradfordYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Bradford with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $33 (€27). 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 FlixBus Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$33 (€27)
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 National Express Duration
6h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
$45 (€36)
National Express frequency
6 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.
Complete guide to Bradford
Things to do in Bradford
Discover the best of Bradford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bradford trip today.
- Must visit
Brontë Parsonage Museum
A small museum and archive devoted to the author of Wuthering Heights. Valuable for literary pilgrims exploring the Brontë connection near Bradford.
- Recommended
Cartwright Hall Art Gallery
Art gallery and civic museum in Lister Park, known for Bradford collections and David Hockney works. A strong introduction to local culture and art.
- Must visit
Saltaire
UNESCO World Heritage village of grand mills, workers’ housing, and riverside walks. Bradford’s most celebrated historic district and a must-see area.
- Recommended
Little Germany
Elegant quarter of Victorian warehouses and merchant buildings. Great for architecture walks and understanding Bradford’s commercial golden age.
- Recommended
Lister Park
Large Victorian park with boating lake, formal gardens, and space for events. A favorite local green escape paired well with Cartwright Hall.
- Gluten-free
Bradford Curry
A rich slow-cooked lamb or mutton curry linked to Bradford's South Asian heritage and famous curry-house culture.
- Gluten-free
Biryani
A fragrant rice dish layered with spiced meat or vegetables, widely enjoyed in Bradford's Pakistani and Indian communities.
- Vegetarian
Halwa
A crisp semolina and syrup sweet popular in Bradford's Asian sweet shops, especially for celebrations and family gatherings.
The Corniche
Refined dining room in the city centre offering modern British tasting menus and polished service for a special meal.
Kashmir Restaurant
Celebrated Kashmiri restaurant known for authentic curries in a simple, bustling setting. A Bradford institution.
MyLahore Bradford
Well-known for grilled meats, curries and generous portions in a casual setting loved by Bradford locals.
Pound sterling (£)
Budget-friendly for UK city breaks, with lower hotel, dining, and local transport costs than London, Manchester, or Edinburgh.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £6-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is often included at some restaurants; otherwise 10-12.5% is typical for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.
FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to Bradford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Bradford 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 Bradford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Bradford can start from as little as $33 (€27) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Bradford is $60 (€48) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Cardiff to Bradford is 6h 25m to travel the 170 miles (275 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Cardiff to Bradford leaves at 1:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cardiff to Bradford leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 8 buses a day from Cardiff to Bradford which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Cardiff to Bradford, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Bradford. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Bradford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Bradford from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cardiff to Bradford is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Bradford including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Bradford:
- 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 Bradford for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Bradford 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cardiff to Bradford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Bradford:
- 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 Bradford:
- 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 Bradford. 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 Bradford with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Bradford with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Bradford with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Cardiff nor Bradford are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to Bradford among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Bradford, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas and public transport hubs. It's advisable to avoid unlicensed taxis and to confirm fares beforehand. Be wary of street scams offering unofficial tours or deals that seem too good to be true. Staying alert and using reputable services helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Bradford
Most Cardiff to Bradford buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Bradford, Interchange Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Bradford bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Bradford
Which Cardiff station do buses to Bradford leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Bradford leave from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK.
Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre
Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · $2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens 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 and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre
TRUE
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Cardiff, University
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · $1 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
Bradford, Interchange StationBradford Interchange, Bradford BD1 1TU, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Bradford, Interchange Station from Bradford city centre
Bus662, 820, 864 · 6m · $4 · every ~13 min
Bradford, Interchange Station bus station facilities and services
Bradford, Interchange Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: A small café and fast-food outlet are available.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi is provided throughout the station. ATMs are aTMs are available next to the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bradford, Interchange Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bradford, Interchange Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bradford, Interchange Station: The station is fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Bradford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bradford and Cardiff
Most popular bus connections to Bradford
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