Cardiff to Brighton bus with National Express

Tue, Jun 16
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Brighton

Showing times and prices for Jun 16

Cheapest price

$28

Average price

$42

Fastest journey

5 h 45 m

Average duration

5 h 52 m

Buses per day

23

Distance

224 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Brighton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Brighton will cost around $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Brighton without transferring at least once.

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    3:10 AM7h20
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    10:30 AMBrighton
    $281One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    4:40 PM6h25
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    11:05 PMBrighton, Preston Road / Harrington Road (Preston Park)
    $281One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    8:40 AM8h05
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    4:45 PMBrighton, Preston Road / Harrington Road (Preston Park)
    $281One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    7:45 AM6h45
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    2:30 PMBrighton
    $281One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    11:25 PM7h35
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    7:00 AMBrighton
    $281One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Brighton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Brighton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 53m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a train costs an average of $30.

Distance: 139 miles (224 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$28

Average price

Cheapest

$74

Average price

$65

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 8m

Average total duration

5h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 23m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 35m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Railway

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 Brighton is a bus with an average price of $28 (€23).

This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Brighton:

A bus is $46 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Brighton costing on average $74 (€60).

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Brighton is by train with an average journey time of 3h 53m.

Other travel options to Brighton take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 38m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Brighton including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to Brighton among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.

Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

Cardiff to Brighton Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:45AM
Arrival Time
08:20AM
Duration
7h35
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$34
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:40AM
Arrival Time
08:05AM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$53
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:10AM
Arrival Time
10:20AM
Duration
7h10
Departure days
Tue, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:25AM
Arrival Time
10:20AM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$43
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:40AM
Arrival Time
12:05PM
Duration
7h25
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:25AM
Arrival Time
11:15AM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:45AM
Arrival Time
01:45PM
Duration
7h00
Departure days
Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:20AM
Arrival Time
01:15PM
Duration
5h55
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$82
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:45AM
Arrival Time
02:30PM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:40AM
Arrival Time
04:35PM
Duration
7h55
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:25AM
Arrival Time
03:15PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:40AM
Arrival Time
06:30PM
Duration
7h50
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$37
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:40AM
Arrival Time
05:25PM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:35PM
Arrival Time
07:40PM
Duration
7h05
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$62
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:40PM
Arrival Time
08:35PM
Duration
7h55
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:38PM
Arrival Time
09:07PM
Duration
7h29
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:50PM
Arrival Time
10:05PM
Duration
8h15
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:35PM
Arrival Time
08:35PM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:55PM
Arrival Time
10:05PM
Duration
7h10
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$45
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:30PM
Arrival Time
10:20PM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:40PM
Arrival Time
10:05PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:30PM
Arrival Time
11:45PM
Duration
7h15
Departure days
Tue, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:40PM
Arrival Time
11:05PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:30PM
Arrival Time
12:35AM
Duration
7h05
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15PM
Arrival Time
02:45AM
Duration
7h30
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$37
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:25PM
Arrival Time
05:35AM
Duration
7h10
Departure days
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:25PM
Arrival Time
06:25AM
Duration
7h00
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$26

Live departures

Cardiff to Brighton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Brighton buses for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBus10:25 PM Cardiff
7h00
5:25 AM Brighton0 transfersDirect
FlixBus11:25 PM Cardiff
7h00
6:25 AM Brighton0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, June 16
National ExpressNX201 · NX0251:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h25
8:05 AM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus3:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h20
10:30 AM Brighton1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus3:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h10
10:20 AM Brighton, Preston Road / Harrington Road (Preston Park)1 transfer
National ExpressNX201 · NX0253:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h55
10:20 AM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h25
12:05 PM Brighton, Preston Road / Harrington Road (Preston Park)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h35
12:15 PM Brighton1 transfer
National ExpressNX201 · NX0255:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h50
11:15 AM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
National ExpressNX201 · NX0257:20 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h55
1:15 PM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus7:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h45
2:30 PM Brighton1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus7:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h35
2:20 PM Brighton, Preston Road / Harrington Road (Preston Park)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
8h05
4:45 PM Brighton, Preston Road / Harrington Road (Preston Park)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
8h15
4:55 PM Brighton1 transfer
National ExpressNX201 · NX0259:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h50
3:15 PM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Brighton 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.

Tue
Jun 16
Wed
Jun 17
Thu
Jun 18
Fri
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22

Why should you book Cardiff to Brighton buses with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Cardiff to Brighton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Brighton.

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 Brighton.
  • 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Brighton.

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 Brighton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Brighton.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Brighton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Brighton run on average 19 times per day, taking around 5h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€15) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 139 miles (224 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
139 miles (224 km)
Average bus duration
5h 38m
Cheapest ticket price
$19 (€15)
Buses per day
19
Fastest bus
6h 25m
First bus
12:45 AM
Last bus
11:40 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
5 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 BrightonYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Brighton with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $19 (€15). 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
6h 25m
Cheapest Price
$21 (€17)
FlixBus frequency
4 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
6h 50m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€15)
National Express frequency
8 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 Brighton

Things to do in Brighton

Discover the best of Brighton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brighton trip today.

  • Recommended

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Major city museum in the Royal Pavilion Estate with fine art, fashion, design, and local history collections.

  • Recommended

Fabrica

Contemporary art gallery in a converted church, known for ambitious installations and events.

Hove Museum of Creativity

Local museum focused on craft, design, film, toys, and community creativity in a historic villa.

Pound Sterling

Prices are high by UK standards, especially for hotels and dining near the seafront. Budget options exist, but overall costs are above average.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for takeaway or casual eats.
Mid-range
GBP 18-35 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service, but small change is appreciated.

FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to Brighton

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Brighton 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 Brighton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Brighton can start from as little as $19 (€15) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Brighton is $28 (€23) ; 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 Brighton is 6h 25m to travel the 139 miles (224 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 Brighton leaves at 12:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cardiff to Brighton leaves at 11:40 PM.
There are 19 buses a day from Cardiff to Brighton 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 Brighton, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Brighton. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Brighton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Brighton 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 Brighton is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Brighton including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Brighton:
  • 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 Brighton for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Brighton are:
  • Royal Pavilion, an exotic palace with Indian and Chinese architectural influences and lavish interiors
  • Brighton Pier, a historic pier offering amusement rides, arcade games, and seaside views
  • Brighton Beach, a popular pebble beach known for its vibrant atmosphere and water sports
  • The Lanes, a maze of narrow streets filled with independent shops, cafes, and antique stores
  • Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, a cultural venue featuring diverse exhibits on art, history, and design.
The best things to do in Brighton include:
  • Explore the vibrant street art scene in Brighton, with guided tours available to discover hidden murals and graffiti
  • Visit the British Airways i360, a futuristic observation tower offering panoramic views of the city and coastline
  • Enjoy a performance at the Brighton Dome, a renowned venue hosting music, theatre, and dance events
  • Take a scenic walk along the Undercliff Walk, a picturesque path offering stunning views of the cliffs and sea
  • Experience the nightlife in Brighton's bustling bars and clubs, known for their lively atmosphere and diverse music scenes.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Brighton 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 Brighton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Brighton:
  • 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 Brighton:
  • 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 Brighton. 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 Brighton with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Brighton with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Brighton with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Cardiff nor Brighton 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 Brighton 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 Brighton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the pier, the Lanes, and busy streets. Scams involving overcharging in taxis and unlicensed cabs are reported, so it’s advisable to use licensed services or pre-book transportation. Additionally, travelers should be wary of fake charity collectors and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Staying vigilant and securing personal belongings can help 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 Brighton

Cardiff
Brighton
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 Brighton.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
information
Cardiff, University
information

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