Cardiff to Cheltenham bus with FlixBus

Tue, Sep 15
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Cheltenham

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 15

Cheapest price on Sep 15

$12

Average ticket price on Sep 15

$12

Fastest journey on Sep 15

2 h 35 m

Average journey duration on Sep 15

2 h 35 m

Buses on Sep 15

1

Distance

89 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Cheltenham will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.

Fast buses

On Tue, Sep 15, we found 1 buses from Cardiff to Cheltenham, including 1 direct services.

On Tue, Sep 15 the direct buses cover the 89 km distance in an average of 2 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 35 m .

On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest buses will take 2 h 35 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    6:10 AM2h35
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    8:45 AMCheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub
    $121One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Cardiff to Cheltenham

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Cheltenham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $18 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 41m. 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 $18, while a train costs an average of $30.

Distance: 55 miles (89 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$18

Average price

Cheapest

$30

Average price

$26

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 57m

Average total duration

2h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 41m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 24m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

FlixBus

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 Cheltenham is a bus with an average price of $18.

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

A bus is $13 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Cheltenham costing on average $30.

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Cheltenham is by train with an average journey time of 1h 11m.

Other travel options to Cheltenham take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 27m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Cheltenham including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to Cheltenham 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 $18 compared to roughly $26 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $8. The journey takes 2h 27m versus 1h 24m 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 FlixBus, Megabus.

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 Cheltenham Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:10AM
Arrival Time
07:45AM
Duration
2h35
Departure days
Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
$11
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:10AM
Arrival Time
08:45AM
Duration
2h35
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$11
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:45AM
Arrival Time
11:00AM
Duration
3h15
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:00PM
Arrival Time
07:05PM
Duration
4h05
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$17
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:40PM
Arrival Time
07:05PM
Duration
3h25
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$11
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:40PM
Arrival Time
09:00PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:05PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
4h35
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:40PM
Arrival Time
02:20AM
Duration
2h40
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$59

Live departures

Cardiff to Cheltenham bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Cheltenham buses for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
4h20
9:00 PM Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub1 transfer
Tuesday, September 15
FlixBusFlixBus6:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
2h35
8:45 AM Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Cheltenham 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.

Tue
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21

Why should you book Cardiff to Cheltenham buses with Omio?

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

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Cheltenham.
  • 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Cheltenham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Cheltenham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Cheltenham.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Cheltenham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Cheltenham run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $8 if you book in advance.

There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:15, the last at 23:47. The fastest bus covers the 55 miles (89 km) distance in 2h 0m.

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
55 miles (89 km)
Average bus duration
2h 27m
Cheapest ticket price
$8
Buses per day
2
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
2h 0m
First bus
2:15 AM
Last bus
11:47 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
7 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: FlixBus, National Express from Cardiff to CheltenhamYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Cheltenham with FlixBus, National Express for as low as $13. 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
2h 35m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$8
FlixBus frequency
1 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
2h 0m
Cheapest National Express Price
$21
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 Cheltenham

Things to do in Cheltenham

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

  • Must visit

The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum

Cheltenham's main museum and art gallery, with local history, archaeology, and decorative arts. A top place to understand the town and region.

  • Recommended

The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum

Specialist military museum in the former county jail, telling the story of the Gloucestershire Regiment through medals, uniforms, and campaigns.

Railway Museum at Cheltenham Racecourse

Volunteer-run railway museum at Cheltenham Racecourse, featuring locomotives, heritage carriages, and displays on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.

British Pound Sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are mid-priced, buses are reasonable, and costs are usually lower than London but higher than smaller towns.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included. If not, tip 10-12.5% at restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Cafes usually do not require tipping.

FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to Cheltenham

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Cheltenham can start from as little as $8 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Cheltenham is $18 ; 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 Cheltenham is 2h 0m to travel the 55 miles (89 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 Cheltenham leaves at 2:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cardiff to Cheltenham leaves at 11:47 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Cardiff to Cheltenham with FlixBus, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Cardiff to Cheltenham, you can count on FlixBus, Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Cheltenham. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Cheltenham 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, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, University, Newport, Queensway, Weston-super-Mare, Regent St (Interchange), Weston-super-Mare, Diamond Batch Car Park Stop (Worle Station) . When arriving in Cheltenham , you can end your journey in bus stations like Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub, Gloucester, Transport Hub, Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane), Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub, located 3 away from the city centre.
A trip to Cheltenham from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cardiff to Cheltenham is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Cheltenham including taking a bus and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Cheltenham for bus company FlixBus, Megabus, National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Cheltenham:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Cheltenham are:
  • Pittville Park, a large public park featuring a lake, playgrounds, and the historic Pittville Pump Room
  • The Wilson, an art gallery and museum showcasing local history and contemporary art
  • Cheltenham Racecourse, a renowned venue for horse racing events including the Cheltenham Festival
  • Montpellier District, a vibrant area known for its Regency architecture, boutique shops, and cafes
  • Sandford Parks Lido, an outdoor swimming pool complex with heated pools and sunbathing areas.
The best things to do in Cheltenham include:
  • Cheltenham Literature Festival, an annual event attracting renowned authors and literary enthusiasts for talks and workshops
  • Enjoy a scenic walk or boat ride at Pittville Park
  • Explore diverse art collections and exhibitions at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
  • Experience the thrill of horse racing at Cheltenham Racecourse
  • Discover the vibrant cafes and boutique shops in Montpellier District.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Cheltenham depends on the bus companies:
  • Megabus
    • 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.
  • 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.
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 Cheltenham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Cheltenham:
  • Megabus
    • 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).
  • 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 Cheltenham:
  • Megabus
    • 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.
  • 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 Cheltenham. 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 Cheltenham with the following bus company: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Cheltenham with the following bus company: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Cheltenham with the following bus company: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express.
Since neither Cardiff nor Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially during busy events like the Cheltenham Festival. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers and fake charity collectors. It’s advisable to use licensed transportation and stay vigilant in crowded areas.
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 Cheltenham

Most Cardiff to Cheltenham buses use the Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) to Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub station pair, with some services arriving at Gloucester, Transport Hub. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham

Which Cardiff station do buses to Cheltenham leave from?

Buses from Cardiff to Cheltenham leave from Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). The station is from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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, 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

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