Cardiff to Chester bus with National Express

Wed, Aug 05
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Chester

Showing times and prices for Aug 05

Cheapest price

€26

Average price

€26

Fastest journey

6 h 50 m

Average duration

6 h 50 m

Buses per day

1

Distance

191 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Chester will cost around €26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €26.

Fast buses

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

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    6:10 AM6h50
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    1:00 PMChester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange)
    261One-way
    1 transfer

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Chester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Chester run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €13 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 118 miles (191 km) distance in 5h 45m.

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
118 miles (191 km)
Average bus duration
4h 36m
Cheapest ticket price
€13
Buses per day
3
Fastest bus
5h 45m
First bus
12:30 AM
Last bus
11:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Tue
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

Cardiff to Chester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:40AM
Arrival Time
12:00PM
Duration
11h20
Departure days
Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
19
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:40AM
Arrival Time
01:00PM
Duration
11h20
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
22
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:10AM
Arrival Time
12:00PM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
22
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:10AM
Arrival Time
01:00PM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
22
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:10AM
Arrival Time
06:30PM
Duration
11h20
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
20
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:15PM
Arrival Time
06:30PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
29
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:25PM
Arrival Time
04:20AM
Duration
11h55
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
34
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:20PM
Arrival Time
11:05PM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
23

Live departures

Cardiff to Chester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Chester buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express5:20 PM Cardiff
5h45
11:05 PM Chester0 transfersDirect
Wednesday, August 5
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h50
1:00 PM Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange)1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cardiff to Chester buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Cardiff to Chester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Chester.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • 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 Chester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

Bus providers: National Express from Cardiff to ChesterYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Chester with National Express for as low as €13. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

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
5h 45m
Cheapest Price
€23
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 Chester

Things to do in Chester

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

  • Must visit

Grosvenor Museum

An award-winning medical history attraction exploring disease, cures, and public health in a playful way. It is unusual, family-friendly, and increasingly popular.

  • Recommended

Cheshire Military Museum

A major museum on Roman Chester with archaeology, reconstructed rooms, and hands-on displays. It is the best place to understand the city’s ancient roots.

  • Recommended

Sick to Death

A richly furnished Georgian townhouse showing domestic life across centuries. Costumed interpretation and period interiors make it engaging and memorable.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining cost less than London, but tourist areas raise prices. Buses are reasonable; central sights are walkable.

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 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% at restaurants for good service. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.

FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to Chester

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Chester can start from as little as €13 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Chester is €22 ; 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 Chester is 5h 45m to travel the 118 miles (191 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 Chester leaves at 12:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cardiff to Chester leaves at 11:45 PM.
There are 3 buses a day from Cardiff to Chester which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Cardiff to Chester, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Chester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Chester 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, Newport, Queensway, Cardiff, University, Weston-super-Mare, Regent St (Interchange), Weston-super-Mare, Diamond Batch Car Park Stop (Worle Station), Cardiff, Millennium Stadium . When arriving in Chester , you can end your journey in bus stations like Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange), Liverpool, Liverpool One .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange), located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Chester including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Chester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Chester for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Chester 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
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 Chester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Chester:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Chester:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Cardiff to Chester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cardiff to Chester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Chester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Chester with the following bus company: National Express.
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 Chester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center and near popular attractions. Be wary of unofficial taxi services and always use licensed taxis or pre-booked transportation. Scams involving overpriced goods or services can occur in busy tourist spots, so it's advisable to agree on prices beforehand and be vigilant when approached by street vendors.
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 Chester

Most Cardiff to Chester buses use the Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) to Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Chester 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 Chester

Which Cardiff station do buses to Chester leave from?

Buses from Cardiff to Chester 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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