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Cardiff to Derby bus with National Express

Sat, Jan 17
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National Express
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National Express
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Derby

Showing times and prices for Jan 20

Cheapest price

$19

Average price

$47

Fastest journey

9 h 50 m

Average duration

10 h 3 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

198 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Derby will cost around $47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Cardiff for Derby on Tue, Jan 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Jan 20 the direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 10 h 3 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 50 m .

On Tue, Jan 20 the slowest buses will take 10 h 15 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
04:15PM10h15
Cardiff
02:30AMDerby
$191One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus
01:50PM9h50
Cardiff
11:40PMDerby
$761One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Derby

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Derby among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 46m. 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 €15, and a train costs an average of €21.

Distance: 123 miles (198 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

€30

Average price

Cheapest

€85

Average price

4h 48m

Average total duration

4h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 16m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cardiff to Derby bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Derby buses for today, Monday, January 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 12:21 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbus4:15 PM Cardiff
10h15
2:30 AM Derby0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Derby 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
Jan 20
Wed
Jan 21
Thu
Jan 22
Fri
Jan 23
Sat
Jan 24
Sun
Jan 25
Mon
Jan 26

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Derby

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Derby run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:05. The fastest bus covers the 123 miles (198 km) distance in 5h 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
123 miles (198 km)
Average bus duration
4h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
$18 (€15)
Buses per day
10
Fastest bus
5h 0m
First bus
00:30
Last bus
23:05

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Cardiff to Derby start from as low as $18 (€15) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $37 (€30) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
  • On average there are 10 daily trains from Cardiff to Derby with 0 direct service.
  • The fastest trains can take as little as 5h 0m but the average duration is 4h 18m
Train Operators
  • Travel from Cardiff to Derby with National Express
  • The most booked train company for this route on Omio is National Express.
Stations & Schedule
  • Most trains depart from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens and arrive in Derby, Bus Station
  • First train typically departs at 12:30 AM and the last at 11:05 PM
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 from Cardiff to DerbyYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Derby with National Express for as low as $18 (€15). 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 0m
Cheapest Price
$18 (€15)
National Express frequency
9 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.

FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to Derby

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Derby can start from as little as $28 (€23) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Derby is $44 (€36); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time from Cardiff to Derby is on average 5 h 25 min   for the 123 mile (198 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go to Derby from Cardiff by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Cardiff to Derby leaves at 3: 15AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Cardiff to Derby leaves at 7: 45PM.
There are 7 buses a day from Cardiff to Derby which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Take the Cardiff to Derby bus with National Express. However, it's always good to check out all possible bus companies for the route from Cardiff to Derby as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cardiff to Derby is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Cardiff to Derby including taking a train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Derby:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Derby for bus company National Express.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Derby depends on the bus company:
  • 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.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cardiff to Derby, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cardiff to Derby.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Derby:
    • 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 Derby:
    • National Express
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Cardiff to Derby.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cardiff to Derby with the following bus company: National Express
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Derby with the following bus company: National Express.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Derby with the following bus company: National Express.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Derby

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

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