- Must visit
Riverside Museum
Major riverside transport museum with striking architecture, historic vehicles, and interactive displays that explain Glasgow's industrial story.
Cheapest price
$73
Average price
$99
Fastest journey
11 h 55 m
Average duration
13 h 31 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
493 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Glasgow is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Glasgow will cost around $99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $73.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Glasgow without transferring at least once.
NX202 · NX100 · NX590
NX202 · NX100 · NX590
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX507 · NX595
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX507 · NX595
NX202 · NX100 · NX590
NX202 · NX100 · NX590
NX507 · NX594Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Glasgow among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 45m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a train costs an average of $82.
Distance: 306 miles (493 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$60 Average price Cheapest | $165 Average price | $176 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 12m Average total duration 11h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 15m Average total duration Fastest 6h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Glasgow:
A bus is $105 (€86) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Glasgow costing on average $165 (€136).
Other travel options to Glasgow take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 45m.
Bus takes on average 11h 42m.
Tickets start at around $60 (€49) compared to roughly $176 (€145) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $116 (€96). The journey takes 11h 42m versus 7h 40m 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 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 15h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 13h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 15h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 14h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 13h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 15h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 12h55 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 20h15 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Glasgow buses for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX509 · NX591 | 3:15 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 16h30 | 7:45 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 15h00 | 9:10 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · NX100 · NX590 | 6:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 13h50 | 8:15 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX202 · NX100 · NX590 | 6:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 13h50 | 8:15 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX507 · NX594 | 3:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 14h20 | 6:05 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX507 · NX595 | 6:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 13h40 | 7:40 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:20 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 11h55 | 6:15 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Cardiff to Glasgow run on average 8 times per day, taking around 11h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $38 (€32) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:40, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 306 miles (493 km) distance in 11h 55m.
Distance 306 miles (493 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€32) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 11h 55m |
First bus 1:40 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Glasgow — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Glasgow trip today.
Major riverside transport museum with striking architecture, historic vehicles, and interactive displays that explain Glasgow's industrial story.
Leading European civic art museum with superb collections, grand galleries, and regular exhibitions in the heart of George Square.
Elegant mansion with French paintings, decorative arts, and period rooms, set within Pollok Country Park near Highland cattle.
Lively green space beside the university, popular for museums, picnics, and riverside walks through one of Glasgow's prettiest parks.
Historic civic square framed by monuments and grand buildings, ideal for orientation, events, and classic views of central Glasgow.
Bustling shopping street mixing Victorian facades with modern retail, useful for people-watching and understanding the city's commercial core.
A savory pudding of oats, onions, suet, and spices, traditionally served with mince or fried breakfast. It is one of Scotland’s most iconic regional specialties.
Minced beef in rich gravy topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden. A staple in Glasgow homes and pubs, especially comforting in cold weather.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, often enriched with milk or cream. It is a classic west coast Scottish dish with deep local roots.
Elegant fine dining by chef Cail Bruich, known for modern Scottish tasting menus and polished service in a calm, refined setting.
A long-established Glasgow institution serving fresh Scottish seafood and shellfish in a lively, classic city brasserie atmosphere.
Traditional pub dining with a strong whisky focus, offering haggis, fish, and Scottish comfort food in a historic central Glasgow setting.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, while transit and attractions are fairly priced for most tourists.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if not already added. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, usually small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Glasgow 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 Glasgow, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Glasgow buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Glasgow bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Buchanan (in the station), Coffee Express (in the station), Fast Bites (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station.
Available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need