- Must visit
National Waterways Museum Gloucester
National museum of inland waterway life with historic boats, canal stories, and interactive displays in a dockside warehouse.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Gloucester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Gloucester will cost around $16 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $10.
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 4 buses from Cardiff to Gloucester, including 4 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct buses cover the 78 km distance in an average of 3 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 35 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest buses will take 3 h 40 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.

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Buses from Cardiff to Gloucester run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $9 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:45, the last at 23:34. The fastest bus covers the 48 miles (78 km) distance in 1h 50m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cardiff to Gloucester.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Gloucester buses for today, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:00 PM Cardiff | 2h35 | 5:35 PM Gloucester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:00 PM Cardiff | 2h35 | 6:35 PM Gloucester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Cardiff to Gloucester with FlixBus and National Express. Overnight buses available on this route with FlixBus and National Express. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Gloucester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gloucester trip today.
National museum of inland waterway life with historic boats, canal stories, and interactive displays in a dockside warehouse.
Main city museum covering Gloucester’s Roman origins, local history, and art collections. A strong starting point for understanding the city.
Dockside venue exploring soldiers’ stories through exhibitions in a dramatic historic setting. Known for changing military-themed displays.
Atmospheric dockside district with restored warehouses, outlet shopping, waterside paths, and strong industrial character.
Large central park with lakes, play areas, open lawns, and seasonal events. Popular for relaxing walks near the city centre.
Historic shopping street linking key central sights, lined with notable buildings and useful for exploring Gloucester on foot.
Double Gloucester cheese is a rich, firm cow's milk cheese from Gloucestershire, long tied to local dairies and famously used in the county's cheese-rolling tradition.
Single Gloucester is a milder, more crumbly traditional cheese from the county, protected for local production and valued as a classic regional table cheese.
Gloucester Old Spot pork highlights meat from the county's famous heritage pig breed, prized for succulent, well-marbled pork in roasts and sausages.
Stylish dockside restaurant at Gloucester Docks known for steaks, British classics, and polished service in a smart but relaxed setting.
Historic city centre pub serving cask ales and hearty British food in a traditional timber-framed setting popular with locals and visitors.
Well-regarded waterside restaurant at Gloucester Docks with modern British dishes, cocktails, and a lively contemporary atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are mid-priced, buses are reasonable, and attractions are generally cheaper than in London or Bath.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tips are small and not expected.
Official public transport app
Gloucester Transport Hub -> The Cross, Gloucester
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Gloucester.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Gloucester 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 Gloucester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Gloucester buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Gloucester, Transport Hub station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Gloucester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Gloucester, Transport Hub has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available in main waiting area. ATMs are aTM located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Gloucester, Transport Hub.
Available at Gloucester, Transport Hub: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gloucester, Transport Hub: Wheelchair accessible ramps available.
Check bus stations information for Cardiff and Gloucester, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.