The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Gloucester
Cheapest price
$10
Average price
$24
Fastest journey
2 h 35 m
Average duration
3 h 26 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
78 km
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 $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $10.
Of the 4 buses that leave Cardiff for Gloucester on Sat, Jun 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 78 km distance in an average of 3 h 26 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 35 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 4 h 5 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.
FlixBus4:00 PM2h35Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)6:35 PMGloucester, Transport Hub$101One-way0 transfers
NX202 · NX1004:45 AM3h25Cardiff, Sophia Gardens8:10 AMGloucester, Transport Hub$271One-way1 transfer
NX216 · NX10010:10 PM3h40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1:50 AMGloucester, Transport Hub$281One-way1 transfer
NX216 · NX1006:05 PM4h05Cardiff, Sophia Gardens10:10 PMGloucester, Transport Hub$281One-way1 transfer
FlixBus4:00 PM2h35Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)6:35 PMGloucester, Transport Hub$101One-way0 transfers
NX202 · NX1004:45 AM3h25Cardiff, Sophia Gardens8:10 AMGloucester, Transport Hub$271One-way1 transfer
NX216 · NX10010:10 PM3h40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1:50 AMGloucester, Transport Hub$281One-way1 transfer
NX216 · NX1006:05 PM4h05Cardiff, Sophia Gardens10:10 PMGloucester, Transport Hub$281One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Gloucester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Gloucester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $8.
Distance: 48 miles (78 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$16 Average price Cheapest | $17 Average price | $22 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 0m Average total duration 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 38m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Gloucester:
A bus is $1 (€0.97) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Gloucester costing on average $17 (€14).
Other travel options to Gloucester take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 30m.
Tickets start at around $16 (€13) compared to roughly $22 (€18) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $6 (€5). The journey takes 1h 30m versus 1h 20m 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.
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 Gloucester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Live departures
Cardiff to Gloucester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Gloucester buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX216 · NX100 | 10:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 3h40 | 1:50 AM Gloucester, Transport Hub | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
NX202 · NX100 | Delayed 7:40 AM 4:45 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 3h25 | 8:10 AM Gloucester, Transport Hub | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 4:00 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 2h35 | 6:35 PM Gloucester, Transport Hub | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX216 · NX100 | On time 6:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 4h05 | 10:10 PM Gloucester, Transport Hub | 1 transfer | |
NX216 · NX100 | On time 10:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 3h40 | 1:50 AM Gloucester, Transport Hub | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Gloucester 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.
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Why should you book Cardiff to Gloucester buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Gloucester.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Gloucester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Gloucester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Gloucester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Gloucester
Buses from Cardiff to Gloucester run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $7 (€5) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:45, the last at 23:34. The fastest bus covers the 48 miles (78 km) distance in 2h 35m.
Distance 48 miles (78 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€5) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 2h 35m |
First bus 2:45 AM |
Last bus 11:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 2 days |
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Cardiff to GloucesterYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Gloucester with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $7 (€5). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to 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.

- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- 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).
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Gloucester
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.
Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre
Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Gloucester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

