Cardiff to Ipswich bus with National Express

Wed, Nov 05
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Ipswich

Showing times and prices for Nov 06

Cheapest price

$82

Average price

$82

Fastest journey

11 h 15 m

Average duration

11 h 15 m

Buses per day

1

Distance

305 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Ipswich will cost around $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $82.

Fast buses

Of the 1 buses that leave Cardiff for Ipswich on Thu, Nov 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 06 the direct buses cover the 305 km distance in an average of 11 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 15 m .

On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest buses will take 11 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.

National Express
06:15PM11h15
Cardiff
05:30AMIpswich
$821One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Ipswich

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Ipswich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €43. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €43, and a train costs an average of €54.

Distance: 189 miles (305 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

€58

Average price

Cheapest

€147

Average price

7h 15m

Average total duration

6h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 50m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Ipswich 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.

Thu
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Ipswich

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus
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
189 miles (305 km)
Average bus duration
6h 45m
Cheapest ticket price
$53 (€43)
Buses per day
7
Fastest bus
8h 20m
First bus
02:30
Last bus
19:53

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Cardiff to Ipswich start from as low as $53 (€43) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $71 (€58) depending on the train type and class.
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 IpswichYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Ipswich with National Express for as low as $53 (€43). 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
8h 20m
Cheapest Price
$57 (€47)
National Express frequency
7 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 Ipswich

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Ipswich can start from as little as $61 (€50) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Ipswich is $79 (€64); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Cardiff to Ipswich bus travel time is 8 h 40 min   for the 189 mile (305 km) long journey, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Cardiff to Ipswich leaves at 10: 30AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Cardiff to Ipswich leaves at 7: 45PM.
There are 7 buses a day from Cardiff to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Ipswich. You can also check all possible bus providers who offer a service from Cardiff to Ipswich and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
The cheapest month to travel from Cardiff to Ipswich by bus is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel to Ipswich from Cardiff including taking a train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Ipswich:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Ipswich for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Ipswich are:
  • Ipswich Waterfront, a vibrant area with marinas, restaurants, and historic buildings along the River Orwell
  • Christchurch Mansion, a Tudor mansion housing an art gallery and museum with works by Gainsborough and Constable
  • Ipswich Museum, featuring exhibits on local history, natural history, and archaeology
  • Holywells Park, a scenic park with ponds, woodlands, and a children's play area
  • Suffolk Food Hall, a destination for local produce, dining, and views of the Orwell Bridge.
The best things to do in Ipswich include:
  • New Wolsey Theatre, a contemporary venue hosting a variety of performances including plays, musicals, and comedy shows
  • Orwell Country Park, offering beautiful walking trails and views of the River Orwell
  • Ipswich Transport Museum, showcasing a collection of transport and engineering heritage
  • DanceEast, a hub for dance performances and workshops
  • Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park, a family-friendly attraction with animals, gardens, and a farm shop.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, 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 Ipswich.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Ipswich:
    • 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 Ipswich:
    • National Express
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Cardiff to Ipswich.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cardiff to Ipswich with the following bus company: National Express
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Ipswich with the following bus company: National Express.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Ipswich with the following bus company: National Express.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Ipswich

    Cardiff
    Ipswich
    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 Ipswich.
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    information
    Cardiff, University
    information

    More options for your journey from Cardiff to Ipswich

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