- Must visit
The Beatles Story
Acclaimed branch of the Imperial War Museums covering modern conflict, personal stories, and the impact of war in a dramatic dock building.
Cheapest price on Sep 05
$28
Average ticket price on Sep 05
$38
Fastest journey on Sep 05
7 h
Average journey duration on Sep 05
8 h 27 m
Buses on Sep 05
10
Distance
215 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Liverpool is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Liverpool will cost around $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Liverpool without transferring at least once.
NX111 · NX541
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX111 · NX541
NX112 · NX541
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX111 · NX541
NX202 · NX100 · NX120
NX112 · NX541
NX111 · NX541
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Liverpool among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $28 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 24m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, while a train costs an average of $69.
Distance: 133 miles (215 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$28 Average price Cheapest | $69 Average price | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 10m Average total duration 5h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration Fastest 3h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Liverpool:
A bus is $41 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Liverpool costing on average $69.
Other travel options to Liverpool take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 40m.
Tickets start at around $28 compared to roughly $62 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $34. The journey takes 5h 40m versus 4h 15m 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.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 12h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 12h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Liverpool buses for today, Friday, September 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:00 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 10h50 | 3:50 PM Liverpool, Liverpool One | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 12h05 | 7:15 PM Liverpool, Liverpool One | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · NX541 | 8:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 9h20 | 5:50 PM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 11h40 | 8:35 PM Liverpool, Liverpool One | 1 transfer | |
NX112 · NX541 | 12:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h45 | 8:55 PM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:05 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 11h25 | 12:30 AM Liverpool, Liverpool One | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · NX541 | 4:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h30 | 11:55 PM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 11h55 | 6:05 AM Liverpool, Liverpool One | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, September 5 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 12h10 | 1:50 PM Liverpool, Liverpool One | 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 Liverpool run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 133 miles (215 km) distance in 6h 10m.
Distance 133 miles (215 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 6h 10m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Liverpool — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Liverpool trip today.
Acclaimed branch of the Imperial War Museums covering modern conflict, personal stories, and the impact of war in a dramatic dock building.
Large free museum covering archaeology, natural history, world cultures, and planetarium shows. Excellent for broad insight into the region.
Modern museum telling Liverpool’s story from port city to pop culture capital, with social history, transport, and riverfront galleries.
Scenic riverside promenade with Mersey views, public art, and access to major museums. Ideal for a relaxed walk along the waterfront.
Historic commercial street with restored warehouses, boutiques, and nightlife. Great for architecture, independent shops, and city atmosphere.
Creative district known for independent venues, street art, and converted warehouses. A good area to explore Liverpool’s contemporary culture.
A hearty beef and vegetable stew long linked with Liverpool's seafaring history. It is the city's signature comfort food and gave Liverpudlians the nickname 'Scousers'.
A baked potato filled with corned beef, a classic Merseyside chip shop and pub snack. It is a simple local favourite tied to everyday working-class food culture.
A dense spiced fruit loaf or cake served sliced with butter. Popular across Merseyside, it is a traditional teatime bake with a long local following.
Elegant fine dining restaurant by Chef Paul Askew, known for seasonal British tasting menus and polished service in a refined city-centre setting.
Stylish modern restaurant in the Baltic Triangle serving small plates and seasonal British cooking in a relaxed but ambitious setting.
Historic dining room in the Philharmonic pub, celebrated for classic British dishes and a grand traditional atmosphere with strong local character.
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while transit and casual meals are fairly affordable for tourists.
Tipping is optional. Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafes and pubs: no tip expected, small change appreciated.
Official public transport app
Liverpool One -> Liverpool Lime Street Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Liverpool 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 Liverpool, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Liverpool buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place station pair, with some services arriving at Liverpool, Liverpool One. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Liverpool bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café in the Station (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place.
Available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Elevators, ramps.
Liverpool, Liverpool One is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, Liverpool One has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret A Manger (in the station), Costa Coffee (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, Liverpool One.
Available at Liverpool, Liverpool One: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, Liverpool One: Elevators, ramps.
Liverpool, Edge Lane Drive is 4 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, Edge Lane Drive has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool, Edge Lane Drive. ATMs are available at Liverpool, Edge Lane Drive.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, Edge Lane Drive.
Available at Liverpool, Edge Lane Drive: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, Edge Lane Drive: Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need