- Must visit
John Taylor Bellfoundry Museum
Unique museum inside the historic bell foundry, telling the story of bellmaking and casting. A signature Loughborough attraction with working heritage nearby.
Cheapest price on Sep 12
CHF28
Average ticket price on Sep 12
CHF34
Fastest journey on Sep 12
8 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 12
8 h 38 m
Buses on Sep 12
2
Distance
197 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough will cost around CHF34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF28.
On Sat, Sep 12, we found 2 buses from Cardiff to Loughborough, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 12 the direct buses cover the 197 km distance in an average of 8 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 35 m .
On Sat, Sep 12 the slowest buses will take 8 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Loughborough among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of CHF53 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 24m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of CHF53, while a train costs an average of CHF81.
Distance: 122 miles (197 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
CHF53 Average price Cheapest | CHF81 Average price | CHF46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 53m Average total duration 7h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 24m Average total duration Fastest 2h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 56m 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 Loughborough:
A bus is CHF27 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Loughborough costing on average CHF81.
Other travel options to Loughborough take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 23m.
Tickets start at around CHF53 compared to roughly CHF46 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about CHF-7.44. The journey takes 7h 23m versus 2h 56m 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 National Express | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price CHF40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price CHF41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price CHF18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price CHF30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price CHF22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price CHF31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price CHF29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price CHF20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price CHF29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price CHF20 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Loughborough buses for today, Friday, September 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:15 PM Cardiff | 8h40 | 12:55 AM Loughborough | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 12 | |||||
![]() | 2:15 AM Cardiff | 8h35 | 10:50 AM Loughborough | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Loughborough run on average 7 times per day, taking around 7h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at CHF31 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 122 miles (197 km) distance in 6h 28m.
Distance 122 miles (197 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price CHF31 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 6h 28m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Loughborough — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Loughborough trip today.
Unique museum inside the historic bell foundry, telling the story of bellmaking and casting. A signature Loughborough attraction with working heritage nearby.
Museum in Queen’s Park with local history, archaeology, and the famous Carillon tower. Ideal for understanding the town’s heritage in one stop.
University arts venue presenting changing exhibitions, design, and contemporary culture. A strong choice for visitors interested in current creative work.
The town’s best-known green space with formal gardens, play areas, and the Carillon tower. Ideal for a relaxing break near the centre.
Historic shopping and civic area with market-town character, regular activity, and easy access to landmarks. A practical place to start exploring Loughborough.
Attractive university campus with open lawns, public art, and notable modern architecture. A pleasant walking area showing a different side of the town.
A Leicestershire pork pie with seasoned pork and firm jelly in a hand-raised crust. Nearby Melton Mowbray made it famous and it is a classic regional snack.
Stilton made in the traditional Leicestershire style. This rich blue cheese is one of the East Midlands’ best-known foods and is widely served locally.
A red, nutmeg-spiced Leicestershire cheese with a mild, creamy taste. It is a longstanding county speciality often eaten in sandwiches or on cheeseboards.
Contemporary Indian dining with refined presentation, regional specialities, and attentive service suited to a more upscale meal.
Established Indian restaurant known for classic curries and tandoori dishes in a smart yet relaxed setting popular with locals.
Popular casual venue for burgers, wings, loaded fries, and craft beer with an energetic modern atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels are often cheaper than London, while dining and local transport are fairly typical for an English market town.
Service is often included only at some restaurants. If not, 10-12.5% is polite for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafes is optional, usually small change.
Official public transport app
The Rushes, Loughborough -> Loughborough Town Centre, Loughborough
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Loughborough 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 Loughborough, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Loughborough buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Loughborough, The Rushes station pair, with some services arriving at Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda). Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Loughborough 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.
Loughborough, The Rushes is 1 km from Loughborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Loughborough, The Rushes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Loughborough, The Rushes. ATMs are available at Loughborough, The Rushes.
Ticket office support is available at Loughborough, The Rushes.
Available at Loughborough, The Rushes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Loughborough, The Rushes: Basic accessibility features are available.
Loughborough, University is 1 km from Loughborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Loughborough, University has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and restaurants available on campus.
Free WiFi available for students and visitors. ATMs are aTMs available on campus.
Ticket office support is available at Loughborough, University.
Available at Loughborough, University: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Loughborough, University: Accessible buses and pathways available.
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