- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Loughborough
Showing times and prices for Jul 29
Cheapest price
$21
Average price
$21
Fastest journey
10 h 55 m
Average duration
10 h 55 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
197 km
Cheap tickets
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 $21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.
Fast buses
Of the 1 buses that leave Cardiff for Loughborough on Wed, Jul 29, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 29 the direct buses cover the 197 km distance in an average of 10 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 55 m .
On Wed, Jul 29 the slowest buses will take 10 h 55 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.
6:10 AM10h55Cardiff5:05 PMLoughborough$211One-way0 transfers
- 6:10 AM10h55Cardiff5:05 PMLoughborough$211One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Cardiff to Loughborough
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 prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a train costs an average of $38.
Distance: 122 miles (197 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$29 Average price Cheapest | $99 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 48m Average total duration 7h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 30m Average total duration Fastest 3h 0m 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Loughborough is a bus with an average price of $29 (€29).
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Loughborough:
A bus is $71 (€71) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Loughborough costing on average $99 (€99).
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Loughborough is by train with an average journey time of 3h 0m.
Other travel options to Loughborough take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 18m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Loughborough including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to Loughborough among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Cardiff to Loughborough Bus Timetables
| 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 $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Live departures
Cardiff to Loughborough bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Loughborough buses for today, Tuesday, July 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:15 PM Cardiff | 8h40 | 12:55 AM Loughborough | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Loughborough by bus or train
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.
Wed
Jul 29
Jul 29
Thu
Jul 30
Jul 30
Fri
Jul 31
Jul 31
Sat
Aug 01
Aug 01
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Aug 02
Mon
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Tue
Aug 04
Aug 04
Why should you book Cardiff to Loughborough buses with Omio?
Megabus as well as National Express offer buses services from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Why book with Omio vs Megabus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Loughborough.
- 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Loughborough.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Loughborough
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Loughborough run on average 10 times per day, taking around 7h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€18) 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 7h 40m.
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 122 miles (197 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€18) |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 7h 40m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
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: Megabus, National Express from Cardiff to LoughboroughYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Loughborough with Megabus, National Express for as low as $18 (€18). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest Price
$37 (€37)
Megabus frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
Entertaiment on board
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
7h 40m
Cheapest Price
$35 (€35)
National Express frequency
8 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.
Complete guide to Loughborough
Things to do in Loughborough
Discover the best of Loughborough — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Loughborough trip today.
- Recommended
Charnwood Museum
Museum in Queen’s Park with local history, archaeology, and the famous Carillon tower. Ideal for understanding the town’s heritage in one stop.
- Recommended
Martin Hall Exhibition Space
University arts venue presenting changing exhibitions, design, and contemporary culture. A strong choice for visitors interested in current creative work.
- Must visit
Queen's Park
The town’s best-known green space with formal gardens, play areas, and the Carillon tower. Ideal for a relaxing break near the centre.
- Recommended
Market Place
Historic shopping and civic area with market-town character, regular activity, and easy access to landmarks. A practical place to start exploring Loughborough.
- Recommended
Loughborough University Campus
Attractive university campus with open lawns, public art, and notable modern architecture. A pleasant walking area showing a different side of the town.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
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.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Stilton
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.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
A red, nutmeg-spiced Leicestershire cheese with a mild, creamy taste. It is a longstanding county speciality often eaten in sandwiches or on cheeseboards.
Caravelli
Contemporary Indian dining with refined presentation, regional specialities, and attentive service suited to a more upscale meal.
The Basin
Established Indian restaurant known for classic curries and tandoori dishes in a smart yet relaxed setting popular with locals.
Fernandez Grillhouse
Popular casual venue for burgers, wings, loaded fries, and craft beer with an energetic modern atmosphere.
British pound (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels are often cheaper than London, while dining and local transport are fairly typical for an English market town.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
myTrip
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city center
The Rushes, Loughborough -> Loughborough Town Centre, Loughborough
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 6 min
- Most Kinchbus services in Loughborough accept contactless card payment on board. Check the fare before boarding as some routes have different ticket types.
- The Rushes is a central bus stop area for local services. Use the operator app or website for live departures and service updates.
FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Loughborough can start from as little as $18 (€18) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Loughborough is $29 (€29) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Cardiff to Loughborough is 7h 40m to travel the 122 miles (197 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Cardiff to Loughborough leaves at 12:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cardiff to Loughborough leaves at 11:45 PM.
There are 10 buses a day from Cardiff to Loughborough which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Cardiff to Loughborough, you can count on Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Loughborough. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Loughborough and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Loughborough from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cardiff to Loughborough is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Loughborough including taking a bus and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Loughborough for bus company Megabus, National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Loughborough:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough depends on the bus companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cardiff to Loughborough.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Loughborough:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- 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 Loughborough:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Cardiff to Loughborough.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cardiff to Loughborough with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Loughborough with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Loughborough with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express.
Since neither Cardiff nor Loughborough are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to Loughborough among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Loughborough, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as the town center and during events. Common scams include overcharging by taxis without meters and unofficial ticket sellers near transport hubs. It's advisable to use licensed taxis and purchase tickets from official vendors to avoid fraud. Additionally, travelers should stay aware of their surroundings at night, particularly in less busy areas.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Loughborough
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.
Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Loughborough
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre
Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · $2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cardiff, University
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · $1 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
Loughborough, The Rushes
City-centre transport
Getting to Loughborough, The Rushes from Loughborough city centre
Bus127 · 4m · $2 · every ~11 min
Sky · 7m · $2 · every ~15 min
Loughborough, University
City-centre transport
Getting to Loughborough, University from Loughborough city centre
BusSp · 11m · $2 · every ~16 min
16, 127, 16A · 17m · $2 · every ~13 min
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Loughborough
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Loughborough and Cardiff
Most popular bus connections to Loughborough
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