Cardiff to Loughborough bus with National Express

Sat, Sep 12
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Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
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2,000+ travel companies
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Loughborough

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 12

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

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 CHF34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF28.

Fast buses

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.

  • FlixBus
    4:15 PM8h40
    Cardiff
    12:55 AMLoughborough
    CHF281One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    2:15 AM8h35
    Cardiff
    10:50 AMLoughborough
    CHF401One-way
    0 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 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)

Compare bus with

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)

National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

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 CHF53.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Loughborough is by train with an average journey time of 2h 54m.

Other travel options to Loughborough take longer:

Bus takes on average 7h 23m.

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. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

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.

Cardiff to Loughborough Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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

Live departures

Cardiff to Loughborough bus times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBus4:15 PM Cardiff
8h40
12:55 AM Loughborough0 transfersDirect
Saturday, September 12
National Express2:15 AM Cardiff
8h35
10:50 AM Loughborough0 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.

Sat
Sep 12
Sun
Sep 13
Mon
Sep 14
Tue
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18

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
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

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.

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 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
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, FlixBus from Cardiff to LoughboroughYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Loughborough with National Express, FlixBus for as low as CHF31. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
7h 5m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
CHF36
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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 National Express Duration
6h 28m
Cheapest National Express Price
CHF31
National Express frequency
4 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.

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Loughborough can start from as little as CHF31 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Loughborough is CHF53 ; 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 6h 28m 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 7 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.
When departing from Cardiff , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, University, Newport, Queensway, Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent), Weston-super-Mare, Regent St (Interchange), Weston-super-Mare, Diamond Batch Car Park Stop (Worle Station) . When arriving in Loughborough , you can end your journey in bus stations like Loughborough, The Rushes, Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda), Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station, Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station, Nottingham, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, University, Nottingham, Millennium Way East (Phoenix Park P+R) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Loughborough, The Rushes, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Loughborough from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 28m 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, 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Loughborough for bus company Megabus, National Express.
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

Which Cardiff station do buses to Loughborough leave from?

Buses from Cardiff to Loughborough leave from Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). The station is from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre

TRUE

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) 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 and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.

Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre

Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · CHF2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cardiff, Sophia Gardens 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 and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.

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 · CHF1 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min

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