Cardiff to Luton bus with National Express

Mon, Dec 08
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
1,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Luton

Showing times and prices for Dec 08

Cheapest price

€21

Average price

€32

Fastest journey

5 h 30 m

Average duration

5 h 47 m

Buses per day

3

Distance

196 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Luton will cost around €32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €21.

Fast buses

Of the 3 buses that leave Cardiff for Luton on Mon, Dec 08, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Dec 08 the direct buses cover the 196 km distance in an average of 5 h 47 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .

On Mon, Dec 08 the slowest buses will take 6 h 5 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
02:20AM5h45
Cardiff
08:05AMLuton
211One-way
0 transfers
National Express
03:45PM6h05
Cardiff
09:50PMLuton
371One-way
0 transfers
National Express
01:30AM5h30
Cardiff
07:00AMLuton
391One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Luton

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 51m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €19, and a train costs an average of €38.

Distance: 121 miles (196 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€31

Average price

Cheapest

€62

Average price

5h 47m

Average total duration

5h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 21m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 51m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

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.

Cardiff to Luton Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
02:45AM
Arrival Time
09:45AM
Duration
7h00
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:40AM
Arrival Time
08:10AM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
56
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:50AM
Arrival Time
10:15AM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
46
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:40AM
Arrival Time
10:20AM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:55AM
Arrival Time
11:15AM
Duration
5h20
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
57
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:30AM
Arrival Time
11:40AM
Duration
4h10
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:45AM
Arrival Time
02:05PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30AM
Arrival Time
02:20PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:25AM
Arrival Time
02:35PM
Duration
5h10
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:40AM
Arrival Time
03:55PM
Duration
4h15
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:15PM
Arrival Time
06:05PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
48
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:35PM
Arrival Time
06:25PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
77
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:40PM
Arrival Time
07:25PM
Duration
4h45
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
69
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
02:50PM
Arrival Time
08:35PM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
30
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:05PM
Arrival Time
08:55PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
77
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:40PM
Arrival Time
10:30PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:45PM
Arrival Time
10:50PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
48
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:30PM
Arrival Time
11:30PM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
42
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45PM
Arrival Time
12:15AM
Duration
5h30
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
46
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:45PM
Arrival Time
01:30AM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
46

Live departures

Cardiff to Luton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Luton buses for today, Sunday, December 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 11:43 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus2:50 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
5h45
8:35 PM Luton1 transfer
Monday, December 8
national_express1:30 AM Cardiff
5h30
7:00 AM Luton0 transfersDirect
national_express2:20 AM Cardiff
5h45
8:05 AM Luton0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Luton 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.

Mon
Dec 08
Tue
Dec 09
Wed
Dec 10
Thu
Dec 11
Fri
Dec 12
Sat
Dec 13
Sun
Dec 14

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Luton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Luton run on average 17 times per day, taking around 5h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 02:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 121 miles (196 km) distance in 5h 25m.

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
121 miles (196 km)
Average bus duration
5h 17m
Cheapest ticket price
$24 (€19)
Buses per day
17
Fastest bus
5h 25m
First bus
02:30
Last bus
23:50
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 LutonYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Luton with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $24 (€19). 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 Duration
5h 40m
Cheapest Price
$47 (€38)
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 Duration
5h 30m
Cheapest Price
$24 (€19)
National Express frequency
17 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 Luton

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Luton can start from as little as $23 (€18) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Luton is $42 (€34); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time between Cardiff and Luton is on average 5 h 25 min   for the 121 mile (195 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go from Cardiff to Luton by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Cardiff to Luton leaves at 4: 50AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Cardiff to Luton leaves at 7: 45PM.
There are 13 buses a day from Cardiff to Luton which require at least one change with National Express or FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Take the Cardiff to Luton bus with National Express or FlixBus. However, it's always good to check out all possible bus providers for the journey from Cardiff to Luton as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
The cheapest month to travel from Cardiff to Luton by bus is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel to Luton from Cardiff including taking a train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Luton:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Luton for bus providers National Express and FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Luton are:
  • Stockwood Discovery Centre, a museum featuring local history exhibits, gardens, and a collection of horse-drawn carriages
  • Wardown House Museum and Gallery, a Victorian mansion offering art exhibitions and insights into Luton's history
  • Luton Hoo Estate, a historic country house with expansive gardens and a golf course
  • Whipsnade Zoo, a large zoo home to a variety of animals and conservation programs
  • The Hat Factory Arts Centre, a cultural venue hosting performances, workshops, and art exhibitions.
The best things to do in Luton include:
  • The Mall Luton, a large shopping center with a variety of retail stores and dining options
  • Woodside Animal Farm, a family-friendly attraction featuring a range of animals, play areas, and seasonal events
  • Luton Indoor Market, a bustling market offering a variety of goods from fresh produce to unique crafts
  • Stockwood Park, a large public park perfect for picnics, walks, and outdoor sports
  • The Galaxy, an entertainment complex featuring a cinema, bowling alley, and restaurants.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus companies National Express and FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Luton depends on the bus providers:
  • 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.
  • FlixBus
    • 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.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cardiff to Luton, 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 Luton.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Luton:
    • National Express
      • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
    • FlixBus
      • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
    Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Luton:
    • National Express
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    • FlixBus
      • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
    Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cardiff to Luton. The following conditions apply:
    • FlixBus
      • Small pets in carriers allowed
      • Guide dogs travel for free.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cardiff to Luton with the following bus providers: National Express and FlixBus
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Luton with the following bus companies: National Express and FlixBus.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Luton with the following bus providers: National Express and FlixBus.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Luton

    Cardiff
    Luton
    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 Luton.
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    information
    Cardiff, Millennium Stadium
    information
    Cardiff, University
    information

    The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

    We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

    ios-badge
    android-badge
    Hand With Phone