- Must visit
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
The town's main museum, celebrated for its shoe collections, local history, and changing exhibitions in a restored central building.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
6 h 10 m
Average duration
6 h 46 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
179 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Northampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Northampton will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Of the 7 buses that leave Cardiff for Northampton on Fri, Jul 31, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct buses cover the 179 km distance in an average of 6 h 46 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 10 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest buses will take 7 h 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 Northampton 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 21m. 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 $18, and a train costs an average of $37.
Distance: 111 miles (179 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$30 Average price Cheapest | $75 Average price | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg 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 Northampton:
A bus is $45 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Northampton costing on average $75.
Other travel options to Northampton take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 34m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $26 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Northampton buses for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:40 AM Cardiff | 7h20 | 5:00 PM Northampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:25 PM Cardiff | 9h50 | 9:15 AM Northampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
![]() | 4:00 AM Cardiff | 7h00 | 11:00 AM Northampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:00 AM Cardiff | 7h00 | 12:00 PM Northampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:45 AM Cardiff | 6h40 | 12:25 PM Northampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:40 AM Cardiff | 7h05 | 2:45 PM Northampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Cardiff to Northampton run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:40, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 111 miles (179 km) distance in 5h 15m.
Distance 111 miles (179 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 5h 15m |
First bus 1:40 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Northampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Northampton trip today.
The town's main museum, celebrated for its shoe collections, local history, and changing exhibitions in a restored central building.
Specialist display areas and interpretation at the historic 78 Derngate house, illuminating Charles Rennie Mackintosh's interior design legacy.
Historic country house museum in extensive parkland. Displays reveal aristocratic life, the Civil War, and the estate's wider landscape.
Extensive riverside parkland around Delapré Abbey, valued for walking, views, and access to one of the town's most historic estates.
Popular urban park with a lake, birdlife, and family-friendly paths. A pleasant stop for a quieter break from the town centre.
Historic shopping street famous for 78 Derngate and fine Victorian architecture. It is ideal for a short heritage walk near the town centre.
A spiced cured beef sausage long linked with Northamptonshire. It is a classic local breakfast and sandwich filling with a distinctive peppery flavour.
A historic county pudding of suet pastry filled with apples or jam, then boiled or steamed. It is a traditional farmhouse dessert in Northamptonshire.
Crumbly local cheese traditionally made in Northamptonshire. Its mild, creamy taste makes it a regional staple on cheeseboards and in ploughman’s lunches.
Elegant fine dining restaurant known for modern British tasting menus, polished service and a refined special-occasion atmosphere.
Popular gastropub serving British classics, steaks and Sunday roasts in a relaxed village-style setting with a strong local reputation.
Well-regarded central venue for dry-aged steaks and grilled dishes, offering a contemporary interior and dependable service.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Northampton Town Centre -> Northampton Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Northampton 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 Northampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Northampton buses use the Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) to Northampton, Town Centre station pair, with some services arriving at Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park). Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Northampton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need