- Must visit
The Box
Plymouth’s main museum, gallery, and archive. It covers local art, natural history, and maritime stories in an impressive contemporary cultural hub.
Cheapest price on Sep 05
€17
Average ticket price on Sep 05
€28
Fastest journey on Sep 05
4 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 05
5 h 12 m
Buses on Sep 05
10
Distance
141 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Plymouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Plymouth will cost around €28 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €17.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Plymouth without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX202 · NX101
NX202 · NX101
NX111 · NX101Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Plymouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €17 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 39m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €17, while a train costs an average of €62.
Distance: 87 miles (141 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€17 Average price Cheapest | €62 Average price | €46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 20m Average total duration 4h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 39m Average total duration Fastest 3h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Plymouth:
A bus is €46 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Plymouth costing on average €62.
Other travel options to Plymouth take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 50m.
Tickets start at around €17 compared to roughly €46 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €29. The journey takes 4h 50m versus 2h 48m 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45AM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price €17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €15 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €15 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €15 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Plymouth buses for today, Friday, September 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:10 PM Cardiff | 5h40 | 10:50 PM Plymouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:15 PM Cardiff | 7h40 | 3:55 AM Plymouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:25 PM Cardiff | 6h50 | 5:15 AM Plymouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:35 PM Cardiff | 6h40 | 6:15 AM Plymouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 5 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 4h40 | 6:20 AM Plymouth, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h40 | 9:50 AM Plymouth, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · NX101 | 8:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h25 | 2:05 PM Plymouth, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · NX101 | 8:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h25 | 2:05 PM Plymouth, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h30 | 2:25 PM Plymouth, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · NX104 | 10:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h30 | 4:10 PM Plymouth, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h05 | 5:45 PM Plymouth, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · NX101 | 3:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h25 | 8:30 PM Plymouth, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h55 | 10:35 PM Plymouth, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
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 Plymouth run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €11 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:20, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 87 miles (141 km) distance in 4h 35m.
Distance 87 miles (141 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price €11 |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 4h 35m |
First bus 12:20 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Plymouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plymouth trip today.
Plymouth’s main museum, gallery, and archive. It covers local art, natural history, and maritime stories in an impressive contemporary cultural hub.
Interactive aquarium on the waterfront with ocean habitats, conservation displays, and a huge tank. A popular family attraction with strong educational value.
Tudor merchant’s residence in the Barbican, furnished to evoke historic domestic life. A compact museum ideal for understanding old Plymouth society.
Large waterfront parkland with sea views, monuments, and lawns. It is Plymouth’s classic promenade and a prime place to start exploring the city.
Historic harbourside quarter of cobbled lanes, old buildings, galleries, and maritime atmosphere. It is among Plymouth’s most characterful walking areas.
Broad city-centre avenue rebuilt after the Second World War. Shops, civic buildings, and public art make it useful for understanding modern Plymouth.
A classic Devon cream tea of scones, jam and clotted cream. In Devon, the cream goes on before the jam, making it a proud local ritual.
A traditional South West pasty with beef, potato, swede and onion in pastry. Common across Devon and Cornwall and a familiar local grab-and-go meal.
Fresh fish landed from Plymouth's historic fishing port, often grilled or battered. The city's waterfront location makes local seafood a signature choice.
Refined fine dining restaurant known for modern British tasting menus, polished service and a special occasion atmosphere near Plymouth Hoe.
Long-established market café famous for generous breakfasts, sandwiches and casual local dining in Plymouth Market.
Historic waterside pub in the Barbican serving seafood, local ales and hearty British dishes in a traditional, characterful setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels are often cheaper than London, while dining and local buses are fairly priced 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
Plymouth Coach Station -> Royal Parade, Plymouth
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Plymouth 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 Plymouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Plymouth buses use the Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) to Plymouth, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Plymouth 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.
Plymouth, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth, Coach Station. ATMs are available at Plymouth, Coach Station.
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth, Coach Station.
Available at Plymouth, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth, Coach Station: Station is accessible with ramps and level access.
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