- Must visit
Poole Museum
Harbourside museum of Poole's maritime, social, and pottery history in restored quayside buildings. A strong introduction to the town's past and port identity.
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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Poole
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Poole among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $66 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 57m. 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 $66, while a train costs an average of $111.
Distance: 73 miles (119 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$66 Average price Cheapest | $111 Average price | $41 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 46m Average total duration 6h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 54m 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Poole is a bus with an average price of $66.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Poole:
A bus is $45 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Poole costing on average $111.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Poole is by train with an average journey time of 3h 27m.
Other travel options to Poole take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 16m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Poole including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to Poole 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 $66 compared to roughly $41 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-25.05. The journey takes 6h 16m versus 2h 54m 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 Poole Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Live departures
Cardiff to Poole bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Poole buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 6:45 AM Cardiff | 8h10 | 2:55 PM Poole | 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 Poole 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.
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Why should you book Cardiff to Poole buses with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Cardiff to Poole.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Poole.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Poole.
- 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Poole.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Poole.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Poole.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Poole
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Poole run on average 18 times per day, taking around 6h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:35, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 73 miles (119 km) distance in 5h 10m.
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 73 miles (119 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 |
Buses per day 18 |
Fastest bus 5h 10m |
First bus 1:35 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 PooleYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Poole with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $25. 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
6h 0m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$33
FlixBus frequency
7 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
5h 10m
Cheapest National Express Price
$25
National Express frequency
14 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 Poole
Things to do in Poole
Discover the best of Poole — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Poole trip today.
- Recommended
The Gallery at Lighthouse
Contemporary art centre with changing exhibitions, a respected gallery programme, and cultural events. Worth visiting for modern visual art in central Poole.
- Recommended
Poole Old Lifeboat Museum
Volunteer-run museum preserving Poole's RNLI history, lifeboats, and rescue stories. A compact stop for maritime heritage near the quay.
- Must visit
Poole Quay
Historic waterfront lined with boats, heritage buildings, and harbour views. A must for atmosphere, walks, and seeing Poole's maritime character up close.
- Must visit
Brownsea Island
National Trust island of heath, lagoon, and woodland in Poole Harbour. Famous for red squirrels, birdlife, and memorable coastal walking.
- Must visit
Sandbanks
Sandy peninsula with sweeping harbour and bay views, beach access, and an easy walking route. Popular for sunsets, watersports scenery, and open space.
- Gluten-free
Poole Crab
Fresh shellfish long landed on Poole Quay. Locally served crab highlights the harbour’s fishing heritage and is prized for sweet, delicate meat.
Toad In The Hole
A Dorset staple of local sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter. It is a comforting pub classic widely eaten across Poole and the county.
- Vegetarian
Dorset Apple Cake
Traditional Dorset fruit cake made with dried fruit, spice and tea. It is closely associated with county baking and often served sliced with tea.
The Guildhall Tavern
Elegant harbourside seafood restaurant known for refined local fish dishes, tasting menus and polished service in a special-occasion setting.
Storm Fish Restaurant
Popular waterside restaurant on Poole Quay serving fresh seafood, grilled fish and shellfish in a relaxed, lively harbour atmosphere.
Poole Arms
Well-known traditional fish and chip restaurant near the quay, valued for sustainably sourced seafood and a casual family-friendly setting.
British pound sterling (£)
Poole is moderate for UK seaside towns: lodging rises in summer, dining is mid-priced, and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4.20 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes may use tip jars, but small change only.
morebus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city center
Poole Seldown Coach Park -> Poole Railway Station
- Distance
- 0.5 km
- Travel time
- 6 min
- Contactless card payment is accepted on Morebus buses in Poole. You can also use the official morebus app for tickets and live departures.
- Poole railway station and the bus station are close together in the town centre. Check operator apps before travel, as fares can vary by route or time.
FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to Poole
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Poole 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 Poole, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Poole can start from as little as $25 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Poole is $66 ; 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 Poole is 5h 10m to travel the 73 miles (119 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 Poole leaves at 1:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cardiff to Poole leaves at 11:40 PM.
There are 18 buses a day from Cardiff to Poole which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Cardiff to Poole, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Poole. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Poole 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, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) . When arriving in Poole , you can end your journey in bus stations like Poole, Seldown Coach Park .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Poole, Seldown Coach Park, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Poole from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cardiff to Poole is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Poole including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Poole for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Poole:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Poole depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
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 Poole.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Poole:
- 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 Poole:
- 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 Poole. 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 Poole with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Poole with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Poole with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Cardiff nor Poole 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 Poole 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 Poole, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the harbor and popular beaches. Avoid unlicensed taxi services and be wary of overcharging. When using ATMs, ensure they are in secure locations to prevent card skimming. Always keep an eye on personal belongings in busy spots and follow local advice for safe travel around marine and coastal 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 Poole
Most Cardiff to Poole buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Poole, Seldown Coach Park station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Poole 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 Poole
Which Cardiff station do buses to Poole leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Poole leave from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK.
Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK
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, 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, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK
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.
Which Poole station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Poole arrive at Poole, Seldown Coach Park. Poole, Seldown Coach Park is 0 miles (1 km) from Poole city centre.
Poole, Seldown Coach ParkPoole bus station, Poole BH15 1SP, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Poole, Seldown Coach Park from Poole city centre
Bus9, 448, 744 · 8m · $2 · every ~11 min
city_sightseeing_bournemouth · 19m · every ~2 min
Poole, Seldown Coach Park bus station facilities and services
Poole, Seldown Coach Park 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 Poole, Seldown Coach Park. ATMs are available at Poole, Seldown Coach Park.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Poole, Seldown Coach Park.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Poole, Seldown Coach Park: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Poole, Seldown Coach Park: Wheelchair accessible areas are provided.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Poole
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Poole and Cardiff
Most popular bus connections to Poole
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