- Must visit
National Waterfront Museum
Major waterfront museum covering Wales's industrial and maritime story with interactive galleries in a landmark copper-smelting area.
Cheapest price
$7
Average price
$7
Fastest journey
50 m
Average duration
54 m
Buses per day
49
Distance
55 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Swansea is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Swansea will cost around $7 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $7.
Of the 49 buses that leave Cardiff for Swansea on Mon, Jul 27, 49 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 27 the direct buses cover the 55 km distance in an average of 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 50 m .
On Mon, Jul 27 the slowest buses will take 55 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
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX111
NX507
NX507
NX507
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Swansea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $4, and a train costs an average of $5.
Distance: 34 miles (55 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$6 Average price Cheapest | $10 Average price | $13 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 46m Average total duration 1h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 27m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg 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 Swansea:
A bus is $4 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Swansea costing on average $10 (€10).
Other travel options to Swansea take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 16m.
Tickets start at around $6 (€6) compared to roughly $13 (€13) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $7 (€7). The journey takes 1h 16m versus 1h 3m 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.
Direct services are operated by National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
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 12:30AM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10AM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 01:13PM | Duration 0h58 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 1h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 08:43PM | Duration 0h58 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 10:18PM | Duration 0h58 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 10:48PM | Duration 0h58 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 10:58PM | Duration 0h58 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 12:38AM | Duration 0h58 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Swansea buses for today, Sunday, July 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 10:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h00 | 11:30 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 11:40 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:20 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 12:30 AM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:20 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h20 | 12:40 AM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX507 | 11:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0h58 | 12:38 AM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:30 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h20 | 1:50 AM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:30 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 1:40 AM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 2:15 AM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0h55 | 2:05 AM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 5:20 AM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h20 | 5:30 AM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:30 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0h55 | 7:25 AM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:30 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 7:35 AM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:55 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 11:00 AM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:55 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0h55 | 10:50 AM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:50 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 12:55 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:50 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0h55 | 12:45 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX507 | 12:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1h00 | 1:05 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h20 | 1:35 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 1:25 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 2:15 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h15 | 2:25 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 2:30 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h15 | 2:40 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX507 | 2:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0h55 | 3:10 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 3:30 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h15 | 3:40 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h25 | 4:55 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 4:40 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX112 | 4:50 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1h05 | 5:55 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:00 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h20 | 6:20 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:00 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 6:10 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX507 | 5:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1h05 | 6:30 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX507 | 7:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0h55 | 8:10 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 8:30 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0h55 | 8:20 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h20 | 8:55 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 8:45 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:45 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 8:50 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:45 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h15 | 9:00 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX111 | 7:50 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0h50 | 8:40 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX507 | 8:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 0h55 | 9:20 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h10 | 9:40 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h20 | 9:50 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h15 | 10:30 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 0h55 | 10:10 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 10:20 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h05 | 10:20 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station | 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 Swansea run on average 36 times per day, taking around 1h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $4 (€4) if you book in advance.
There are 35 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 34 miles (55 km) distance in 55m.
Distance 34 miles (55 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $4 (€4) |
Buses per day 36 |
Direct buses 35 |
Fastest bus 55m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Swansea — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Swansea trip today.
Major waterfront museum covering Wales's industrial and maritime story with interactive galleries in a landmark copper-smelting area.
Excellent local museum on Swansea's history, Egyptology, natural history, and ceramics, housed in an elegant city-centre building.
Contemporary art centre presenting changing exhibitions by Welsh and international artists in a bright, modern waterfront space.
Wide sandy bay backed by a long promenade, ideal for walking, cycling, sunsets, and classic views across Swansea Bay.
Historic fishing village turned lively seaside district, loved for the pier, independent shops, sea views, and access to coastal walks.
Dramatic clifftop path section on Gower with famous views over Three Cliffs Bay, perfect for hikers and photographers.
A rich Welsh fruit loaf packed with dried fruit and tea-soaked flavor, traditionally sliced and served with butter at tea time.
A traditional Welsh seaweed puree, often served with oats and laverbread cakes. It is a signature food of the Swansea Bay coastline.
Welsh cheddar melted with ale and mustard on toast. This comforting pub classic is strongly associated with Welsh home cooking.
Popular casual spot for quality Welsh ice cream and desserts on Mumbles seafront, loved for local flavor and sea views nearby.
Well-regarded waterfront restaurant known for modern British cooking, seafood, and polished service in a smart contemporary setting.
Historic market venue famous for traditional Welsh breakfast, laverbread, and cockles in a lively local atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses, cafes, and casual meals stay fairly affordable for tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is polite if service is not included. Round up taxi fares; cafes usually only get small change or none.
Official public transport app
Swansea University Bay Campus -> Swansea Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Swansea 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 Swansea, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Swansea buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Swansea, University Bay Campus. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Swansea 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