- Must visit
STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway
Major railway museum in the former works. Interactive displays, locomotives, and hands-on exhibits make it Swindon’s standout heritage attraction.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
€14
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€14
Fastest journey on Sep 18
1 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
1 h 40 m
Buses on Sep 18
1
Distance
97 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Swindon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Swindon will cost around €14 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €14.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 1 buses from Cardiff to Swindon, including 1 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 97 km distance in an average of 1 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 40 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 1 h 40 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
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Swindon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 47m. 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 €21, while a train costs an average of €39.
Distance: 60 miles (97 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€21 Average price Cheapest | €39 Average price | €22 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 3m Average total duration 3h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 47m Average total duration Fastest 1h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Swindon:
A bus is €18 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Swindon costing on average €39.
Other travel options to Swindon take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 33m.
Tickets start at around €21 compared to roughly €22 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €0.94. The journey takes 3h 33m versus 1h 27m 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 Megabus, FlixBus.
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 12:40AM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 03:20AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €14 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Swindon buses for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 1:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1h40 | 3:20 AM Swindon, Regent Circus (Stop C) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Swindon run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €8 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:01, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 60 miles (97 km) distance in 1h 40m.
Distance 60 miles (97 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price €8 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 1h 40m |
First bus 12:01 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Swindon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Swindon trip today.
Major railway museum in the former works. Interactive displays, locomotives, and hands-on exhibits make it Swindon’s standout heritage attraction.
Museum in Lydiard House presenting the estate’s history, decorated rooms, and collections connected to one of Swindon’s grandest homes.
Volunteer-run railway heritage site with exhibits, restored stock, and a nostalgic station atmosphere on the edge of Swindon.
Large country park with lakes, woodland, and formal grounds around Lydiard House. A favorite for walks, picnics, and heritage scenery.
Historic district with independent shops, period buildings, and a lively atmosphere. Ideal for strolling and seeing Swindon beyond the outlet area.
Former railway village now known for heritage streets, murals, and easy access to STEAM, outlet shopping, and industrial history walks.
A Wiltshire classic of cured pork, usually sliced for sandwiches or breakfasts. It reflects the county's long pork-curing tradition.
A crumbly cow's milk cheese from Wiltshire with a fresh, tangy taste. It is a regional staple often served on cheese boards or in ploughman's lunches.
A traditional English dessert of stewed fruit topped with a baked crumb mixture. In Wiltshire it often features local apples or seasonal fruit.
Popular Indian restaurant known for classic curries, tandoori dishes, and friendly service in a smart casual setting.
Stylish steakhouse and grill with dry-aged beef, cocktails, and an upscale atmosphere for a higher-end meal.
Well-regarded modern British gastropub with steaks, seasonal dishes, and a polished but relaxed atmosphere.
Moderate for UK travel. Hotels are often cheaper than London, while dining and local transport are typical for southern England.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, add 10-12.5% if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Swindon Bus Station (New Bridge Close) -> Swindon Railway Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Swindon 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 Swindon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Swindon buses use the Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) to Swindon, Bus Station (New Bridge Close) station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Swindon 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need