- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in central Cardiff.
Cheapest price
$11
Average price
$14
Fastest journey
2 h 45 m
Average duration
3 h 16 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
89 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cheltenham to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cheltenham to Cardiff will cost around $14 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $11.
Of the 4 buses that leave Cheltenham for Cardiff on Sun, Jun 21, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 89 km distance in an average of 3 h 16 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 45 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 3 h 50 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $9.
Distance: 55 miles (89 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$12 Average price Cheapest | $19 Average price | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 0m Average total duration 2h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 24m 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 Cheltenham to Cardiff:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cheltenham to Cardiff costing on average $19 (€16).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 30m.
Tickets start at around $12 (€10) compared to roughly $24 (€20) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $12 (€10). The journey takes 2h 30m versus 1h 24m 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, National Express.
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 National Express | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 5h36 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $44 |
The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Cardiff buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:20 PM Cheltenham | 2h45 | 4:05 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:20 PM Cheltenham | 2h45 | 5:05 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:25 PM Cheltenham | 2h50 | 9:15 PM Cardiff | 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 Cheltenham to Cardiff run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $7 (€6) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:15, the last at 23:47. The fastest bus covers the 55 miles (89 km) distance in 2h 45m.
Distance 55 miles (89 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€6) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 45m |
First bus 2:15 AM |
Last bus 11:47 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in central Cardiff.
Open-air museum showcasing Welsh historic buildings, traditions, and everyday life on a large heritage site.
City museum covering Cardiff’s social history, industry, communities, and urban development.
Revitalized waterfront district with promenades, public buildings, and popular photo-friendly views.
Large central park ideal for riverside walks, greenery, and easy access from the castle.
Network of historic Victorian and Edwardian arcades prized for architecture and local independent shops.
Traditional Welsh soup or stew, usually made with lamb or beef, leeks, potatoes, and root vegetables. It is one of Wales’s best-known comfort dishes.
A classic Welsh dish of toasted bread topped with a savory cheese sauce, often seasoned with mustard or ale. It is a staple in pubs and cafes across Cardiff.
A traditional Welsh vegetarian sausage made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. It is especially associated with South Wales.
Well-known steakhouse in central Cardiff, praised for quality Welsh beef, polished service, and a lively modern atmosphere.
Highly regarded fine-dining venue serving well-presented British dishes in a unique and memorable setting.
Long-running Portuguese restaurant popular for grilled meat, seafood, and generous portions in a warm, traditional setting.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels can rise on event days, but food, transport, and pubs are usually moderate for UK city travel.
Service charge is not always included. Tip about 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service, round up taxis, and tipping in pubs or cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff -> Cardiff Central Station, Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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