- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Cheapest price on Sep 13
$14
Average ticket price on Sep 13
$19
Fastest journey on Sep 13
4 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 13
4 h 55 m
Buses on Sep 13
5
Distance
88 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Exeter to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Cardiff will cost around $19 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.
On Sun, Sep 13, we found 5 buses from Exeter to Cardiff, including 5 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 13 the direct buses cover the 88 km distance in an average of 4 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 45 m .
On Sun, Sep 13 the slowest buses will take 5 h 5 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $29 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 38m. 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 $29, while a train costs an average of $81.
Distance: 54 miles (88 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$29 Average price Cheapest | $81 Average price | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 58m Average total duration 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 38m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m 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 Exeter to Cardiff:
A bus is $53 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Cardiff costing on average $81.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 28m.
Tickets start at around $29 compared to roughly $40 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $11. The journey takes 3h 28m versus 2h 6m 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 12:10AM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $14 |
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Cardiff buses for today, Saturday, September 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:25 PM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 4h00 | 12:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, September 13 | |||||
![]() | 9:10 AM Exeter | 5h05 | 2:15 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:20 AM Exeter | 4h45 | 4:05 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:20 PM Exeter | 4h45 | 5:05 PM Cardiff | 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 Exeter to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 54 miles (88 km) distance in 2h 40m.
Distance 54 miles (88 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 2h 40m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.
Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.
Revitalised waterfront district with basin views, modern landmarks, trails, and easy access to culture, public art, and waterside walks.
Large central park behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, arboretum views, sculptures, and quick escapes from the busy centre.
Victorian shopping arcade packed with independent boutiques and period detail, representing Cardiff’s famous arcade culture at its best.
A Welsh breakfast staple of seaweed cooked into a savoury puree, often served with oats or alongside bacon and cockles. It is a classic taste of Welsh coastal cooking.
Cockles gathered from the Welsh coast, commonly eaten with laverbread. They are a long-standing local delicacy linked to South Wales seaside food culture.
A traditional Welsh broth made with lamb or beef, root vegetables, and leeks. It is hearty, homely, and closely associated with Welsh family cooking.
Refined modern British dining with tasting menus in an elegant city-centre setting. It is one of Cardiff’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants.
A stylish venue known for seasonal Welsh ingredients, creative small plates, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere near the city centre.
Historic indoor market ideal for casual local food, Welsh cakes, fresh produce, and traditional snacks. It offers a lively everyday taste of Cardiff.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10%. Taxi tips are optional, often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tipping, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens) -> Cardiff Central Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter 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.

Most Exeter to Cardiff buses use the Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court. ATMs are available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court.
Available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court: Wheelchair accessible.
Exeter, Honiton Road is 3 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter, Honiton Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café in the station (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter, Honiton Road.
Available at Exeter, Honiton Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter, Honiton Road: Ramps.
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.
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB). ATMs are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB).
Available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB): Accessible via ramped access.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need