- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Major national museum with art, natural history, and archaeology collections. A top cultural stop in the city centre.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$28
Fastest journey
4 h
Average duration
4 h 18 m
Buses per day
9
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 $28 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
It's difficult to get from Exeter to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX106 · NX216
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX102 · NX202
NX106 · NX216
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 6m. 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 $13, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 54 miles (88 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$18 Average price Cheapest | $72 Average price | $39 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 58m Average total duration 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m 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 $54 (€44) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Cardiff costing on average $72 (€58).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 28m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Cardiff buses for today, Sunday, June 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:10 AM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 4h05 | 1:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX102 · NX202 | On time 9:40 AM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 4h25 | 2:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:20 PM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 4h10 | 4:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX104 · NX202 | On time 1:35 PM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 4h20 | 5:55 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:55 PM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 4h25 | 9:20 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX101 · NX202 | On time 5:05 PM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 4h55 | 10:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:25 PM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 4h00 | 12:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, June 15 | |||||
NX106 · NX216 | On time 3:15 AM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 4h25 | 7:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX101 · NX201 | 6:15 AM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 4h45 | 11:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:10 AM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 5h00 | 12:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
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 10 times per day, taking around 3h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 (€11) 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 4h 10m.
Distance 54 miles (88 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€11) |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 4h 10m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 archaeology collections. A top cultural stop in the city centre.
Open-air museum showing Welsh historic buildings, crafts, and daily life. One of Wales's most celebrated cultural attractions.
Local history museum covering Cardiff's growth from small town to capital city, with interactive displays and social history exhibits.
Waterfront district with modern public spaces, harbourside walks, major landmarks, and a lively atmosphere.
Large riverside park beside the castle, ideal for walking, cycling, and relaxing near the city centre.
Network of elegant Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades, famous for architecture and independent businesses.
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.
Toasted bread topped with a rich savoury cheese sauce, often flavoured with mustard or ale. A classic Welsh dish strongly associated with Cardiff pubs and cafes.
A traditional Welsh vegetarian sausage made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. It is a distinctive meat-free regional speciality.
Popular steakhouse focused on wood-fired cooking, quality Welsh beef, and a lively upscale atmosphere close to the city centre.
Well-known restaurant at HMP Cardiff offering refined dining with a social mission, using seasonal ingredients in a calm, professional setting.
Charming tea room near Bute Park, loved for Welsh cakes, afternoon tea, and homemade bakes in a relaxed heritage atmosphere.
Moderate by UK standards. Dining and transport are manageable, while central hotels and nightlife cost more on busy weekends.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up taxis. Not expected in pubs or cafés, but small change is 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.

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