- 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 Aug 29
$107
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$144
Fastest journey on Aug 29
14 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
15 h 29 m
Buses on Aug 29
7
Distance
493 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Glasgow to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Glasgow to Cardiff will cost around $144 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $107.
It's difficult to get from Glasgow to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX590 · NX509
NX591 · NX509
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX590 · NX509Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Glasgow to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $84 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 23m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $84, while a train costs an average of $182.
Distance: 306 miles (493 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$84 Average price Cheapest | $182 Average price | $182 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 38m Average total duration 13h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 23m Average total duration Fastest 5h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg 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 Glasgow to Cardiff:
A bus is $117 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Glasgow to Cardiff costing on average $203.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 12m.
Tickets start at around $86 compared to roughly $182 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $96. The journey takes 13h 12m versus 6h 59m 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.
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 07:35AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 17h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 16h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 15h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 15h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 16h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 13h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 17h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $66 |
The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Cardiff buses for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:15 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 16h25 | 11:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:40 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 14h35 | 1:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX594 · NX507 | 10:45 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 12h55 | 11:40 AM Cardiff, University | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:55 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 15h20 | 3:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
NX590 · NX509 | 8:40 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 16h10 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, University | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 15h55 | 12:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX591 · NX509 | 9:15 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 16h30 | 1:45 AM Cardiff, University | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:20 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 15h25 | 1:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
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 Glasgow to Cardiff run on average 10 times per day, taking around 13h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $35 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:40, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 306 miles (493 km) distance in 8h 55m.
Distance 306 miles (493 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 8h 55m |
First bus 1:40 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 days |
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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow to Cardiff buses use the Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Use this guide to compare Glasgow and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Buchanan (in the station), Coffee Express (in the station), Fast Bites (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station.
Available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Elevators, 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.
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