- 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 Oct 07
$18
Average ticket price on Oct 07
$54
Fastest journey on Oct 07
4 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Oct 07
4 h 52 m
Buses on Oct 07
26
Distance
196 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Luton to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Luton to Cardiff will cost around $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
It's difficult to get from Luton to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX231 · NX201
NX230 · NX201
NX230 · NX201
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX230 · NX201Buses from Luton to Cardiff run on average 25 times per day, taking around 4h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 121 miles (196 km) distance in 3h 40m.
Distance 121 miles (196 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 |
Buses per day 25 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 11:59PM | Duration 5h54 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 03:25AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 03:25AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
The table below shows live departures for Luton to Cardiff buses for today, Tuesday, October 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX230 · NX201 | 5:20 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 5h20 | 10:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:30 PM Luton | 5h55 | 12:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · NX202 | 7:00 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 5h50 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:15 PM Luton | 5h10 | 1:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX231 · NX201 | 9:10 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 4h30 | 1:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX231 · NX201 | 10:10 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 5h50 | 4:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:25 PM Luton | 5h00 | 3:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, October 7 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:15 AM Luton | 5h30 | 10:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX240 · NX201 | 5:35 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 5h25 | 11:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NXA1 · NX507 | 6:05 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 5h45 | 11:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NXA31 · NX509 | 7:30 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 6h10 | 1:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:45 AM Luton | 5h55 | 1:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · NX202 | 8:10 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 5h55 | 2:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · NX201 | 9:40 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 4h45 | 2:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NXA31 · NX509 | 9:45 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 6h35 | 4:20 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX707 · NX112 | 10:15 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 6h25 | 4:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · NX201 | 11:25 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 5h20 | 4:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 AM Luton | 7h00 | 6:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NXA31 · NX507 | 11:45 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 6h15 | 6:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX240 · NX202 | 12:15 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 6h00 | 6:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · NX201 | 1:30 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 5h10 | 6:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NXA31 · NX507 | 1:45 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 6h55 | 8:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:15 PM Luton | 5h15 | 7:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:25 PM Luton | 6h00 | 8:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · NX201 | 4:05 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 4h55 | 9:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:20 PM Luton | 5h55 | 10:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Luton 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 Luton to Cardiff buses use the Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, University. Use this guide to compare Luton and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) is 3 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney). ATMs are available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).
Ticket office support is available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).
Available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney): Limited accessibility.
Luton, Station Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and fast food options nearby.
WiFi is available at nearby facilities. ATMs are aTM available within short walking distance.
Ticket office support is available at Luton, Station Interchange.
Available at Luton, Station Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton, Station Interchange: Ramps and accessible routes available for wheelchairs.
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, 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.
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