- 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
$27
Average price
$84
Fastest journey
4 h 55 m
Average duration
5 h 7 m
Buses per day
18
Distance
136 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Oxford to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Oxford to Cardiff will cost around $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
It's difficult to get from Oxford to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
OLOXT · NX509
TALGW · NX202
TALHR · NX201
TALGW · NX201
TALGW · NX201
TALGW · NX201
TALGW · NX201
TALGW · NX201
TALHR · NX201Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oxford to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. 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 $12, and a train costs an average of $46.
Distance: 84 miles (136 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$40 Average price Cheapest | $96 Average price | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 17m Average total duration 4h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Oxford to Cardiff:
A bus is $56 (€45) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Oxford to Cardiff costing on average $96 (€77).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 47m.
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 01:25AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:27AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 6h33 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:42AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 6h18 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 11:59PM | Duration 6h34 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:59PM | Duration 6h29 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:43PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 6h12 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 03:15AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 03:15AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:33PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 6h12 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
The table below shows live departures for Oxford to Cardiff buses for today, Monday, June 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OLOXT · NX507 | Delayed 4:17 PM 5:27 AMOxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 6h33 | 12:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
TALGW · NX201 | On time 3:30 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 5h30 | 9:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
OLOXT · NX509 | On time 5:25 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 6h34 | 11:59 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
OLOXT · NX509 | On time 8:30 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 6h25 | 2:55 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
OLOXT · NX509 | On time 9:00 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 6h45 | 3:45 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
TALGW · NX201 | On time 9:15 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 6h45 | 4:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, June 2 | |||||
TALHR · NX201 | Delayed 5:00 AM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 6h00 | 1:25 PM 1:25 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
TALGW · NX202 | On time 6:30 AM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 5h35 | 12:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
TALGW · NX201 | Delayed 7:30 AM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 4h55 | 1:25 PM 1:25 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
TALGW · NX202 | On time 8:30 AM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 5h35 | 2:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
TALGW · NX201 | On time 9:30 AM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 4h55 | 2:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:45 AM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 6h25 | 4:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
TALGW · NX202 | On time 10:30 AM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 6h00 | 4:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
TALGW · NX201 | On time 11:30 AM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 5h15 | 4:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
TALHR · NX202 | On time 12:10 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 6h05 | 6:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
TALGW · NX201 | On time 1:30 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 5h10 | 6:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
TALHR · NX202 | On time 2:10 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 5h55 | 8:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia 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 Oxford to Cardiff run on average 31 times per day, taking around 4h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:50, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 84 miles (136 km) distance in 4h 50m.
Distance 84 miles (136 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Buses per day 31 |
Fastest bus 4h 50m |
First bus 12:50 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 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 Oxford 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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