Plymouth to Cardiff bus with FlixBus

Tue, Sep 08
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National Express
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Stagecoach South West
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Plymouth to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 08

Cheapest price on Sep 08

$21

Average ticket price on Sep 08

$23

Fastest journey on Sep 08

6 h 15 m

Average journey duration on Sep 08

6 h 46 m

Buses on Sep 08

2

Distance

141 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Plymouth to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Plymouth to Cardiff will cost around $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.

Fast buses

On Tue, Sep 08, we found 2 buses from Plymouth to Cardiff, including 2 direct services.

On Tue, Sep 08 the direct buses cover the 141 km distance in an average of 6 h 46 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 15 m .

On Tue, Sep 08 the slowest buses will take 7 h 16 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.

  • FlixBus
    6:10 PM6h15
    Plymouth
    12:25 AMCardiff
    $211One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBus
    11:59 PM7h16
    Plymouth
    7:15 AMCardiff
    $251One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Plymouth to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Plymouth to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $36 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 23m. 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 $36, while a train costs an average of $101.

Distance: 87 miles (141 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Driving

$36

Average price

Cheapest

$101

Average price

$55

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 18m

Average total duration

4h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 23m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 50m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Plymouth to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $36 (€29).

This is compared to other travel options from Plymouth to Cardiff:

A bus is $65 (€52) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Plymouth to Cardiff costing on average $101 (€82).

The fastest way to travel from Plymouth to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 2h 53m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 48m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Plymouth and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Plymouth to Cardiff among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around $36 (€29) compared to roughly $55 (€45) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $19 (€16). The journey takes 4h 48m versus 2h 50m 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.

Plymouth to Cardiff Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:00AM
Arrival Time
12:10PM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:50AM
Arrival Time
01:40PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:10AM
Arrival Time
02:15PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$42
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:05AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$19
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:15PM
Arrival Time
06:30PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$45
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:25PM
Arrival Time
10:00PM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:30PM
Arrival Time
09:10PM
Duration
5h40
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$26
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:40PM
Arrival Time
09:20PM
Duration
5h40
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$22
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:50PM
Arrival Time
10:15PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$19
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:10PM
Arrival Time
12:25AM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Sun
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:10PM
Arrival Time
12:25AM
Duration
5h15
Departure days
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$18
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:59PM
Arrival Time
05:25AM
Duration
6h26
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:59PM
Arrival Time
06:25AM
Duration
6h26
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$20

Live departures

Plymouth to Cardiff bus times

The table below shows live departures for Plymouth to Cardiff buses for today, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:59 PM Plymouth, Coach Station
6h26
6:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 transfer
Tuesday, September 8
FlixBus6:10 PM Plymouth
6h15
12:25 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Plymouth to Cardiff by train or bus

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.

Tue
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11
Sat
Sep 12
Sun
Sep 13
Mon
Sep 14

Why should you book Plymouth to Cardiff buses with Omio?

FlixBus as well as National Express, Megabus, Stagecoach South West and more offer buses services from Plymouth to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Plymouth to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express, Megabus or Stagecoach South West to find the best option for your trip from Plymouth to Cardiff.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Plymouth to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express, Megabus or Stagecoach South West to find the best option for your trip from Plymouth to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Plymouth to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Plymouth to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Plymouth to Cardiff run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $14 (€11) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 87 miles (141 km) distance in 3h 50m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
87 miles (141 km)
Average bus duration
4h 48m
Cheapest ticket price
$14 (€11)
Buses per day
9
Fastest bus
3h 50m
First bus
12:10 AM
Last bus
11:35 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
5 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: FlixBus, National Express from Plymouth to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Plymouth to Cardiff with FlixBus, National Express for as low as $14 (€11). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
4h 11m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$14 (€11)
FlixBus frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
3h 50m
Cheapest National Express Price
$23 (€18)
National Express frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Complete guide to Cardiff

Things to do in Cardiff

Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.

  • 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.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a casual lunch.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Bus from Plymouth to Cardiff

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Plymouth 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Plymouth to Cardiff can start from as little as $14 (€11) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Plymouth to Cardiff is $36 (€29) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Plymouth to Cardiff is 3h 50m to travel the 87 miles (141 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Plymouth to Cardiff leaves at 12:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Plymouth to Cardiff leaves at 11:35 PM.
There are 9 buses a day from Plymouth to Cardiff which require at least one change with FlixBus, National Express, Megabus, Stagecoach South West. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Plymouth to Cardiff, you can count on FlixBus, National Express, Megabus, Stagecoach South West for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Plymouth and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Plymouth , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Plymouth, Coach Station . When arriving in Cardiff , you can end your journey in bus stations like Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Newport, Queensway, Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB), Weston-super-Mare, Regent St (Interchange), Weston-super-Mare, Diamond Batch Car Park Stop (Worle Station), Cardiff, University .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Plymouth, Coach Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Cardiff from Plymouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Plymouth to Cardiff is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Plymouth and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Plymouth to Cardiff:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Plymouth to Cardiff for bus company FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Cardiff are:
  • Cardiff Castle, a historic fortress with Roman and Norman roots offering guided tours and events
  • St Fagans National Museum of History, an open-air museum showcasing Welsh life and culture through reconstructed buildings and exhibits
  • Cardiff Bay, a vibrant waterfront area with dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions
  • National Museum Cardiff, featuring art, archaeology, and natural history collections
  • Bute Park, a large green space perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.
The best things to do in Cardiff include:
  • Millennium Centre, a renowned arts venue hosting opera, ballet, and theater performances
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife in Cardiff's city center with its array of pubs and clubs
  • Take a boat tour around Cardiff Bay for scenic views and historical insights
  • Visit the Cardiff International White Water for an adventurous day of rafting and kayaking
  • Enjoy shopping and dining at the bustling Cardiff Market, offering local produce and unique finds.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Plymouth to Cardiff depends on the bus companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Plymouth to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Plymouth to Cardiff:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Plymouth to Cardiff:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Plymouth to Cardiff. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Plymouth to Cardiff with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Plymouth to Cardiff with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Plymouth to Cardiff with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
Since neither Plymouth nor Cardiff are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Plymouth to Cardiff among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Cardiff, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Cardiff Central Station and popular tourist spots. Taxi scams can occur, so it’s advisable to use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps. Additionally, travelers should be aware of occasional street distractions designed to divert attention while accomplices attempt theft. Staying vigilant and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Plymouth to Cardiff

Most Plymouth to Cardiff buses use the Plymouth, Coach Station to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Use this guide to compare Plymouth and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Plymouth
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff

Which Plymouth station do buses to Cardiff leave from?

Buses from Plymouth to Cardiff leave from Plymouth, Coach Station. The station is from Plymouth city centre at Plymouth Coach Station, Plymouth PL1 1LR, UK.
Plymouth, Coach StationPlymouth Coach Station, Plymouth PL1 1LR, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Plymouth, Coach Station from Plymouth city centre

TRUE

Plymouth, Coach Station bus station facilities and services

Plymouth, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth, Coach Station. ATMs are available at Plymouth, Coach Station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Plymouth, Coach Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Plymouth, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth, Coach Station: Station is accessible with ramps and level access.

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