- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in central Cardiff.
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$50
Fastest journey
2 h 30 m
Average duration
3 h 48 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Reading to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Cardiff will cost around $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 6 buses that leave Reading for Cardiff on Sun, Jun 21, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 153 km distance in an average of 3 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 30 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 4 h 44 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 30m. 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 $11, and a train costs an average of $45.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$56 Average price Cheapest | $68 Average price | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 14m Average total duration 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg 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 Reading to Cardiff:
A bus is $12 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Cardiff costing on average $68 (€56).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 44m.
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 National Express | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:41AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 4h44 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:21AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 5h44 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:44AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 4h41 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:23AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 5h52 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:43AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 4h42 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:23PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 5h32 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:43PM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 4h42 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:23PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 5h27 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:43PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 4h52 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:44PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 5h16 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:23PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 5h37 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:43PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 4h57 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:56PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 4h44 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:43PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 4h57 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:49PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 4h51 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:31PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 5h19 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:03PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 4h37 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:03PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 4h37 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:03PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 5h57 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $58 |
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Cardiff buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RRRA1 · NX201 | On time 5:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h35 | 11:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX202 | 6:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h40 | 12:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX201 | On time 7:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h40 | 12:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX202 | 8:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h40 | 2:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX201 | On time 9:44 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h41 | 2:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX202 | 10:23 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h52 | 4:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX201 | On time 11:43 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h42 | 4:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX202 | 12:23 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h32 | 5:55 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX201 | On time 1:43 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h42 | 6:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX202 | 2:23 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h27 | 7:50 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX201 | On time 3:43 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h52 | 8:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX202 | 4:23 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h37 | 10:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX201 | On time 5:49 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h51 | 10:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX202 | 7:20 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h30 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX201 | On time 9:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h37 | 1:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX201 | On time 10:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h57 | 4:00 AM 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 Reading to Cardiff run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 2h 30m.
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 2h 30m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 geology collections in central Cardiff.
Open-air museum showcasing Welsh historic buildings, traditions, and everyday life on a large heritage site.
City museum covering Cardiff’s social history, industry, communities, and urban development.
Revitalized waterfront district with promenades, public buildings, and popular photo-friendly views.
Large central park ideal for riverside walks, greenery, and easy access from the castle.
Network of historic Victorian and Edwardian arcades prized for architecture and local independent shops.
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.
A classic Welsh dish of toasted bread topped with a savory cheese sauce, often seasoned with mustard or ale. It is a staple in pubs and cafes across Cardiff.
A traditional Welsh vegetarian sausage made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. It is especially associated with South Wales.
Well-known steakhouse in central Cardiff, praised for quality Welsh beef, polished service, and a lively modern atmosphere.
Highly regarded fine-dining venue serving well-presented British dishes in a unique and memorable setting.
Long-running Portuguese restaurant popular for grilled meat, seafood, and generous portions in a warm, traditional setting.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels can rise on event days, but food, transport, and pubs are usually moderate for UK city travel.
Service charge is not always included. Tip about 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service, round up taxis, and tipping in pubs or cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff -> Cardiff Central Station, Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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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