- 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 Sep 19
$58
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$71
Fastest journey on Sep 19
4 h 37 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
4 h 40 m
Buses on Sep 19
16
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 $71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.
It's difficult to get from Reading to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
RRRA1 · NX201
RRRA1 · NX201
RRRA1 · NX201
RRRA1 · NX201
RRRA1 · NX201
RRRA1 · NX201
RRRA1 · NX201
RRRA1 · NX201
RRRA1 · NX201
RRRA1 · NX201Omio 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 an average ticket price of $76 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 7m. 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 $76, while a train costs an average of $97.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$76 Average price Cheapest | $97 Average price | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 57m Average total duration 4h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 7m Average total duration Fastest 1h 37m 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 $22 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Cardiff costing on average $97.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 27m.
Tickets start at around $76 compared to roughly $40 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-35.35. The journey takes 4h 27m versus 2h 12m 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.
| 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, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:41AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 4h44 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:21AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 5h54 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:44AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 4h41 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:23AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 5h52 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:43AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 4h42 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:23PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 5h32 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:43PM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 4h42 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:23PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 5h27 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:43PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 4h52 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:44PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 5h16 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:23PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 5h37 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
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, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:49PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 4h51 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:31PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 5h19 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:03PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 4h37 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
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 $55 |
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Cardiff buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RRRA1 · NX202 | 10:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 6h20 | 4:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX201 | 11:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h15 | 5:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX202 | 12:25 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 6h05 | 6:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX201 | 1:45 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h55 | 6:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX202 | 2:25 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h40 | 8:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX201 | 3:44 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h16 | 9:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX202 | 4:20 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h40 | 10:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX201 | 5:43 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h57 | 10:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX202 | 7:31 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h19 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX201 | 9:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h37 | 1:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX201 | 10:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h57 | 4:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
RRRA1 · NX201 | 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 | 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 | 9:44 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h41 | 2:25 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 Reading to Cardiff run on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $11 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 4h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 2h 30m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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 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.

Most Reading to Cardiff buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). Use this guide to compare Reading and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
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.
Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent) is 2 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent) 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 (St Josephs Convent). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent).
Available at Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent): Basic accessibility features available for limited mobility.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need