- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in central Cardiff.
Cheapest price
$46
Average price
$59
Fastest journey
9 h 10 m
Average duration
9 h 42 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
399 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sunderland to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sunderland to Cardiff will cost around $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
It's difficult to get from Sunderland to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX426 · NX509
NX426 · NX509
NX436 · NX507
NX133 · NX111
NX133 · NX111
NX133 · NX112
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX426 · NX509Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sunderland to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a train costs an average of $120.
Distance: 247 miles (399 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$53 Average price Cheapest | $287 Average price | $110 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 30m Average total duration 10h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 23m Average total duration Fastest 5h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Sunderland to Cardiff:
A bus is $234 (€191) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sunderland to Cardiff costing on average $287 (€235).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 0m.
Tickets start at around $53 (€43) compared to roughly $110 (€90) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $56 (€46). The journey takes 10h 0m versus 6h 39m 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.
Direct services are operated by Megabus.
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 12:05AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 12h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 12h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 03:15AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
The table below shows live departures for Sunderland 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:30 PM Sunderland | 11h25 | 1:55 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:45 PM Sunderland | 12h50 | 11:35 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
NX133 · NX112 | On time 6:50 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 9h15 | 4:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX133 · NX111 | On time 8:25 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 9h10 | 5:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX133 · NX111 | On time 10:00 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 9h10 | 7:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:55 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 9h30 | 8:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:30 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 12h15 | 12:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary 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 Sunderland to Cardiff run on average 9 times per day, taking around 10h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 247 miles (399 km) distance in 11h 25m.
Distance 247 miles (399 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 11h 25m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 3 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 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 Sunderland 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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