- 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
$59
Average price
$59
Fastest journey
12 h 15 m
Average duration
12 h 15 m
Buses per day
1
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 $59.
Of the 1 buses that leave Sunderland for Cardiff on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 399 km distance in an average of 12 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 15 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 12 h 15 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 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 $121.
Distance: 247 miles (399 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$53 Average price Cheapest | $288 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 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sunderland to Cardiff costing on average $288.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 0m.
Tickets start at around $53 compared to roughly $110 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $57. 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 05:35AM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $59 |
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 Tue | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 12h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $48 |
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 Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $74 |
The table below shows live departures for Sunderland to Cardiff buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX436 · NX507 | 11:35 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 12h35 | 12:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:55 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 11h45 | 11:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
![]() | 11:30 AM Sunderland | 12h15 | 11:45 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 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 |
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.
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 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.

Most Sunderland to Cardiff buses use the Sunderland, Interchange to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). Use this guide to compare Sunderland and Cardiff bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Sunderland, Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets available.
Free WiFi available in waiting areas. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Sunderland, Interchange.
Available at Sunderland, Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sunderland, Interchange: Step-free access throughout.
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.
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