- Must visit
Museum of Liverpool
Flagship city museum on the waterfront covering Liverpool’s social history, port heritage, music, and global influence.
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$35
Fastest journey
6 h 10 m
Average duration
7 h 42 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
215 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Liverpool is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Liverpool will cost around $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 6 buses that leave Cardiff for Liverpool on Sat, Jun 20, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 215 km distance in an average of 7 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 10 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 8 h 30 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 Cardiff to Liverpool among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a train costs an average of $41.
Distance: 133 miles (215 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$34 Average price Cheapest | $77 Average price | $61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 13m Average total duration 5h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Cardiff to Liverpool:
A bus is $43 (€36) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Liverpool costing on average $77 (€63).
Other travel options to Liverpool take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 43m.
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 02:35AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 12h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 08:35AM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Liverpool buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h40 | 1:50 PM Liverpool, Liverpool One | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · NX541 | On time 9:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h00 | 5:50 PM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h20 | 8:35 PM Liverpool, Liverpool One | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · NX541 | On time 1:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h20 | 8:55 PM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · NX541 | On time 5:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h45 | 11:55 PM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:20 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h10 | 12:30 AM Liverpool, Liverpool One | 1 transfer | |
NX216 · NX100 · NX421 | 10:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 10h25 | 8:35 AM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Cardiff to Liverpool run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 133 miles (215 km) distance in 5h 50m.
Distance 133 miles (215 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 5h 50m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Liverpool — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Liverpool trip today.
Flagship city museum on the waterfront covering Liverpool’s social history, port heritage, music, and global influence.
Renowned public gallery with European old masters, Victorian works, and strong collections of painting, sculpture, and decorative art.
Leading modern and contemporary art gallery known for major exhibitions and national collection displays at the Royal Albert Dock.
Iconic waterfront promenade with Mersey views, the Three Graces, and some of the city’s best photo spots.
Scenic walking route along the Mersey connecting major sights, museums, and open views across the river.
Creative district filled with street art, warehouses, music venues, and photogenic corners popular with younger visitors.
Liverpool’s signature stew made with slow-cooked beef or lamb, potatoes, carrots and onions. It is the city’s best-known traditional dish and gave Liverpudlians the nickname Scousers.
A meat-free version of Scouse made with potatoes, carrots, onions and sometimes pearl barley or lentils. It reflects the city’s working-class food traditions.
A traditional Liverpool bread pudding made from leftover bread, dried fruit, spices and tea, usually served with custard. It is a nostalgic local dessert found in cafés and bakeries.
Refined fine-dining restaurant in a grand Victorian setting, known for modern British tasting menus and polished service.
Well-known food hall in the Baltic Triangle with a lively atmosphere and a range of street-food traders, bars and communal seating.
Upscale restaurant with city views, serving modern British dishes, seafood and afternoon tea in a stylish atmosphere.
Moderate by UK standards. Pubs, cafés, and transport are fairly priced, while hotels and waterfront dining cost more on weekends and during football matches.
Service charge may be added in restaurants; if not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. No tip needed for pubs at the bar. Round up taxi fares or add about 10%.
Official public transport app
Liverpool One Bus Station, Liverpool -> Liverpool Lime Street Station, Liverpool
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Liverpool 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 Liverpool, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Liverpool buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place station pair, with some services arriving at Liverpool, Liverpool One. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Liverpool bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café in the Station (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place.
Available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Elevators, ramps.
Liverpool, Liverpool One is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, Liverpool One has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret A Manger (in the station), Costa Coffee (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, Liverpool One.
Available at Liverpool, Liverpool One: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, Liverpool One: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need