Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Birmingham to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 14m. 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 $12, and a train costs an average of $21.
Distance: 88 miles (142 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$19 Average price Cheapest | $49 Average price | $53 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 54m Average total duration 3h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 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 Birmingham to Cardiff:
A bus is $29 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Cardiff costing on average $49 (€39).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 24m.
Travel optionsfrom Birmingham to Cardiff
How to get from Birmingham to Cardiff by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Birmingham to Cardiff is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
FlixBus10:15 AM2h50Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway1:05 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$181One-way0 transfers
Cheapest
FlixBus10:15 AM2h50Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway1:05 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$181One-way0 transfers
Fastest
C752489:30 AM1h55Birmingham New Street (BHM)11:25 AMCardiff Central (CDF)$391One-way0 transfers
Other options
C752468:30 AM1h55Birmingham New Street (BHM)10:25 AMCardiff Central (CDF)$391One-way0 transfers
C72652+
L656918:42 AM2h17Birmingham New Street (BHM)10:59 AMCardiff Central (CDF)$451One-way1 transfer
C75459+
P226219:12 AM1h55Birmingham New Street (BHM)11:07 AMCardiff Central (CDF)$621One-way1 transfer
FlixBus8:50 AM4h25Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway1:15 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$181One-way0 transfers
FlixBus1:00 PM4h05Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway5:05 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$181One-way0 transfers
NX11110:00 AM2h40Birmingham, Coach Station12:40 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens$391One-way0 transfers
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
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.
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FAQs: Travel from Birmingham to Cardiff
Travel to Cardiff easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Birmingham to Cardiff.

This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Cardiff:
A bus is $29 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Cardiff costing on average $49 (€39).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 24m.
- Around 12 buses per day.
- Around 8 trains per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Birmingham and Cardiff as scheduled services by bus and train can vary by season or day of the week.
- Trains mostly depart from Birmingham New Street (BHM) and arrive in Cardiff Central (CDF).
- Buses mostly depart from Birmingham, Coach Station and arrive in Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
- Travel with CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country to go to Cardiff by train.
- Travel with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus to go to Cardiff by bus.
- 3 direct trains per day with CrossCountry, Cross Country.
- 7 direct buses per day with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Travelling from Birmingham to Cardiff: related information
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