Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Glasgow to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Glasgow to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $83 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 23m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $83, while a train costs an average of $179.
Distance: 306 miles (493 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$179 Average price | $83 Average price Cheapest | $179 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 23m Average total duration Fastest 5h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 38m Average total duration 13h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Glasgow to Cardiff:
A bus is $96 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Glasgow to Cardiff costing on average $179.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 38m.
You'll arrive about 1h 6m sooner (5h 53m by train vs 6h 59m by car). Tickets start at around $179 compared to roughly $179 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Travel optionsfrom Glasgow to Cardiff
How to get from Glasgow to Cardiff by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Glasgow to Cardiff is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
NX181 · NX101 · NX20211:00 PM13h05Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station12:05 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens$471One-way2 transfers
Cheapest
NX181 · NX101 · NX20211:00 PM13h05Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station12:05 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens$471One-way2 transfers
Fastest
G38856+
W849161:12 PM7h32Glasgow Central (GLC)8:44 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$1071One-way1 transfer
Other options
G38859+
W849203:05 PM7h46Glasgow Central (GLC)10:51 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$951One-way1 transfer
NX590 · NX1118:40 AM11h30Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station8:10 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens$521One-way1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus10:40 PM14h25Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station1:05 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$571One-way1 transfer
NX590 · NX100 · NX2028:40 AM13h20Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station10:00 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens$591One-way2 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
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FAQs: Travel from Glasgow 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 Glasgow to Cardiff.

This is compared to other travel options from Glasgow to Cardiff:
A bus is $51 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Glasgow to Cardiff costing on average $110.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 10m.
- Around 10 buses per day.
- Around 6 trains per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Glasgow and Cardiff as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Trains mostly depart from Glasgow Central (GLC) and arrive in Cardiff Central (CDF).
- Buses mostly depart from Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station and arrive in Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
- Travel with National Express, FlixBus to go to Cardiff by bus.
- Travel with Transpennine Express, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales to go to Cardiff by train.
Travelling from Glasgow to Cardiff: related information
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