How to travel from Glasgow to Cardiff

Sun, Sep 20
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Travel by train, bus with
Avanti West Coast
National Express
CrossCountry
Megabus
FlixBus
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Avanti West Coast
National Express
CrossCountry
Megabus
FlixBus
1,000+ more
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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.

The cheapest way to travel from Glasgow to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $83.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Glasgow to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 6h 23m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Bus takes on average 13h 38m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Glasgow and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Glasgow to Cardiff among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

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 options
from Glasgow to Cardiff

How to get from Glasgow to Cardiff by train, bus or flight.

Our recommendation

bus

The best way to travel from Glasgow to Cardiff is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

  • National ExpressNX181 · NX101 · NX202
    11:00 PM13h05
    Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
    12:05 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
    $471One-way
    2 transfers

Cheapest

  • National ExpressNX181 · NX101 · NX202
    11:00 PM13h05
    Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
    12:05 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
    $471One-way
    2 transfers

Fastest

  • Transport for WalesG38856+Transpennine ExpressW84916
    1:12 PM7h32
    Glasgow Central (GLC)
    8:44 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $1071One-way
    1 transfer

Other options

  • Transport for WalesG38859+Transpennine ExpressW84920
    3:05 PM7h46
    Glasgow Central (GLC)
    10:51 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $951One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX590 · NX111
    8:40 AM11h30
    Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
    8:10 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
    $521One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    10:40 PM14h25
    Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
    1:05 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    $571One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX590 · NX100 · NX202
    8:40 AM13h20
    Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station
    10:00 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
    $591One-way
    2 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .

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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.

FAQs
There are 2 options to travel between Glasgow and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
The cheapest way to travel from Glasgow to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $59.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Glasgow to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 6h 59m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Bus takes on average 12h 10m.

The distance from Glasgow to Cardiff is approximately 306 miles (493 km).
The average frequency per day from Glasgow to Cardiff is:
  • 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.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Glasgow to Cardiff:
  • 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).
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Glasgow to Cardiff, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • 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.
Omio customers who travel from Glasgow to Cardiff often also extend their vacation to go to London, Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham. Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Cardiff and these popular destinations at a great price.
Most travelers need at least three days in Cardiff to see the main sights at a comfortable pace. If you want day trips or a slower itinerary, consider adding extra time.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy a variety of activities and sights. Attend performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city center, or take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay. For adventure, visit Cardiff International White Water for rafting and kayaking. Shop and dine at Cardiff Market. Discover history at Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore art and culture at the National Museum Cardiff, and relax in Bute Park. Cardiff Bay also offers dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
A visit of 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient to explore Cardiff's main attractions, such as Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Cardiff Bay, while allowing time for leisure and dining experiences.
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