Bristol to Cardiff bus with Megabus

Sat, Feb 14
+ Add return
Megabus
FlixBus
National Express
Alsa
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1,000+ travel companies
Megabus
FlixBus
National Express
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bristol to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Feb 14

Cheapest price

€8

Average price

€10

Fastest journey

1 h

Average duration

1 h 10 m

Buses per day

20

Distance

41 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bristol to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bristol to Cardiff will cost around €10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €8.

Fast buses

Of the 20 buses that leave Bristol for Cardiff on Sat, Feb 14, 20 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Feb 14 the direct buses cover the 41 km distance in an average of 1 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h .

On Sat, Feb 14 the slowest buses will take 1 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.

FlixBusFlixBus
07:10PM1h15
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
08:25PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
81One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
06:00AM1h15
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
07:15AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
81One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
07:00PM1h20
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
08:20PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
81One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
12:45PM1h30
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
02:15PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
81One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
02:55PM1h40
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
04:35PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
81One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Bristol to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €5, and a train costs an average of €11.

Distance: 41 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€7

Average price

Cheapest

€23

Average price

1h 49m

Average total duration

1h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Megabus

Most popular bus company

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Bristol to Cardiff bus times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Cardiff buses for today, Friday, February 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 11:19 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus11:40 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h35
1:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus12:45 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h30
2:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus1:55 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h35
3:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus2:45 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h30
4:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus2:55 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h40
4:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus3:30 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h35
5:05 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus4:55 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h40
6:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus6:05 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h40
7:45 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus7:00 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h20
8:20 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus7:10 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h15
8:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus8:55 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h20
10:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus9:10 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h20
10:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus11:05 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h15
12:20 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
Saturday, February 14
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus12:50 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h15
2:05 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus2:50 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h15
4:05 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX216
Delayed
6:25 AM 4:35 AMBristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h00
7:30 AM 7:30 AMCardiff, University
0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus6:00 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h15
7:15 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX216
On time
6:25 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h05
7:30 AM Cardiff, University
0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus9:25 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h20
10:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus11:00 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
1h30
12:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Cardiff by bus or train

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.

Fri
Feb 13
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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bristol to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Bristol to Cardiff run on average 23 times per day, taking around 1h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €5 if you book in advance.

There are 23 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 41 km distance in 1h 5m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
41 km
Average bus duration
1h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
€5
Buses per day
23
Direct buses
23
Fastest bus
1h 5m
First bus
00:10
Last bus
23:55
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express from Bristol to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Cardiff with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express for as low as €5. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 15m
Cheapest Price
€5
FlixBus frequency
14 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 15m
Cheapest Price
€11
National Express frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 20m
Cheapest Price
€13
Megabus frequency
32 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

Buses from Bristol to Cardiff

National Express operates a direct bus service between Bristol and Cardiff. This is a one hour trip, although some services can take 20 minutes longer. There are ten buses covering this route every day, departing at least every two hours, and hourly at peak times. Coaches begin travelling this route every day at 9:15 a.m., and service ends at 1:55 a.m.

What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Bristol to Cardiff?

Departure Station: Bristol Coach Station Also known as Marlborough Street Station. The station is conveniently located between the University and the shopping area of Broadmead which can be reached on foot in just ten minutes. The cultural district and Harbourside are one mile away, and so is Temple Meads.

Arrival Station: Cardiff Coach Station Cardiff Coach Station, or Sophia Gardens Station, located by the River Taff, 0.6 miles north of the Millennium Stadium and from Cardiff Castle. There are frequent city buses connecting the station with the city centre, although the most convenient bus is number 24. The recreational area of Cardiff Bay is two and a half miles away.

Which bus companies provide the route from Bristol to Cardiff?

There is one bus provider that serves the route from Bristol to Cardiff– National Express

How long is the journey from Cardiff to Bristol on the coach?

On average the journey takes just over an hour to complete on the coach. This may var slightly depending on the coach provider and if the service includes a change or a stop.

Where do the coaches depart from and arrive to?

Departing Bristol on the coach: Bristol Coach Station is the main departure point in the city for National Express services. Located in the city centre, about a mile from Bristol Temple Meads station, the coach station can be reached on foot from most other central destinations, or by using public buses.

Getting into Cardiff on the coach: National Express buses from Bristol to Cardiff terminate at Cardiff Bus Station, which is conveniently located on the forecourt of Cardiff rail station in the heart of the city centre, and easy walking distance from most hotels and the main shopping promenade.

FAQs: Bus from Bristol to Cardiff

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Bristol to Cardiff can start from as little as €5 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bristol to Cardiff is €7; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Bristol to Cardiff is 1h 5m to travel the 41 km long trip. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Bristol to Cardiff leaves at 12:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Bristol to Cardiff leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 23 direct coaches a day from Bristol to Cardiff with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Bristol to Cardiff, you can count on Megabus, FlixBus, National Express for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Bristol and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A day trip to Cardiff from Bristol is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Bristol to Cardiff is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Cardiff including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Bristol to Cardiff:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Bristol to Cardiff for coach company Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Bristol to Cardiff depends on the coach companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus, National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Bristol to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Bristol to Cardiff:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Bristol to Cardiff:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Bristol to Cardiff. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Bristol to Cardiff with the following coach company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Bristol to Cardiff with the following coach company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Bristol to Cardiff with the following coach company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Bristol to Cardiff

Bristol
Cardiff
The major bus station for departures in Bristol is Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) for your trip from Bristol to Cardiff.
Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus)
information
Bristol, Airport Bus Station
information
HomeBusesBus tickets to CardiffBristol to Cardiff bus

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