Cardiff to Birmingham bus with National Express

Sun, Oct 04
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Avanza
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Avanza
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Birmingham

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 04

Cheapest price on Oct 04

€10

Average ticket price on Oct 04

€22

Fastest journey on Oct 04

2 h 35 m

Average journey duration on Oct 04

3 h 7 m

Buses on Oct 04

11

Distance

142 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Birmingham will cost around €22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €10.

Fast buses

On Sun, Oct 04, we found 11 buses from Cardiff to Birmingham, including 7 direct services.

On Sun, Oct 04 the direct buses cover the 142 km distance in an average of 3 h 7 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 35 m .

On Sun, Oct 04 the slowest buses will take 3 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    6:20 PM2h50
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    9:10 PMBirmingham
    €101One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    6:10 AM3h45
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    9:55 AMBirmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway
    €111One-way
    0 transfers
  • National ExpressNX202 · NX100
    4:45 AM3h45
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    8:30 AMBirmingham, Coach Station
    €141One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX202 · NX100
    6:40 AM4h20
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    11:00 AMBirmingham, Coach Station
    €191One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX111
    4:40 PM3h20
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    8:00 PMBirmingham, Coach Station
    €201One-way
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Birmingham run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €7 if you book in advance.

There are 7 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 142 km distance in 2h 25m.

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
142 km
Average bus duration
3h 21m
Cheapest ticket price
€7
Buses per day
11
Direct buses
7
Fastest bus
2h 25m
First bus
12:45 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
21 days
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

Live departures

Cardiff to Birmingham bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Birmingham buses for today, Saturday, October 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
CrossCountryXC017200+Transport for WalesY61991
On time
11:10 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h40
1:50 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus12:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
3h30
3:45 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX11212:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
2h35
3:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX202 · NX10012:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h55
5:30 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus4:00 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
4h15
8:15 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX1114:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h20
8:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
3h45
8:25 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus6:20 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
2h50
9:10 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
Sunday, October 4
National ExpressNX202 · NX1004:45 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h45
8:30 AM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus6:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
3h45
9:55 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX202 · NX1006:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h20
11:00 AM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX1118:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
3h20
12:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cardiff to Birmingham buses with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Cardiff to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Birmingham.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Birmingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Birmingham.

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Cardiff to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Birmingham with National Express, FlixBus for as low as €7. 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 FlixBus Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€7
FlixBus frequency
4 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 National Express Duration
2h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
€10
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.

FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to Birmingham

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Birmingham can start from as little as €7 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Birmingham is €18; 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 Cardiff to Birmingham is 2h 25m to travel the 142 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 Cardiff to Birmingham leaves at 12:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Birmingham leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 7 direct coaches a day from Cardiff to Birmingham with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Birmingham, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Birmingham. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Cardiff , you have various coach station options to start your trip from including Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Newport, Queensway, Cardiff, University, Weston-super-Mare, Regent St (Interchange), Weston-super-Mare, Diamond Batch Car Park Stop (Worle Station) . When arriving in Birmingham , you can end your trip in coach stations like Birmingham, Coach Station, Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway, Birmingham, Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) .Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Birmingham, Coach Station, located 1 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Birmingham:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Birmingham for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Birmingham depends on the coach companies:
  • 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 National Express, FlixBus.
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 Cardiff to Birmingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Birmingham:
  • 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 Cardiff to Birmingham:
  • 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 Cardiff to Birmingham. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Birmingham with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Birmingham with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Birmingham with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Birmingham

Most Cardiff to Birmingham buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Birmingham, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Birmingham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Birmingham

Which Cardiff station do buses to Birmingham leave from?

Buses from Cardiff to Birmingham leave from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. The station is 1 km from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK.
Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre

Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · €2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cardiff, Sophia Gardens bus station facilities and services

Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre

TRUE

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) bus station facilities and services

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.

Cardiff, University
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · €1 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min

Most popular bus connections from Cardiff

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