Cardiff to Exeter bus with National Express

Sat, Nov 29
+ Add return
National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
Alsa
AirCoach
1,000+ travel companies
National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
Alsa
AirCoach
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Exeter

Showing times and prices for Dec 02

Cheapest price

€14

Average price

€21

Fastest journey

4 h 30 m

Average duration

5 h 4 m

Buses per day

4

Distance

88 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Exeter will cost around €21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €14.

Fast buses

Of the 4 buses that leave Cardiff for Exeter on Tue, Dec 02, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 02 the direct buses cover the 88 km distance in an average of 5 h 4 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 30 m .

On Tue, Dec 02 the slowest buses will take 5 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.

FlixBus
03:00PM5h15
Cardiff
08:15PMExeter
141One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus
02:45AM5h00
Cardiff
07:45AMExeter
161One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus
10:35PM5h30
Cardiff
04:05AMExeter
251One-way
0 transfers
National Express
03:30PM4h30
Cardiff
08:00PMExeter
281One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Exeter

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 7m. 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 €11, and a train costs an average of €30.

Distance: 88 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€17

Average price

Cheapest

€71

Average price

3h 37m

Average total duration

3h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 37m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

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

Cardiff to Exeter bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Exeter buses for today, Monday, December 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 4:01 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressNX202 · NX101
On time
8:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h20
12:50 PM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court
1 transfer
national_expressNX202 · NX10410:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h10
2:50 PM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus10:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
5h45
4:25 PM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 transfer
national_expressNX202 · NX10212:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h10
6:45 PM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus4:00 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
5h15
9:15 PM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 transfer
national_expressNX216 · NX1068:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h40
1:55 AM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus11:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
5h30
5:05 AM Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court1 transfer
Tuesday, December 2
meinfernbus_flixbus2:45 AM Cardiff
5h00
7:45 AM Exeter0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Exeter by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Tue
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04
Fri
Dec 05
Sat
Dec 06
Sun
Dec 07
Mon
Dec 08

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Exeter

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Exeter run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €11 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 88 km distance in 4h 10m.

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
88 km
Average bus duration
3h 7m
Cheapest ticket price
€11
Buses per day
10
Fastest bus
4h 10m
First bus
00:45
Last bus
23:35
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: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus from Cardiff to ExeterYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Exeter with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as €11. 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
4h 10m
Cheapest Price
€11
FlixBus frequency
3 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
4h 30m
Cheapest Price
€28
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
4h 17m
Cheapest Price
€18
Megabus frequency
13 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.

FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to Exeter

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

FAQs
The first coach from Cardiff to Exeter leaves at 04: 40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Cardiff to Exeter leaves at 23: 20.
For the best Cardiff to Exeter coach to purchase, you can travel safely and comfortably with CrossCountry, Megabus or National Express. However, it's always good to check all possible coach companies with services between Cardiff and Exeter to compare what amenities they may offer.

When departing from Cardiff, you have various coach station options to start your route from including Cardiff, University, Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB) and Cardiff, Millennium Stadium. When arriving in Exeter, you can end your trip in coach stations like Exeter, Sidmouth Road (Sowton Park And Ride), Exeter, Honiton Road Park and Ride and Exeter, Honiton Road.

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, University, which is located around 1.1 miles (1.8 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Exeter, Sidmouth Road (Sowton Park And Ride), located 3.2 miles (5.1 km) away from the city centre.

The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Exeter is May.
Yes, you can take a coach to Exeter from Cardiff.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Exeter

Cardiff
Exeter
The major bus station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens for your trip from Cardiff to Exeter.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, Millennium Stadium
information
Cardiff, University
information
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
information

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Exeter

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular bus connections to Exeter

HomeBusesBus tickets to ExeterCardiff to Exeter bus

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone