Cardiff to Northampton bus with National Express

Fri, Jan 30
+ Add return
National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
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 Northampton

Showing times and prices for Jan 30

Cheapest price

€21

Average price

€28

Fastest journey

5 h 35 m

Average duration

6 h 33 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

179 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Northampton will cost around €28 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €21.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Cardiff for Northampton on Fri, Jan 30, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Jan 30 the direct buses cover the 179 km distance in an average of 6 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 35 m .

On Fri, Jan 30 the slowest buses will take 7 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
09:40AM7h30
Cardiff
05:10PMNorthampton
211One-way
0 transfers
National Express
07:15AM5h35
Cardiff
12:50PMNorthampton
351One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Northampton

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Northampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, and a train costs an average of €37.

Distance: 179 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€27

Average price

Cheapest

€61

Average price

6h 4m

Average total duration

5h 34m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 46m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

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 Northampton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Northampton buses for today, Thursday, January 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 8:40 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus8:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h00
3:45 PM Northampton, Town Centre1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus9:15 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h55
5:10 PM Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park)1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus10:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h00
5:40 PM Northampton, Town Centre1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus11:00 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
8h35
7:35 PM Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park)1 transfer
national_expressNX112 · NX70711:20 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h15
6:35 PM Northampton, Town Centre1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus12:45 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h20
8:05 PM Northampton, Town Centre1 transfer
national_expressNX111 · NX7071:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h10
8:50 PM Northampton, Town Centre1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus2:50 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h05
9:55 PM Northampton, Town Centre1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus4:45 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h10
11:55 PM Northampton, Town Centre1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus5:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h05
12:20 AM Northampton, Town Centre1 transfer
national_expressNX509 · NX440
On time
7:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h40
1:55 AM Northampton, Town Centre
1 transfer
Friday, January 30
national_express7:15 AM Cardiff
5h35
12:50 PM Northampton0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Northampton 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.

Fri
Jan 30
Sat
Jan 31
Sun
Feb 01
Mon
Feb 02
Tue
Feb 03
Wed
Feb 04
Thu
Feb 05

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Northampton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Northampton run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €18 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 02:35, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 179 km distance in 5h 35m.

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
179 km
Average bus duration
5h 34m
Cheapest ticket price
€18
Buses per day
13
Fastest bus
5h 35m
First bus
02:35
Last bus
23:40
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 NorthamptonYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Northampton with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as €18. 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
7h 0m
Cheapest Price
€18
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 Duration
5h 35m
Cheapest Price
€35
National Express frequency
11 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
7h 0m
Cheapest Price
€28
Megabus frequency
4 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 Northampton

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

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Northampton can start from as little as €18 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Northampton is €27; 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 Northampton is 5h 35m to travel the 179 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 Northampton leaves at 2:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Northampton leaves at 11:40 PM.
There are 13 coaches a day from Cardiff to Northampton which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Northampton, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Northampton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Northampton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Northampton from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Northampton is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Northampton including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Northampton:
  • 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 Cardiff to Northampton for coach company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Northampton 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 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 Northampton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Northampton:
  • 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 Cardiff to Northampton:
  • 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 Cardiff to Northampton. 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 Northampton with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Northampton with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Northampton with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Northampton

Cardiff
Northampton
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 Northampton.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
information
Cardiff, University
information

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Northampton

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

Most popular bus connections to Northampton

HomeBusesCardiff to Northampton 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