Cardiff to Swansea bus with National Express

Tue, Dec 16
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National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
Transport for Wales
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National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
Transport for Wales
Alsa
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Swansea

Showing times and prices for Dec 18

Cheapest price

€8

Average price

€8

Fastest journey

55 m

Average duration

55 m

Buses per day

47

Distance

55 km

Cheap tickets

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

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

Fast buses

Of the 47 buses that leave Cardiff for Swansea on Thu, Dec 18, 47 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Dec 18 the direct buses cover the 55 km distance in an average of 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 55 m .

On Thu, Dec 18 the slowest buses will take 55 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
04:25AM1h05
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
05:30AMSwansea, Quadrant Bus Station
81One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
12:35PM1h20
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
01:55PMSwansea, Quadrant Bus Station
81One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
04:10AM1h20
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
05:30AMSwansea, Quadrant Bus Station
81One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
04:40PM1h25
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
06:05PMSwansea, Quadrant Bus Station
81One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
07:20AM0h55
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
08:15AMSwansea, University Bay Campus
81One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Swansea

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Swansea 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 57m. 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 €3.

Distance: 55 km

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

€7

Average price

Cheapest

€8

Average price

1h 45m

Average total duration

1h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 27m

Average total duration

Fastest

57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.0kg

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 Swansea bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Swansea buses for today, Wednesday, December 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 6:05 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus7:20 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
0h55
8:15 AM Swansea, University Bay Campus0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus7:20 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h05
8:25 AM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus10:50 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
0h55
11:45 AM Swansea, University Bay Campus0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus10:50 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h05
11:55 AM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX201
Delayed
2:35 PM 11:05 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h15
1:50 PM 1:50 PMSwansea, Quadrant Bus Station
0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX50712:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h05
1:20 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus12:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h20
1:55 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus12:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h10
1:45 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX201
Delayed
2:35 PM 12:35 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h15
1:50 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX11112:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h10
1:55 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus1:00 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h05
2:05 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus1:00 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
0h55
1:55 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX5072:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h05
3:10 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX201
On time
2:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h15
3:50 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX1122:50 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h15
4:05 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus4:20 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h25
5:45 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus4:20 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h10
5:30 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX2024:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h20
5:55 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus4:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h25
6:05 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus4:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h15
5:55 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX201
On time
4:55 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h15
6:10 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX5075:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h15
6:40 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX1116:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h15
7:20 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX2026:20 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h15
7:35 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX201
On time
6:50 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h15
8:05 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus7:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h05
8:30 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus7:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
0h55
8:20 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX5077:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h05
8:50 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus7:50 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h15
9:05 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus7:50 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h05
8:55 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX2028:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h10
9:20 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX1118:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h10
9:25 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus8:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h10
9:35 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus8:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h20
9:45 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX201
On time
9:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h10
10:20 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX5079:20 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h05
10:25 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX20210:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h05
11:10 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus10:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h00
11:35 PM Swansea, University Bay Campus0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus10:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h10
11:45 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX201
On time
10:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h05
11:50 PM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station
0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX50711:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1h05
12:45 AM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
Thursday, December 18
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus12:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h20
1:45 AM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus12:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h10
1:35 AM Swansea, University Bay Campus0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus4:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h20
5:30 AM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus4:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h10
5:20 AM Swansea, University Bay Campus0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus4:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
1h05
5:30 AM Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus4:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
0h55
5:20 AM Swansea, University Bay Campus0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Swansea 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.

Thu
Dec 18
Fri
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Sat
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Mon
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
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Tue
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Dec 31

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Swansea

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Swansea run on average 35 times per day, taking around 1h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €5 but you can travel from only €3 by train.

There are 35 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:07, the last at 23:51. The fastest bus covers the 55 km distance in 1h 0m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €3
Distance
55 km
Average bus duration
1h 15m
Cheapest ticket price
€5
Buses per day
35
Direct buses
35
Fastest bus
1h 0m
First bus
00:07
Last bus
23:51
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €3

Bus providers: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus, Transport for Wales from Cardiff to SwanseaYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Swansea with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus, Transport for Wales for as low as €3. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
52m
Cheapest Price
€5
Transport for Wales frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

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 0m
Cheapest Price
€5
FlixBus frequency
24 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.
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 5m
Cheapest Price
€7
National Express frequency
18 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.

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
55m
Cheapest Price
€6
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 Swansea

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

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Swansea can start from as little as €4 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Swansea is €6; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The coach time from Cardiff to Swansea is on average 55 min   for the 55 km long journey, but the time it takes to go to Swansea from Cardiff by coach can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Cardiff to Swansea leaves at 04: 10. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Cardiff to Swansea leaves at 23: 51.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Cardiff to Swansea without having to change trains with Megabus, FlixBus or Transport for Wales. There are 18 direct coaches from Cardiff to Swansea each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the best Cardiff to Swansea coach to book, you can travel safely and comfortably with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus, Transport for Wales or Bus. However, it's always good to check all possible coach companies with services from Cardiff to Swansea to compare what amenities they may offer.

When departing from Cardiff, you have various coach station options to start your trip from including Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Lloyd George Ave / Herbert Street, Cardiff, University and Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). When arriving in Swansea, you can end your journey in coach stations like Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station and Swansea, University Bay Campus.

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, which is located around 0.9 miles (1.4 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station, located 0.7 miles (1.2 km) away from the city centre.

A day trip to Swansea from Cardiff is worth doing with a journey time of 55 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Cardiff to Swansea by coach is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Cardiff to Swansea including taking a train or coach.
No, the coach from Cardiff to Swansea has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Swansea.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Cardiff to Swansea.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cardiff to Swansea, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Swansea.
    No, luggage for the coach from Cardiff to Swansea needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Cardiff to Swansea.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Swansea.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Swansea.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Cardiff to Swansea.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Swansea

    Cardiff
    Swansea
    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 Swansea.
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    information
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    information
    Cardiff, University
    information
    HomeBusesBus tickets to SwanseaCardiff to Swansea bus

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