London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff bus with National Express

Sat, May 23
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
United Minibuses
Oxford Bus Company
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
United Minibuses
Oxford Bus Company
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for May 23

Cheapest price

€23

Average price

€31

Fastest journey

4 h 30 m

Average duration

4 h 32 m

Buses per day

43

Distance

212 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff will cost around €31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €23.

Fast buses

Of the 43 buses that leave London Gatwick Airport for Cardiff on Sat, May 23, 37 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, May 23 the direct buses cover the 212 km distance in an average of 4 h 32 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 30 m .

On Sat, May 23 the slowest buses will take 4 h 35 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
    5:45 AM5h00
    Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
    10:45 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    231One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    5:35 AM5h10
    London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
    10:45 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    231One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    9:40 PM4h40
    Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
    2:20 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    241One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    11:15 PM4h50
    London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
    4:05 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    241One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    4:25 PM4h55
    Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
    9:20 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    241One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €10, and a train costs an average of €34.

Distance: 212 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€17

Average price

Cheapest

€69

Average price

5h 24m

Average total duration

4h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 22m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff bus times

The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff buses for today, Friday, May 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus5:15 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
5h00
10:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus5:25 PM Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
4h50
10:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX2016:10 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
4h30
10:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus6:20 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
4h55
11:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus6:30 PM Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
4h45
11:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus7:30 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
4h55
12:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus7:40 PM Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
4h45
12:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus8:35 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
4h50
1:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus8:45 PM Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
4h40
1:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX2019:10 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
4h30
1:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus9:30 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
4h50
2:20 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus9:40 PM Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
4h40
2:20 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX20110:50 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
5h10
4:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus11:15 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
4h50
4:05 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus11:25 PM Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
4h40
4:05 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX209 · NX2161:00 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
6h40
7:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus5:35 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
5h10
10:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus5:45 AM Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
5h00
10:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX2015:55 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
5h05
11:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX210 · NX202
On time
6:10 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
5h55
12:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus7:00 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
5h10
12:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus7:10 AM Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
5h00
12:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX2017:55 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
4h30
12:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus8:30 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
5h10
1:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus8:40 AM Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
5h00
1:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX2019:50 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
4h35
2:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX230 · NX202
On time
10:40 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
5h35
4:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus11:05 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
5h25
4:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus11:15 AM Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
5h15
4:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX20111:50 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
4h35
4:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX210 · NX202
On time
12:20 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
5h35
5:55 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus1:15 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
5h20
6:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus1:25 PM Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
5h10
6:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX2011:50 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
4h35
6:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX210 · NX202
On time
2:10 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
5h40
7:50 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus2:15 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
5h15
7:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus2:25 PM Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
5h05
7:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus3:15 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
5h10
8:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus3:25 PM Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
5h00
8:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX2014:00 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
4h35
8:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus4:15 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
5h05
9:20 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus4:25 PM Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
4h55
9:20 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX025 · NX202
On time
7:10 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
5h40
12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff by train or bus

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Why should you book London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff buses with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus, Megabus, United Minibuses, Oxford Bus Company and more offer buses services from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.

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, Megabus, United Minibuses or Oxford Bus Company to find the best option for your trip from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.
  • 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 London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, Megabus, United Minibuses or Oxford Bus Company to find the best option for your trip from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff run on average 45 times per day, taking around 4h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €10 if you book in advance.

There are 25 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:00, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 212 km distance in 4h 20m.

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
212 km
Average bus duration
4h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
€10
Buses per day
45
Direct buses
25
Fastest bus
4h 20m
First bus
12:00 AM
Last bus
11:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
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, FlixBus, Megabus, United Minibuses, Oxford Bus Company, Metrobus from London Gatwick Airport to CardiffYou can travel by bus between London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, United Minibuses, Oxford Bus Company, Metrobus for as low as €10. 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 40m
Cheapest Price
€14
FlixBus frequency
19 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 20m
Cheapest Price
€10
National Express frequency
28 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
5h 12m
Cheapest Price
€53
Megabus frequency
11 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.

United Minibuses

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 9m
United Minibuses frequency
1 a day

Oxford Bus Company

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 30m
Cheapest Price
€44
Oxford Bus Company frequency
1 a day

Metrobus

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 22m
Cheapest Price
€37
Metrobus frequency
2 a day

FAQs: Bus from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff can start from as little as €10 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff is €17; 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 London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff is 4h 20m to travel the 212 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 London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff leaves at 12:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff leaves at 11:45 PM.
Yes, there are 25 direct coaches a day from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, United Minibuses, Oxford Bus Company, Metrobus for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between London Gatwick Airport and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Cardiff from London Gatwick Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Gatwick Airport and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff for coach company National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from London Gatwick Airport 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 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 London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff

London
Cardiff
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
information
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
information

More options for your journey from London Gatwick Airport to Cardiff

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