Cheap bus tickets from Bristol to Cardiff
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Bus from Bristol to Cardiff: Journey Information
There are 36 intercity buses per day from Bristol to Cardiff. Traveling by bus from Bristol to Cardiff usually takes around one hour and 35 minutes, but the fastest National Express bus can make the trip in just one hour,
| Distance | 26 mi (41 km) |
| Shortest duration | 1h |
| Cheapest price | $6.25 |
| Trips per day | 32 |
| Most frequent service | National Express |
| Bus lines | 1 |
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Bristol to Cardiff Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Bristol to Cardiff:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Bristol to Cardiff?
Bus tickets for a trip from Bristol to Cardiff cost $14.53 on average. This is an excellent value for the trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Bristol to Cardiff by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Bristol to Cardiff in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $9 to $15. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 2, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Cardiff this week, bus tickets are available starting at $14.
Average bus ticket prices from Bristol to Cardiff by month
Taking the bus from Bristol to Cardiff is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $8. If you're planning to take the bus from Bristol to Cardiff during June, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $19. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. Booking in advance is the best way to find cheap bus tickets, even if it’s only by a few days.
What bus companies travel from Bristol to Cardiff?
There are multiple buses that travel from Bristol to Cardiff, including National Express. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Express | 36 | 1h 35m | $15.10 |
Book National Express from Bristol to Cardiff from $6.25. There are 36 trips per day offered by National Express from Bristol to Cardiff and you can expect on average to pay $15.10 for a National Express ticket to Cardiff. In Bristol, National Express departs to Cardiff from Bristol Airport North Side Rd and one other station. In Cardiff, National Express arrives at 2 Sophia Cl and one other station.
An average trip on National Express from Bristol to Cardiff takes 1 hours and 35 minutes, while the fastest available National Express trip will get you to Cardiff in 1 hours and 0 minutes.
On weekends, National Express offers 36 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $6.25 for a weekend trip to Cardiff.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Bristol to Cardiff
There are 36 scheduled buses that travel from Bristol to Cardiff every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 32 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.
TRIPS PER DAY
36
DIRECT TRIPS
32
The bus takes an average of one hour and 35 minutes to cover the 26 miles from Bristol to Cardiff. However, the fastest bus only takes an hour. You'll have just enough time for a small nap on this relatively short bus trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
DISTANCE (MI)
26
DISTANCE (KM)
41
The first bus leaves at 12:10am and the last bus leaves at 11:55pm. To see the times for all buses from Bristol to Cardiff, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
12:10am
LATEST BUS
11:55pm
Because many passengers travel from Bristol to Cardiff at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
City Information
Bristol
Situated on the River Avon, Bristol is the most populous city in South West England. Known for its vibrant culture, Bristol comprises distinct areas, each with its own atmosphere. For example, the Stokes Croft area is filled with independent cafes and vintage shops, while the Clifton suburb hosts unique boutiques and beautiful Georgian architecture.
Bristol Zoo is a must-see for animal lovers, where visitors can discover over 300 different animal species and then enjoy lunch in The Hide restaurant. If nautical history is your thing, then step aboard Brunel's SS Great Britain to immerse yourself in 19th-century-era travel, with tours of the whole ship and docks available. More contemporary interests may be piqued when you learn that Bristol is the hometown of the famous street artist Banksy. Many walking tours are available daily to explore the city's renowned street art and local history.
Access to the city is made simple by a wealth of public transport, with rail, road, bus, and air links available. Bristol Airport provides international and national access, and the Great Western Railway trains enable easy access from London and other cities. Several national and regional bus services also serve Bristol.
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital of Wales, as well as its largest city. Although the city was initially founded as a Roman fort, Cardiff has glided effortlessly into the 21st century, offering tourists a diverse mix of old and new.
Looking to explore the city's history? Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city makes for an exciting day out, where visitors can learn about the fascinating 2,000 years of history that the castle represents.
If the castle gets you in the mood to explore more history, the St Fagans National Museum of History will surely satisfy your historical appetite. As one of Europe's leading open-air museums, the museum offers historical attractions that detail history back to the Celtic era.
For those seeking a more modern experience, Cardiff boasts a fantastic selection of shops and cafes, with Cardiff Central Market as the top choice for retail therapy.
Cardiff has excellent transport links, making it an easy place to visit no matter where you're coming from. Cardiff Airport provides access for visitors traveling from off the island, while high-speed rail services make access to and from London simple. Cardiff Central Station also offers direct routes from Bristol, Bath, Manchester, Nottingham, as well as other main cities and towns.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Bristol?
Main departure station: Bristol Airport North Side Rd
Bristol has two bus stations with service to Cardiff.
All bus stations in Bristol:
- Bristol Airport North Side Rd
- Coach Station
Where does the bus arrive in Cardiff?
Main arrival station: 2 Sophia Cl
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Cardiff.
All bus stations in Cardiff:
- 2 Sophia Cl
- Cardiff University
Need a return trip from Cardiff to Bristol?
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