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Journey Information
There are 36 intercity buses per day from Cardiff to Exeter. Traveling by bus from Cardiff to Exeter usually takes around 4 hours and 34 minutes, but the fastest National Express bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 55 mi (88 km) |
| Shortest duration | 3h 45m |
| Cheapest price | $16.35 |
| Most frequent service | Megabus |
| Bus lines | 2 |
What bus companies travel from Cardiff to Exeter?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Cardiff to Exeter that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Megabus usually offers more choice, with 36 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megabus | 36 | 4h 35m | $20.48 |
| National Express | 9 | 4h 24m | $30.06 |
Founded in 2003, Megabus UK was created to provide travelers with greener, more straightforward and smarter travel. The carrier has routes all across the United Kingdom in England, Scotland, and Wales. The Megabus UK fleet, easily distinguishable by its dark blue and yellow colors, has free Wi-Fi, outlets and charging ports, onboard restrooms, and 20 kg luggage allowances on each bus.
National Express is probably the UK's best-known bus company, offering intercity services to London, Manchester, Southampton, and Edinburgh. Onboard the single and double-decker vehicles, travelers enjoy a good amount of legroom – roomier than airlines have in coach class – alongside WiFi, restrooms, and air conditioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 34 minutes to cover the 55 miles from Cardiff to Exeter. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 45 minutes. In other words, you'll have plenty of time to rest and relax on the road. 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.
Because many passengers travel from Cardiff to Exeter 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, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 4:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Cardiff to Exeter, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 36 scheduled buses that travel from Cardiff to Exeter every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Cardiff to Exeter; ticket prices start at $39.95.
City Information
Cardiff
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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.
Exeter
Located on the River Exe in the southwest of England, Exeter is one of England's most historically-varied towns. It's easy to forget what year it is while walking down the cobbled streets surrounded by Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and Georgian facades interspersed with modern glass buildings and contemporary bars.
One of the greatest examples of this town's historical architecture is Exeter Cathedral. The 12th-century building took around 300 years to complete, but every moment was worth it for the exterior’s extremely detailed stonework. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is another unmissable building, housing a wide range of attractions from antiquities to zoology.
Take a walk along Exeter's historic quayside for some of the most spectacular scenery in the city, as well as some of Exeter's best bars and restaurants. If you're looking for something to entertain the children, Crealy Great Adventure Park is the place to be. The park contains over 60 rides and an Animal Barn showcasing farm and exotic animals.
Exeter can be easily reached from London via the Great Western Railway, with trains leaving roughly every hour from the city. Trains arrive at Exeter St. David's station, only a short walk away from the city center. In addition, National Express and Megabus provide bus services to the town from various locations across the country.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Cardiff?
Main departure station: Cardiff University
Buses to Exeter leave from 4 stations in Cardiff.
All bus stations in Cardiff:
Cardiff University
North Rd 330
2 Sophia Cl
Cardiff University
Where does the bus arrive in Exeter?
Main arrival station: Sidmouth Rd
Buses arrive in Exeter at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Exeter:
Sidmouth Rd
Honiton Rd
Honiton Rd
36 Sidwell St
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Exeter to Cardiff?
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