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Cardiff to Belfast from $74: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Cardiff, United Kingdom
to
Belfast, United Kingdom

How to Get from Cardiff to Belfast: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$74 by busBest price
394.3 kmDistance
1h 44m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cardiff to Belfast with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Aer Lingus
Plane
Average Duration
1h  44m
Estimated price
$110-320
Recommended
Company
Megabus UK, Translink UK
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
19h  10m
Estimated price
$74-110
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 394.3 km
Duration: 1h 44m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
First Great Western Service, easyJet
Train
Plane
Average Duration
4h  15m
Estimated price
$85-367
Company
First Great Western Service, various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
3h  28m
Estimated price
$90-365
Company
Transport for Wales, Irish Ferries
Train
Drive
Average Duration
12h  58m
Estimated price
$164-238
Company
Transport for Wales, Irish Ferries, Translink UK
Train
Drive
Bus
Average Duration
13h  39m
Estimated price
$164-240
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
9h  15m
Estimated price
$205-215

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Fly $92 $70 $50 $58 $37 $49 $49
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Cardiff to Belfast

The journey from Cardiff to Belfast offers a striking contrast, with Cardiff's vibrant urban landscape and rich Welsh culture juxtaposed against Belfast's historical significance and rejuvenating waterfront.

Best Neighbourhoods in Belfast

Belfast boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its distinct charm.

Cathedral Quarter
• Rich in arts and culture.
• Trendy bars and eateries abound.
Queen's Quarter
• Home to Queen's University Belfast.
• Lively student atmosphere and coffee spots.
Titanic Quarter
• Renowned for the Titanic Belfast museum.
• Scenic river views and modern developments.

Best Times To Visit Belfast's Attractions

Planning your visit to Belfast’s attractions can maximize your experience and minimize wait times.

Titanic Belfast
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for quieter exploration.
Belfast City Hall
Weekdays are best for avoiding crowds; admire the gardens too.
St. George's Market
Mornings on Saturday offer the freshest local produce and fewer visitors.

Belfast Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Belfast experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild, wet winters and cool summers, with rain frequent throughout the year. Late spring and early autumn typically offer the most pleasant conditions for exploring the city, so prepare for variable weather by packing accordingly.

Dining in Belfast: A Culinary Contrast

A visit to Belfast isn't complete without trying a hearty Ulster fry at a local café, featuring local ingredients like soda farls and potato bread that showcase the rich flavors of Northern Irish cuisine. This robust breakfast experience contrasts with Cardiff's innovative culinary scene, providing a cozy atmosphere that celebrates traditional dishes in a way that's distinctly local.

Cardiff - Belfast operators

Explore transport companies operating between Cardiff and Belfast, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+44 28 9066 6630
Website
https://www.translink.co.uk/

Bus from Dublin Busaras Bus Station to Europa Buscentre

Average Duration
2h 50m
Estimated price
$27-40

Bus from Glasgow Buchanan to Belfast Europa Bus Centre

Average Duration
6h 10m
Estimated price
$30-45
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Cardiff North Road to Manchester Airport Bus Station

Average Duration
5h 15m
Estimated price
$21-30

Bus from Manchester Airport Bus Station to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station

Average Duration
5h 45m
Estimated price
$22-35
Train
Contact phone
+44 3457 000 125
Website
https://www.gwr.com/

Train from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$22-55
Contact phone
03333 211 202
Website
https://tfw.wales/

Train from Cardiff Central to Holyhead

Average Duration
4h 57m
Estimated price
$100-160
Contact phone
+353 1 836 6222
Website
https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/

Train from Dublin Connolly to Belfast

Average Duration
2h 13m
Estimated price
$17-25
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.aerlingus.com

Plane from Cardiff (CWL) to Belfast City (BHD)

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
$65-270
Website
https://www.easyjet.com

Plane from Bristol to Belfast (Aldergrove)

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$55-430
Ferry
Contact phone
+353 818 300 400
Website
https://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/Travel-to-Ireland

Ferry from Holyhead to Dublin Terminal 1

Average Duration
3h 15m
Estimated price
$40-55
Contact phone
+44 844 770 7070
Website
https://www.stenalinetravel.com/

Ferry from Holyhead to Dublin Terminal 1

Average Duration
3h 15m
Estimated price
0-0

Ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
0-0

Cardiff to Belfast: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Cardiff and Belfast offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🛫 Flying from Cardiff Airport to Belfast City Airport is a convenient option, with a direct flight taking only 1 hour and 20 minutes. 📍 Aer Lingus provides flights on this route, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey between the two cities in just under 2 hours. 💸 The cost of a flight from Cardiff to Belfast typically ranges between £87 and £252, offering travelers flexibility in choosing a fare that suits their budget.
Departure Point
Cardiff Airport
Arrival Point
Belfast City Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Arrive at Cardiff Airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your flight, especially if you're flying with Aer Lingus, to allow enough time for security checks and any potential delays in boarding.
• Upon arrival at Belfast City Airport (BHD), follow the signs for baggage claim and customs, and remember that the airport is relatively compact, making navigation straightforward, so don’t hesitate to ask airport staff for assistance if needed.
• Expect taxi fares from Belfast City Airport to the city center to be around £10-£15; consider using the official taxi service available just outside the arrivals hall, or check out local transport schedules on the airport’s website at belfastcityairport.com for public transport options.
🚌 Despite there being no direct bus from Cardiff to Belfast, you can still reach your destination with a journey involving transfers through Manchester and Glasgow. 🛤️ The trip from Cardiff to Belfast by bus, including transfers, typically takes around 19 hours and 10 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views along the way. 💷 Ticket prices for the bus journey between Cardiff and Belfast range from £58 to £87, offering an affordable and convenient travel option for your trip across the UK.
Departure Point
Cardiff North Road station
Arrival Point
Belfast Europa Bus Centre station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Cardiff to Belfast.

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The distance between Cardiff and Belfast is 394.3 km. The typical travel time by train and flight is around 4 hours and 32 minutes, with a transfer in Bristol. If traveling by bus, the typical travel time is 18 hours and 10 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Cardiff to Belfast is by bus and ferry, with prices ranging from £67 to £102. Although it takes longer, approximately 18 hours and 10 minutes, it is a more affordable choice. If time efficiency is a priority, taking the train and flying is the quickest option, taking around 4 hours and 8 minutes, with prices ranging from £59 to £283.
The prices for traveling from Cardiff to Belfast by bus range from £68 to £100.
The best way to travel from Cardiff to Belfast without a car is by taking a train and a car ferry. The journey takes approximately 13 hours and 2 minutes. You can take a train from Cardiff to Holyhead, then board a car ferry from Holyhead to Belfast.
There is no direct link between Cardiff and Belfast by bus. However, there are bus services available that involve transfers in Manchester and Glasgow, with a total travel time of approximately 18 hours and 10 minutes. The journey includes the Megabus UK service from Cardiff to Manchester, followed by another bus service from Manchester to Glasgow, and finally a bus from Glasgow to Belfast.
The flight from Bristol Airport to Belfast Airport typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary depending on several factors such as the time of booking, airline, and availability. On average, the cost of a round-trip flight between Cardiff and Belfast can range from £100 to £300.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Belfast. With over 719 hotels to choose from, you can find options to suit different budgets and preferences. Prices for hotels in Belfast start at £40 per night.

Trips from Cardiff

Trips to Belfast