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Nottingham to Cardiff from $29: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Nottingham, United Kingdom
to
Cardiff, United Kingdom

How to Get from Nottingham to Cardiff: 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.

$29 by busBest price
134 milesDistance
2h 44m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Nottingham to Cardiff 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
CrossCountry
Train
Average Duration
3h  18m
Estimated price
$95-270
Recommended
Company
Megabus UK
Bus
Average Duration
6h  15m
Estimated price
$29-42
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 134 miles
Duration: 2h 44m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  44m
Estimated price
$50-80

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 03/03Tu 04/03We 05/03Th 06/03Fr 07/03Sa 08/03Su 09/03
Bus $10 $10 $15 $15 $30 $10 $15
Train $55 $54 $55 $62 $62 $36 $62
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Nottingham to Cardiff

The route from Nottingham to Cardiff offers a striking contrast between Nottingham's rich medieval history and vibrant cultural scene and Cardiff's lively waterfront and modern attractions.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cardiff

Cardiff features diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Cardiff Bay
• Scenic waterfront views and bustling restaurants.
• Home to the iconic Wales Millennium Centre.
Llandaff
• Picturesque village atmosphere with historic architecture.
• Features the stunning Llandaff Cathedral.
Roath
• Known for its vibrant community and parks.
• Offers a variety of cafes and shops nearby.

Best Times To Visit Cardiff's Attractions

Planning your visit to Cardiff's attractions can enhance your experience.

Cardiff Castle
Early morning or late afternoon visits can help you dodge crowds.
National Museum Cardiff
Weekdays, especially mid-mornings, offer a quieter experience.
Cardiff Bay
Visit during weekdays or in the early evening for fewer tourists.

Cardiff Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cardiff experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild temperatures and rainfall spread throughout the year, making spring and early summer ideal for visits. Being aware of the weather patterns enhances your travel experience, allowing you to pack appropriately and plan outdoor activities accordingly.

Dining Recommendation in Cardiff

Try the traditional Welsh dish, cawl, at The Potted Pig, where the cozy atmosphere combines with locally sourced ingredients for a distinctive experience that contrasts with Nottingham's culinary scene. The rich flavors and hearty ingredients of cawl reflect Cardiff's unique heritage, providing a taste of Wales you won’t find in Nottingham's dining landscape.

Nottingham - Cardiff operators

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

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
0344 736 9123
Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/

Train from Nottingham to Cardiff Central

Average Duration
3h 18m
Estimated price
$95-270
Bus Show bus routes
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Greyfriars to Navigation Street

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
$13-18

Bus from Birmingham Brunel Street to Cardiff North Road

Average Duration
3h 25m
Estimated price
$16-24

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

Traveling between Nottingham and Cardiff 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.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Nottingham to Cardiff spanning 259.1 km, offering picturesque views along the way. The journey takes around 2 hours and 44 minutes, promising a smooth drive through the English countryside. 💷 The cost of traveling by car from Nottingham to Cardiff ranges between £39 to £63, providing budget-friendly options for every traveler.
Average price
£39 - £62
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Nottingham to Cardiff with a direct service operated by CrossCountry. 🌟 Services depart hourly, providing convenience and flexibility for travelers. 🕒 The comfortable ride takes approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes, allowing passengers to sit back and enjoy the trip. 🏞️ Traverse through the picturesque British countryside as you make your way from Nottingham station to Cardiff Central station. 💼 CrossCountry trains offer a smooth and efficient travel experience, ensuring a pleasant journey for passengers. 💷 Ticket prices for this route range from £75 to £213, offering different fare options to suit varying budgets. 🌆 Arrive in the vibrant city of Cardiff, ready to explore its rich history, cultural attractions, and bustling city center. 🚶‍♂️ Whether you're visiting for leisure or business, the train journey from Nottingham to Cardiff provides a convenient and stress-free travel option. 🏴 Immerse yourself in the Welsh capital's charm and hospitality after a scenic ride through the heart of England and Wales.
Departure Point
Nottingham station
Arrival Point
Cardiff Central station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for this route include catering options provided by Avanti West Coast and Transport for Wales. Avanti offers a menu of light snacks, sandwiches, and drinks in their First Class service, as well as a trolley service in Standard Class offering beverages and snacks for purchase. Transport for Wales provides a limited snack service on some of their services, but it’s advisable to bring your own food for a better selection.
• The Nottingham to Cardiff route can be served by Avanti West Coast and Transport for Wales. Avanti West Coast offers two classes: First Class (with more spacious seating, complimentary snacks, and drinks) and Standard Class (comfortable seating with less space). Transport for Wales has Economy Class with standard seating. You may want to check their websites for seat selection and comfort options: Avanti West Coast - avantwestcoast.co.uk and Transport for Wales - transportforwales.com
• Upon arriving at Cardiff Central Station, expect a bustling area with plenty of amenities. There are both restrooms and cafes, but be aware that showers are not available at the station. You can leave your luggage at the station for a small fee. The fastest way to reach Cardiff city center from the station is to take the Cardiff Metro service; look for the yellow line or take the bus number 23 from the bus stop located directly outside the station.
🚌 Although there is no direct bus from Nottingham to Cardiff, you can travel with Megabus UK with transfers in Birmingham. The total journey time is approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes. 🌉 Departing from Greyfriars station in Nottingham, the Megabus UK service will take you to Cardiff North Road station. The prices for this bus journey can range from £23 to £33, offering an affordable travel option.
Departure Point
Greyfriars station
Arrival Point
Cardiff North Road station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to book your tickets in advance on the Megabus website (megabus.com) to secure the best fares, which can range from £22 to £32, especially during peak travel times.
• Since there is no direct bus from Nottingham to Cardiff, prepare for a transfer in Birmingham: Once you arrive at Birmingham Brunel Street, follow the signs to the correct platform for your connecting service to Cardiff, as this can sometimes be a busy area.
• Upon arrival at Cardiff North Road, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the station layout: there are various transport options including local buses and taxis, with a bus information desk available to assist you as you navigate your onward journey (cardiff.gov.uk).

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Nottingham to Cardiff.

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The distance between Nottingham and Cardiff is approximately 215.7 km by air, and 258.3 km by road. Traveling by train is the fastest option, taking about 3 hours and 9 minutes. If driving by car, it typically takes around 2 hours and 44 minutes, while a bus journey can take approximately 5 hours and 55 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Nottingham to Cardiff is by bus, which takes 5 hours and 55 minutes and costs £19-£28. However, if time efficiency is a priority, driving is the quickest option, taking 2 hours and 44 minutes and costing £39-£63.
The prices for traveling from Nottingham to Cardiff by train range from £71 to £212, depending on factors such as ticket class and availability. On the other hand, the prices for a bus journey from Cardiff to Nottingham range from £19 to £28.
To get from Nottingham to Cardiff without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 259.1 km. It takes about 2 hours and 44 minutes to drive from Nottingham to Cardiff. The prices for renting a car for this journey range from £39 to £63.
The best way to travel from Nottingham to Cardiff without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 9 minutes and ticket prices range from £71 to £212.
Yes, there is a direct link between Nottingham and Cardiff. The journey by train takes approximately 3 hours and 9 minutes, with services operating every two hours. Alternatively, there is a daily direct bus service that takes around 5 hours and 55 minutes.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Cardiff. There are over 1134 hotels to choose from, offering a range of prices starting at £33.

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