- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.





Cheapest price
$30
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
9h 55m
Average duration
10h 23m
Buses per day
5
Distance
36 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a flight costs an average of $72.
Distance: 132 miles (213 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$33 Average price Cheapest | $89 Average price | $201 Average price | $72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge to Manchester:
A bus is $56 (€46) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge to Manchester costing on average $89 (€73).
A bus is $167 (€137) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cambridge to Manchester costing on average $201 (€165).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 0m.
Bus takes on average 4h 55m.
Tickets start at around $33 (€27) compared to roughly $72 (€59) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $39 (€32). The journey takes 4h 55m versus 3h 38m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Megabus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $63 |
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Manchester buses for today, Thursday, July 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:05 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 10h25 | 3:30 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX777 · NXA8 · NX424 | 7:15 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 10h50 | 6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX777 · NXA8 · NX424 | 7:15 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 10h50 | 6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX777 · NXA8 · NX421 | 9:40 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 9h55 | 7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX777 · NXA8 · NX421 | 9:40 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 9h55 | 7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX777 · NX421 | 1:50 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 5h45 | 7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:25 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 9h25 | 11:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:00 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 9h50 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX727 · NX737 · NX540 | 5:45 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 8h05 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX777 · NX121 | 9:50 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 7h15 | 5:05 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX727 · NX737 · NX540 | 12:15 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 8h50 | 9:05 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:10 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 8h20 | 9:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX727 · NXA8 · NX540 | 1:55 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 9h05 | 11:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX728 · NXA8 · NX541 | 4:00 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 9h40 | 1:40 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:25 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 7h15 | 11:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Cambridge to Manchester run on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $17 (€14) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 132 miles (213 km) distance in 6h 35m.
Distance 132 miles (213 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€14) |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 6h 35m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cambridge to Manchester buses use the Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need