- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$56
Fastest journey
5 h 45 m
Average duration
7 h 22 m
Buses per day
16
Distance
213 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cambridge to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge to Manchester will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
It's difficult to get from Cambridge to Manchester without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX777 · NX421
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX777 · NX121
NX727 · NX737 · NX540
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 $74.
Distance: 132 miles (213 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$34 Average price Cheapest | $90 Average price | $204 Average price | $74 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 $57 (€46) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge to Manchester costing on average $90 (€73).
A bus is $170 (€137) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cambridge to Manchester costing on average $204 (€165).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 0m.
Bus takes on average 4h 55m.
Tickets start at around $34 (€27) compared to roughly $74 (€59) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $40 (€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, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Manchester buses for today, Monday, June 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:10 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 8h20 | 9:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX728 · NXA8 · NX541 | On time 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 | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:05 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 10h25 | 3:30 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX777 · NXA8 · NX424 | On time 7:15 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 10h50 | 6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX777 · NXA8 · NX424 | On time 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 | |
| Tuesday, June 2 | |||||
NX777 · NX421 | On time 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 | 5:35 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 8h15 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX727 · NX737 · NX540 | Delayed 6:55 AM 5:45 AMCambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 8h05 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX777 · NX121 | 9:50 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 7h30 | 5:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX727 · NX737 · NX540 | On time 12:15 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 8h55 | 9:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX727 · NXA8 · NX540 | On time 1:55 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 9h30 | 11:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX727 · NXA8 · NX540 | On time 1:55 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 9h30 | 11:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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.
Major museum on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
University museum with renowned collections in natural history, archaeology and world cultures, recently redeveloped and widely praised.
Popular museum telling the story of football through trophies, memorabilia and interactive displays in the city centre.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and a strong music and nightlife identity.
Canal-side conservation area with Roman roots, converted warehouses, bridges and some of the city’s most atmospheric walks.
Famous street in the Gay Village, known for cultural significance, nightlife and role in modern Manchester identity.
A classic Manchester dessert with a shortcrust pastry shell, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry on top. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet treats.
A famous Greater Manchester pastry made with flaky pastry filled with currants, butter, and sugar. It is strongly associated with the Manchester area and widely loved across the North West.
A traditional Lancashire and Greater Manchester snack of slow-cooked black badger peas, often served with vinegar. It is a simple local street-food style dish with deep regional roots.
A highly regarded steak and British seafood restaurant set in a former courthouse. It is known for excellent ingredients, strong service, and a smart but relaxed atmosphere.
A popular casual spot for Indian street food and craft beer, known for flavorful vegetarian dishes and a lively atmosphere near the city centre.
A celebrated fine dining restaurant in central Manchester, known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in an elegant historic setting.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels vary by match days and events, while food, transport, and pubs are mid-priced.
Service charge is uncommon outside upscale venues. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is appreciated for good service. Round up taxis. No tip is expected for pubs, takeaways, or counter service.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport -> Manchester Piccadilly
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.

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