Cardiff to Manchester bus with Megabus

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Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
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1,000+ travel companies
Megabus
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Dec 02

Cheapest price

$28

Average price

$40

Fastest journey

6 h

Average duration

6 h 24 m

Buses per day

16

Distance

231 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Manchester will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Manchester without transferring at least once.

FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
05:05AM7h05
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
12:10PMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
$281One-way
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
12:45PM7h50
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
08:35PMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
$281One-way
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
05:05AM7h25
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
12:30PMManchester, Shudehill Interchange
$281One-way
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
12:45PM8h05
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
08:50PMManchester, Shudehill Interchange
$281One-way
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
10:40AM6h50
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
05:30PMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
$281One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 27m. 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 €16, and a train costs an average of €47.

Distance: 143 miles (231 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€30

Average price

Cheapest

€75

Average price

6h 9m

Average total duration

5h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 57m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Megabus

Most popular bus company

Transport for Wales

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Cardiff to Manchester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:35AM
Arrival Time
11:15AM
Duration
8h40
Departure days
Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:15AM
Arrival Time
12:20PM
Duration
9h05
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$44
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:30AM
Arrival Time
12:15PM
Duration
7h45
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$48
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:05AM
Arrival Time
12:10PM
Duration
7h05
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:25AM
Arrival Time
02:20PM
Duration
7h55
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$44
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:20AM
Arrival Time
02:20PM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$38
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30AM
Arrival Time
04:25PM
Duration
7h55
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:45AM
Arrival Time
03:20PM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:50AM
Arrival Time
04:25PM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$35
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:40AM
Arrival Time
05:30PM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:05AM
Arrival Time
05:50PM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$38
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:20AM
Arrival Time
05:40PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:30PM
Arrival Time
06:40PM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$34
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:40PM
Arrival Time
06:40PM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$43
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:45PM
Arrival Time
08:35PM
Duration
7h50
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:35PM
Arrival Time
07:35PM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$30
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:40PM
Arrival Time
08:30PM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:45PM
Arrival Time
07:35PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:10PM
Arrival Time
11:10PM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$30
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45PM
Arrival Time
06:05AM
Duration
11h20
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15PM
Arrival Time
06:05AM
Duration
10h50
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:10PM
Arrival Time
07:35AM
Duration
9h25
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$64

Live departures

Cardiff to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Manchester buses for today, Monday, December 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 5:09 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressNX202 · NX101 · NX120
Delayed
6:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h55
4:25 PM 4:25 PMManchester, Coach Station
2 transfers
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus8:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h55
3:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus8:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h35
3:20 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 transfer
national_expressNX111 · NX120
On time
9:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h35
4:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus10:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h50
5:30 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus10:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h10
5:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
national_expressNX112 · NX121
On time
11:20 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h20
5:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX111 · NX120
On time
12:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h00
6:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus12:45 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
8h05
8:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus12:45 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h50
8:35 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 transfer
national_expressNX111 · NX120
On time
1:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h50
7:35 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX111 · NX120
On time
5:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h00
11:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX507 · NX424
On time
6:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
11h20
6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX216 · NX100 · NX421
On time
10:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
9h25
7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station
2 transfers
Tuesday, December 2
national_expressNX202 · NX106 · NX1202:35 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
8h40
11:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers
national_expressNX509 · NX5403:15 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
9h05
12:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressNX202 · NX100 · NX1214:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
8h45
1:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station2 transfers
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus5:05 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h25
12:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus5:05 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h05
12:10 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Manchester by train or bus

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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Manchester run on average 17 times per day, taking around 5h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) if you book in advance.

There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 143 miles (231 km) distance in 5h 40m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
143 miles (231 km)
Average bus duration
5h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
$20 (€16)
Buses per day
17
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
5h 40m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:55
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus from Cardiff to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Manchester with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for as low as $20 (€16). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
$20 (€16)
FlixBus frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 40m
Cheapest Price
$23 (€19)
National Express frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 35m
Cheapest Price
$27 (€22)
Megabus frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Manchester can start from as little as $18 (€14) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Manchester is $38 (€31); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time to Manchester from Cardiff is on average 5 h 5 min   for the 143 mile (231 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go to Manchester from Cardiff by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Cardiff to Manchester leaves at 4: 50AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Cardiff to Manchester leaves at 10: 10PM.
Yes, there are 8 direct buses a day from Cardiff to Manchester with Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Cardiff to Manchester, you can count on Megabus, National Express or FlixBus for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.

When departing from Cardiff, you have various bus station options to start your route from including Cardiff, University and Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). When arriving in Manchester, you can end your route in bus stations like Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Airport and Manchester, Shudehill / Bradshaw Street.

Passengers board the bus most frequently from Cardiff, University, which is located around 1.1 miles (1.8 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, located 0.5 miles (833 m) away from the city centre.

The cheapest month to travel from Cardiff to Manchester by bus is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Manchester including taking a train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Manchester for bus providers National Express and FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Manchester are:
  • Manchester Art Gallery, a public art museum housing an extensive collection of fine art and decorative pieces
  • Science and Industry Museum, an interactive museum exploring Manchester's industrial heritage and scientific achievements
  • Manchester Cathedral, a historic Gothic-style cathedral known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere
  • The John Rylands Library, a neo-Gothic library with an impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts
  • Castlefield, a historic area with Roman ruins and picturesque canals, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
The best things to do in Manchester include:
  • Old Trafford, the iconic football stadium and home to Manchester United, offering tours and a museum dedicated to the club's history
  • The Northern Quarter, a vibrant district known for its independent shops, cafes, and street art
  • Visit the Manchester Opera House for a captivating performance
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks, a popular area with bars and clubs
  • Enjoy a relaxing day at Heaton Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, offering beautiful landscapes and recreational activities.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus companies National Express and FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Manchester depends on the bus companies:
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cardiff to Manchester.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Manchester:
    • National Express
      • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
    • FlixBus
      • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
    Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Manchester:
    • National Express
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    • FlixBus
      • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
    Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cardiff to Manchester. The following conditions apply:
    • FlixBus
      • Small pets in carriers allowed
      • Guide dogs travel for free.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cardiff to Manchester with the following bus providers: National Express and FlixBus
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Manchester with the following bus companies: National Express and FlixBus.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Manchester with the following bus providers: National Express and FlixBus.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Manchester

    Cardiff
    Manchester
    The major bus station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester.
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    information
    Cardiff, Millennium Stadium
    information
    Cardiff, University
    information
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    information
    Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent)
    information

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