The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Manchester
Cheapest price
$28
Average price
$40
Fastest journey
6 h
Average duration
6 h 24 m
Buses per day
16
Distance
231 km
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.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Manchester without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX111 · NX120
NX111 · NX120
NX112 · NX121
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX111 · NX120Travel 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 |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest 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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX202 · NX101 · NX120 | Delayed 6:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h55 | 4:25 PM 4:25 PMManchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h55 | 3:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h35 | 3:20 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · NX120 | On time 9:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h35 | 4:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h50 | 5:30 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h10 | 5:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX112 · NX121 | On time 11:20 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h20 | 5:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · NX120 | On time 12:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h00 | 6:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:45 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h05 | 8:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:45 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h50 | 8:35 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · NX120 | On time 1:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h50 | 7:35 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX111 · NX120 | On time 5:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h00 | 11:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX507 · NX424 | On time 6:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 11h20 | 6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX216 · NX100 · NX421 | On time 10:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 9h25 | 7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| Tuesday, December 2 | |||||
NX202 · NX106 · NX120 | 2:35 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h40 | 11:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX509 · NX540 | 3:15 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 9h05 | 12:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · NX100 · NX121 | 4:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h45 | 1:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:05 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h25 | 12:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:05 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h05 | 12:10 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 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
Compare train and bus 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Manchester
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.
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 |
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
National Express
Megabus
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.

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.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- 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).
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Manchester
- 05:00-23:30
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside the interchange.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Manchester
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