4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Manchester Airport
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$20
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$26
Fastest journey on Sep 19
8 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
9 h 30 m
Buses on Sep 19
3
Distance
218 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Manchester Airport 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 Airport will cost around $26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 3 buses from Cardiff to Manchester Airport, including 3 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 218 km distance in an average of 9 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 10 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 10 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
8:45 AM10h00Cardiff6:45 PMManchester Airport$201One-way0 transfers- 4:40 PM10h20Cardiff3:00 AMManchester Airport$241One-way0 transfers
- 12:15 PM8h10Cardiff8:25 PMManchester Airport$351One-way0 transfers
- 12:15 PM8h10Cardiff8:25 PMManchester Airport$351One-way0 transfers
- 8:45 AM10h00Cardiff6:45 PMManchester Airport$201One-way0 transfers
- 4:40 PM10h20Cardiff3:00 AMManchester Airport$241One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Cardiff to Manchester Airport
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Manchester Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $43 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 5m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $43, while a train costs an average of $90.
Distance: 135 miles (218 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$43 Average price Cheapest | $90 Average price | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 2m Average total duration 6h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 3h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Manchester Airport:
A bus is $48 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Manchester Airport costing on average $90.
Other travel options to Manchester Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 32m.
Tickets start at around $43 compared to roughly $62 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $19. The journey takes 6h 32m versus 4h 16m 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.
Cardiff to Manchester Airport Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Live departures
Cardiff to Manchester Airport bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Manchester Airport buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX111 · NX121 | 8:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h55 | 4:25 PM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 9h10 | 6:55 PM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 9h10 | 8:55 PM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
| NX112 · NX541 | 12:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h50 | 6:00 PM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
| NX202 · NX100 · NX541 | 12:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h50 | 8:25 PM Manchester, Airport | 2 transfers | |
| NX111 · NX120 | 4:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h15 | 10:40 PM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
| NX201 · NX101 · NX181 | 4:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h15 | 12:45 AM Manchester, Airport | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 10h20 | 3:00 AM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 11h15 | 5:25 AM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
| NX507 · NX424 | 6:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 11h00 | 5:45 AM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
| NX509 · NX421 | 7:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 11h30 | 7:15 AM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 11h45 | 11:10 AM Manchester, Airport | 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 Airport by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Sep 24
Sep 25
Why should you book Cardiff to Manchester Airport buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Manchester Airport
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Manchester Airport run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 22:25. The fastest bus covers the 135 miles (218 km) distance in 4h 15m.
Distance 135 miles (218 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 4h 15m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 10:25 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Cardiff to Manchester AirportYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Manchester Airport with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $25. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to Manchester Airport
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Manchester Airport 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 Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- Megabus
- 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.
- 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.
- Megabus
- 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).
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- Megabus
- 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.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Manchester Airport
Most Cardiff to Manchester Airport buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Manchester, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Manchester Airport bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Manchester Airport
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester Airport and Cardiff
Most popular bus connections to Manchester Airport
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