Cardiff to Manchester Airport bus with National Express

Tue, Nov 03
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Manchester Airport

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 03
Cheapest price on Nov 03
€24
Average ticket price on Nov 03
€31
Fastest journey on Nov 03
6 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Nov 03
7 h 18 m
Buses on Nov 03
14
Distance
218 km
Cheap tickets

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 €31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €24.

Fast buses

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

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    1 transfer

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Manchester Airport

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Manchester Airport run on average 13 times per day, taking around 6h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €20 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 15:40. The fastest bus covers the 135 miles (218 km) distance in 4h 15m.

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

Plan this route

Journey facts

  • Distance135 miles (218 km)
  • Average bus duration6h 52m
  • Cheapest ticket price€20
  • Buses per day13
  • Fastest bus4h 15m
  • First bus12:40 AM
  • Last bus3:40 PM
  • Cheapest MonthMay
  • Cheapest DayTue
  • High SeasonJan - Mar
  • Low SeasonJul - Sep
  • Busiest DayWed
  • Least Busy DaySat

Understand & plan this route

Explore this journey

Book with confidence

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

Frequently asked questions about your Cardiff to Manchester Airport trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.

Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Manchester Airport can start from as little as €20 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Manchester Airport is €35 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest bus from Cardiff to Manchester Airport leaves at 12:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cardiff to Manchester Airport leaves at 3:40 PM.
There are 13 buses a day from Cardiff to Manchester Airport which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.

Cardiff to Manchester Airport Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
02:10AM
Arrival Time
11:10AM
Duration
9h00
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
€23
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:45AM
Arrival Time
10:55AM
Duration
8h10
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
€27
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:10AM
Arrival Time
01:15PM
Duration
10h05
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
€23
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:30AM
Arrival Time
11:25AM
Duration
7h55
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
€27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:45AM
Arrival Time
11:10AM
Duration
7h25
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
€28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:40AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
7h45
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
€25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:45AM
Arrival Time
10:40AM
Duration
5h55
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
€30
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:10AM
Arrival Time
04:00PM
Duration
9h50
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
€23
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:25AM
Arrival Time
01:40PM
Duration
7h15
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
€27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45AM
Arrival Time
01:30PM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
€27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30AM
Arrival Time
04:25PM
Duration
7h55
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
€25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:40AM
Arrival Time
04:05PM
Duration
7h25
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
€25
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:40AM
Arrival Time
06:55PM
Duration
10h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
€26
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:45AM
Arrival Time
06:45PM
Duration
10h00
Departure days
Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
€15
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:35AM
Arrival Time
04:40PM
Duration
7h05
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
€26
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:45AM
Arrival Time
06:55PM
Duration
9h10
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
€23
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:10PM
Arrival Time
06:00PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
€25
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:15PM
Arrival Time
08:25PM
Duration
8h10
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
€23
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:25PM
Arrival Time
06:55PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat
Cheapest price
€25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:40PM
Arrival Time
07:40PM
Duration
7h00
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
€28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:15PM
Arrival Time
01:15AM
Duration
10h00
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
€46
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:40PM
Arrival Time
02:00AM
Duration
10h20
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
€21
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:25PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
€25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:40PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
€25
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:40PM
Arrival Time
03:00AM
Duration
10h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
€23
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:25PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
5h15
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
€27
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:10PM
Arrival Time
05:25AM
Duration
11h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
€32
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:15PM
Arrival Time
05:45AM
Duration
11h30
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
€48
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45PM
Arrival Time
05:45AM
Duration
11h00
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
€36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:45PM
Arrival Time
07:15AM
Duration
11h30
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
€39
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:25PM
Arrival Time
11:10AM
Duration
11h45
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
€20

Live departures

Cardiff to Manchester Airport bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Manchester Airport buses for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus12:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
8h10
8:25 PM Manchester, Airport1 transfer
National ExpressNX112 · NX54112:25 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h30
6:55 PM Manchester, Airport1 transfer
National ExpressNX202 · NX100 · NX12012:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h00
7:40 PM Manchester, Airport2 transfers
National ExpressNX509 · NX5413:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
10h00
1:15 AM Manchester, Airport1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
10h20
3:00 AM Manchester, Airport1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
11h15
5:25 AM Manchester, Airport1 transfer
National ExpressNX509 · NX4246:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
11h00
5:45 AM Manchester, Airport1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:25 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
11h45
11:10 AM Manchester, Airport1 transfer
Tuesday, November 3
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus2:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
9h00
11:10 AM Manchester, Airport1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus3:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
10h05
1:15 PM Manchester, Airport1 transfer
National ExpressNX202 · NX100 · NX1214:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h45
12:25 PM Manchester, Airport2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
9h50
4:00 PM Manchester, Airport1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
10h15
6:55 PM Manchester, Airport1 transfer
National ExpressNX111 · NX1219:35 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h05
4:40 PM Manchester, Airport1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cardiff to Manchester Airport buses with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.

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 FlixBus 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 or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus 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.

Bus companies

Bus companies from Cardiff to Manchester Airport

Buses from Cardiff to Manchester Airport with National Express and FlixBus. Overnight buses available on this route with National Express and FlixBus. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.

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 FlixBus Duration
5h 15m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€20
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 National Express Duration
4h 15m
Cheapest National Express Price
€21
National Express frequency
7 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.

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cardiff and Manchester Airport

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a bus from Cardiff to Manchester Airport, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Manchester Airport. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Manchester Airport and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Manchester Airport:
  • 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 Airport for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Manchester Airport 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company {providersWithBike}.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Manchester Airport:
  • 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 Airport:
  • 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 Airport. 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 Airport with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Manchester Airport with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Manchester Airport with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.

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.

FAQs
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Manchester Airport including taking a bus and train.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.

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.

Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Manchester
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre

TRUE

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.

Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre

Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · €2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min

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.

Cardiff, University
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · €1 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min

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