- Must visit
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Major university museum with masterpieces, antiquities and decorative arts in a grand building. A leading cultural highlight in Cambridge.
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$51
Fastest journey
6 h 30 m
Average duration
7 h 26 m
Buses per day
15
Distance
213 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Cambridge will cost around $51 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Cambridge without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX541 · NX777
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX121 · NX777
NX540 · NX737 · NX727Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. 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 $20, and a flight costs an average of $97.
Distance: 132 miles (213 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$30 Average price Cheapest | $63 Average price | $145 Average price | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 59m Average total duration 5h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Manchester to Cambridge:
A bus is $33 (€27) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Cambridge costing on average $63 (€51).
A bus is $115 (€93) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Cambridge costing on average $145 (€117).
Other travel options to Cambridge take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 30m.
Bus takes on average 5h 29m.
Tickets start at around $30 (€24) compared to roughly $78 (€63) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $48 (€39). The journey takes 5h 29m versus 3h 25m 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 02:45AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 03:25PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $71 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Cambridge buses for today, Wednesday, August 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX540 · NX737 · NX727 | 9:00 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h25 | 5:25 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 2 transfers | |
NX121 · NX777 | 11:10 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h00 | 7:10 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX737 · NX727 | 11:30 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h30 | 8:00 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h50 | 8:20 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:55 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 6h25 | 8:20 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · NX777 | 2:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h45 | 9:35 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NXA8 · NX777 | 4:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h50 | 1:45 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NXA8 · NX727 | 4:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h50 | 1:45 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 5h55 | 11:35 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:00 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 5h35 | 11:35 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX424 · NXA8 · NX728 | 11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 11h40 | 11:35 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 2 transfers | |
NX424 · NXA8 · NX728 | 11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 11h40 | 11:35 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, August 27 | |||||
NX421 · NX737 · NX728 | 2:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h50 | 11:35 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h30 | 11:20 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX737 · NX727 | 5:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 10h15 | 3:30 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 2 transfers | |
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 Manchester to Cambridge run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) 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 5h 30m.
Distance 132 miles (213 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 5h 30m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Cambridge — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cambridge trip today.
Major university museum with masterpieces, antiquities and decorative arts in a grand building. A leading cultural highlight in Cambridge.
Compact museum of polar exploration with artifacts, sledges and expedition stories. Excellent for understanding Arctic and Antarctic history.
Acclaimed anthropology museum displaying world cultures through remarkable objects and thoughtful interpretation. Rich, memorable and family friendly.
The city's most famous riverside walking area, lined with college gardens and views. Classic place for strolling, punting and photography.
Historic central square with market stalls, buskers and everyday city life. A practical and lively base for sightseeing and shopping.
Leafy riverside common ideal for walking, picnics and broad views of the college skyline. Popular with locals and visitors year-round.
A creamy dessert of whipped cream, meringue and raspberry coulis, created at Cambridge’s Trinity College and named after the River Cam.
The Cambridge version of crème brûlée, linked to Trinity College. It has a rich custard base with a hard caramelised sugar top.
Tender local asparagus from the Cambridgeshire fens, prized in spring for its sweetness and freshness, often served simply with butter or eggs.
Elegant riverside fine dining restaurant known for refined British tasting menus and polished service in a historic setting.
Historic city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking with seasonal ingredients in a smart, intimate atmosphere.
Well-known Cambridge pub and dining room offering classic British dishes, cask ales and a lively, traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost more in peak season, but dining and local buses are manageable for most tourists.
Service may be included; if not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) -> Cambridge City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Cambridge 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 Cambridge, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Cambridge buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Cambridge bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. ATMs are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Accessible for wheelchairs.
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