- Must visit
The Fitzwilliam Museum
The University of Cambridge’s principal museum, known for Egyptian antiquities, paintings, manuscripts, and decorative arts. A major cultural highlight and one of the city’s best indoor visits.










Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$77
Fastest journey
6h 30m
Average duration
8h 43m
Buses per day
11
Distance
52 km
Omio 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 $19. 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 $19, and a flight costs an average of $81.
Distance: 132 miles (213 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$34 Average price Cheapest | $91 Average price | $200 Average price | $75 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 58m Average total duration 5h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 1m Average total duration 3h 31m 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 $57 (€47) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Cambridge costing on average $91 (€75).
A bus is $167 (€137) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Cambridge costing on average $200 (€165).
Other travel options to Cambridge take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 31m.
Bus takes on average 5h 28m.
Tickets start at around $34 (€28) compared to roughly $75 (€62) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $42 (€34). The journey takes 5h 28m 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 03:25PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 8h11 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $53 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Cambridge buses for today, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h30 | 11:20 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX737 · NX727 | Delayed 6:20 AM 6:05 AMManchester, Coach Station | 9h20 | 3:25 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NX737 · NX727 | On time 8:50 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h05 | 4:55 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 2 transfers | |
NX541 · NX777 | On time 11:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h35 | 6:50 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · NX777 | On time 3:05 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h30 | 9:35 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h25 | 11:35 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NXA8 · NX777 | On time 5:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h35 | 1:45 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NXA8 · NX727 | On time 5:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h35 | 1:45 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 9h00 | 8:10 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX424 · NXA8 · NX728 | On time 11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 11h40 | 11:35 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 2 transfers | |
NX424 · NXA8 · NX728 | On time 11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 11h40 | 11:35 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 2 transfers | |
| Monday, July 13 | |||||
NX421 · NX737 · NX728 | On time 2:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h50 | 11:35 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€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 6h 30m.
Distance 132 miles (213 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 6h 30m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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.
The University of Cambridge’s principal museum, known for Egyptian antiquities, paintings, manuscripts, and decorative arts. A major cultural highlight and one of the city’s best indoor visits.
A distinctive house-museum and modern art gallery combining contemporary exhibitions with an atmospheric domestic setting. One of Cambridge’s most stylish and locally loved cultural spaces.
University museum with important world cultures and archaeology collections, including Pacific artifacts, anthropology displays, and material on human history and Cambridge research.
The famous riverside area behind several colleges offers classic Cambridge views of lawns, bridges, and historic buildings. Ideal for walking, photography, and punting scenery.
The city’s most iconic central street, lined with historic university buildings and constant visitor activity. It is the classic place to absorb Cambridge’s academic atmosphere.
A beautifully maintained botanical garden with diverse plant collections, glasshouses, and seasonal color. Popular for quiet visits, photography, and a break from the busy historic core.
A sticky currant-filled bun strongly associated with Cambridge through Fitzbillies, where it has been a local favorite for decades.
The Cambridge version of crème brûlée, a rich baked custard with a caramelized sugar top linked to Trinity College traditions.
A classic English ritual of tea served with sandwiches, scones, and cakes, widely enjoyed in Cambridge tearooms and colleges.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant on the River Cam, known for refined modern British cooking and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
A respected neighborhood restaurant serving seasonal British cuisine in a polished but relaxed setting near the city center.
A historic Cambridge pub famous for classic British dishes, ales, and its long connection to the city’s academic and wartime history.
Prices are above the UK average for hotels and dining, especially in central areas, but supermarkets, pubs, and buses help keep daily costs manageable.
Service charge may be added in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is standard for good service. No tip needed for pubs at the bar. Round up or add a little for taxis. Not expected for takeaway coffee.
Official public transport app
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece), Cambridge -> Cambridge Railway Station, Cambridge
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need