- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Cheapest price on Oct 29
$37
Average ticket price on Oct 29
$48
Fastest journey on Oct 29
5 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Oct 29
5 h 55 m
Buses on Oct 29
19
Distance
231 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Cardiff will cost around $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
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Buses from Manchester to Cardiff run on average 20 times per day, taking around 6h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:57. The fastest bus covers the 143 miles (231 km) distance in 4h 10m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Manchester to Cardiff.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 11:59PM | Duration 9h24 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 02:45AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Cardiff buses for tomorrow, Thursday, October 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX540 · NX508 | 5:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h50 | 3:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 5h55 | 1:05 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · NX104 · NX202 | 7:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h40 | 4:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
NX541 · NX100 · NX202 | 7:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h40 | 4:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h40 | 4:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 AM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 7h15 | 4:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:40 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h55 | 6:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 6h30 | 6:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · NX111 | 12:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h20 | 7:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h20 | 7:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:35 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 5h55 | 7:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX590 · NX100 · NX202 | 1:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h15 | 10:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:00 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h10 | 9:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:25 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 5h45 | 9:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · NX100 · NX202 | 3:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h55 | 12:35 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NX509 | 6:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h45 | 2:45 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h15 | 12:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:35 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 5h50 | 12:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 transfer | |
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Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Manchester to Cardiff with National Express and FlixBus. Overnight buses available on this route with National Express and FlixBus. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.
Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.
Revitalised waterfront district with basin views, modern landmarks, trails, and easy access to culture, public art, and waterside walks.
Large central park behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, arboretum views, sculptures, and quick escapes from the busy centre.
Victorian shopping arcade packed with independent boutiques and period detail, representing Cardiff’s famous arcade culture at its best.
A Welsh breakfast staple of seaweed cooked into a savoury puree, often served with oats or alongside bacon and cockles. It is a classic taste of Welsh coastal cooking.
Cockles gathered from the Welsh coast, commonly eaten with laverbread. They are a long-standing local delicacy linked to South Wales seaside food culture.
A traditional Welsh broth made with lamb or beef, root vegetables, and leeks. It is hearty, homely, and closely associated with Welsh family cooking.
Refined modern British dining with tasting menus in an elegant city-centre setting. It is one of Cardiff’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants.
A stylish venue known for seasonal Welsh ingredients, creative small plates, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere near the city centre.
Historic indoor market ideal for casual local food, Welsh cakes, fresh produce, and traditional snacks. It offers a lively everyday taste of Cardiff.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10%. Taxi tips are optional, often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tipping, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens) -> Cardiff Central Station
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Cardiff.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Cardiff buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). Use this guide to compare Manchester and Cardiff 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, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, 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.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Check bus stations information for Manchester and Cardiff, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.