The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Cardiff
Cheapest price
$22
Average price
$27
Fastest journey
5 h 40 m
Average duration
6 h 27 m
Buses per day
5
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 $27 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
Of the 5 buses that leave Manchester for Cardiff on Sat, May 02, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 02 the direct buses cover the 231 km distance in an average of 6 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 40 m .
On Sat, May 02 the slowest buses will take 7 h 15 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.
6:35 PM7h30Manchester2:05 AMCardiff$221One-way0 transfers
4:45 PM9h00Manchester1:45 AMCardiff$291One-way0 transfers
3:00 PM7h15Manchester10:15 PMCardiff$291One-way0 transfers
6:20 PM6h00Manchester12:20 AMCardiff$291One-way0 transfers
8:30 AM7h00Manchester3:30 PMCardiff$291One-way0 transfers
2:30 PM5h40Manchester8:10 PMCardiff$371One-way0 transfers
6:20 PM6h00Manchester12:20 AMCardiff$291One-way0 transfers
6:00 PM6h20Manchester12:20 AMCardiff$381One-way0 transfers
8:30 AM7h00Manchester3:30 PMCardiff$291One-way0 transfers
3:00 PM7h15Manchester10:15 PMCardiff$291One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Manchester to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 26m. 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 $15, and a train costs an average of $38.
Distance: 143 miles (231 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$30 Average price Cheapest | $82 Average price |
6h 8m Average total duration 5h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 56m Average total duration Fastest 3h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Manchester to Cardiff Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 11:59PM | Duration 9h39 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $44 |
Live departures
Manchester to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Cardiff buses for today, Friday, May 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX541 · NX101 · NX202 | Delayed 7:50 AM 4:45 AMManchester, Coach Station | 7h20 | 1:15 PM 1:15 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
NX120 · NX111 | Delayed 7:15 PM 7:00 AMManchester, Coach Station | 5h35 | 12:35 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 | |
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 | |
NX541 · NX112 | On time 10:00 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h40 | 4:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · NX111 | On time 11:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h45 | 6:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia 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 | On time 1:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h25 | 7:25 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 · NX111 | 2:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h10 | 8:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX509 | Delayed 7:45 PM 2:20 PMManchester, Coach Station | 9h39 | 11:59 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
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 | On time 4:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h50 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
NX541 · NX100 · NX202 | On time 4:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h50 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NX509 | Delayed 7:45 PM 4:55 PMManchester, Coach Station | 9h00 | 1:55 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX509 | Delayed 7:45 PM 6:00 PMManchester, Coach Station | 8h55 | 2:55 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 | |
NX540 · NX509 | Delayed 7:45 PM 7:30 PMManchester, Coach Station | 8h15 | 3:45 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX120 · NX100 · NX216 | On time 9:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h15 | 5:45 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
NX424 · NX100 · NX201 | 11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 11h05 | 11:00 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Cardiff by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
May 02
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May 22
Why should you book Manchester to Cardiff buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Megabus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or National Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Cardiff.
- 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or National Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Cardiff
Buses from Manchester to Cardiff run on average 17 times per day, taking around 5h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) 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 5h 40m.
Distance 143 miles (231 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Buses per day 17 |
Fastest bus 5h 40m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Bus providers: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express from Manchester to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Cardiff with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express for as low as $15 (€12). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
Megabus
FAQs: Bus from Manchester to 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.

- 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.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Cardiff Castle, a historic fortress with Roman and Norman roots offering guided tours and events
- St Fagans National Museum of History, an open-air museum showcasing Welsh life and culture through reconstructed buildings and exhibits
- Cardiff Bay, a vibrant waterfront area with dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions
- National Museum Cardiff, featuring art, archaeology, and natural history collections
- Bute Park, a large green space perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.
- Millennium Centre, a renowned arts venue hosting opera, ballet, and theater performances
- Explore the vibrant nightlife in Cardiff's city center with its array of pubs and clubs
- Take a boat tour around Cardiff Bay for scenic views and historical insights
- Visit the Cardiff International White Water for an adventurous day of rafting and kayaking
- Enjoy shopping and dining at the bustling Cardiff Market, offering local produce and unique finds.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- 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.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Manchester to Cardiff
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
- 05:00-23:30
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside the interchange.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
More options for your journey from Manchester to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


