- 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 Sep 08
$25
Average ticket price on Sep 08
$36
Fastest journey on Sep 08
5 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 08
5 h 59 m
Buses on Sep 08
20
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 $36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 an average ticket price of $38 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 52m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, while a train costs an average of $89.
Distance: 143 miles (231 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$38 Average price Cheapest | $89 Average price | $65 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 35m Average total duration 6h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Cardiff:
A bus is $51 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Cardiff costing on average $89.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 5m.
Tickets start at around $38 compared to roughly $65 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $27. The journey takes 6h 5m versus 4h 39m 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 01:40PM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 11:59PM | Duration 9h39 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 11:59PM | Duration 9h24 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Cardiff buses for today, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX590 · NX100 · NX202 | 2:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h00 | 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 | 9h10 | 12:50 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 | |
NX424 · NX507 | 11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 11h55 | 11:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, September 8 | |||||
NX421 · NX509 | 2:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 10h55 | 1:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX508 | 5:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h50 | 3:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · NX100 · NX202 | 7:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h05 | 4:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
NX541 · NX104 · NX202 | 7:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h05 | 4:30 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 | |
NX541 · NX112 | 10:20 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h20 | 4:40 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 | 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 | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Manchester to Cardiff run on average 20 times per day, taking around 6h 5m. 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.
Distance 143 miles (231 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 |
Buses per day 20 |
Fastest bus 4h 10m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
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
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, 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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need