Cardiff to Manchester bus with Megabus

Fri, 14 Aug
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Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 14 Aug

Cheapest price

32฿

Average price

39฿

Fastest journey

5 h 30 m

Average duration

5 h 45 m

Buses per day

21

Distance

231 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Manchester will cost around 39฿ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only 32฿.

Fast coaches

To travel from Cardiff to Manchester you need to make at least one change.

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    2:50 PM5h55
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    8:45 PMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
    32 ฿1One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    4:40 PM6h10
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    10:50 PMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
    32 ฿1One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX202 · NX100 · NX541
    12:35 PM8h25
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    9:00 PMManchester, Coach Station
    33 ฿1One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX201 · NX101 · NX541
    4:30 PM7h55
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    12:25 AMManchester, Coach Station
    33 ฿1One-way
    2 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    4:40 PM6h30
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    11:10 PMManchester, Shudehill Interchange
    33 ฿1One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from 14฿. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 27m. 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 coach costs an average of 14฿, and a train costs an average of 31฿.

Distance: 231 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

25฿

Average Price

Cheapest

64฿

Average Price

6h 3m

Average total duration

5h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 57m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Megabus

Most popular bus company

Transport for Wales

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cardiff to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Manchester coaches for today, Thursday, 13 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h30
11:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h10
10:50 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:20 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h40
2:00 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
National ExpressNX509 · NX4247:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
10h50
6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station1 change
Friday, 14 August
National ExpressNX202 · NX100 · NX1204:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h00
11:30 AM Manchester, Coach Station2 changes
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
5h55
12:05 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h20
12:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
National ExpressNX202 · NX100 · NX1206:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h50
2:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station2 changes
National ExpressNX111 · NX5908:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h45
3:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus9:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
5h55
3:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus9:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
5h30
3:15 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
National ExpressNX112 · NX54112:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h25
6:35 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus12:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
5h30
5:45 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus12:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
5h55
6:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
National ExpressNX202 · NX100 · NX54112:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
8h25
9:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station2 changes
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus2:50 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
5h55
8:45 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus2:50 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h20
9:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Manchester by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Fri
14 Aug
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15 Aug
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16 Aug
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Why should you book Cardiff to Manchester coaches with Omio?

Megabus as well as National Express or FlixBus offer coaches services from Cardiff to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Manchester.

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 National Express or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester.
  • 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 Cardiff to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Manchester run on average 18 times per day, taking around 5h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at 14฿ if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 231 km distance in 5h 20m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
231 km
Average bus duration
5h 33m
Cheapest ticket price
14฿
Buses per day
18
Fastest bus
5h 20m
First bus
12:05 AM
Last bus
11:57 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
35 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus from Cardiff to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Manchester with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for as low as 14฿. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 20m
Cheapest Price
14฿
FlixBus frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 35m
Cheapest Price
19฿
National Express frequency
11 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 35m
Cheapest Price
22฿
Megabus frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Cardiff to Manchester coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Manchester by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Manchester can start from as little as 14฿ when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Manchester is 25฿; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Cardiff to Manchester is 5h 20m to travel the 231 km long trip. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Cardiff to Manchester leaves at 12:05 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Manchester leaves at 11:57 pm.
There are 18 coaches a day from Cardiff to Manchester which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Manchester, you can count on Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Cardiff , you have various coach station options to start your trip from including Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, University, Newport, Queensway, Weston-super-Mare, Regent St (Interchange), Weston-super-Mare, Diamond Batch Car Park Stop (Worle Station), Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent), Cardiff, Millennium Stadium, Bridgend, Sarn Odeon . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your trip in coach stations like Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Manchester, Airport .Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Manchester, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Manchester from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Manchester is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Manchester including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Manchester for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Manchester depends on the coach companies:
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Manchester:
  • 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Cardiff to Manchester. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Manchester

Most Cardiff to Manchester buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Manchester

Which Cardiff station do buses to Manchester leave from?

Buses from Cardiff to Manchester leave from Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). The station is from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre

TRUE

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) bus station facilities and services

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.

Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre

Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · 2฿ · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cardiff, Sophia Gardens bus station facilities and services

Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.

Cardiff, University
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · 1฿ · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min

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