Manchester to Cardiff bus with Megabus

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

Showing times and prices for 14 Aug

Cheapest price

39S$

Average price

47S$

Fastest journey

5 h 45 m

Average duration

5 h 55 m

Buses per day

22

Distance

231 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Manchester to Cardiff will cost around 47S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only 39S$.

Fast coaches

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

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    11:40 AM6h55
    Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    6:35 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    39 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    6:10 PM6h15
    Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    12:25 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    39 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    6:35 PM5h50
    Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
    12:25 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    41 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    12:05 PM6h30
    Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
    6:35 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    41 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX541 · NX111
    5:50 AM7h10
    Manchester, Coach Station
    1:00 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
    41 S$1One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach 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 coach with prices starting from 23S$. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of 23S$, and a train costs an average of 41S$.

Distance: 231 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

38S$

Average Price

Cheapest

102S$

Average Price

6h 14m

Average total duration

5h 44m

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
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

Manchester to Cardiff bus times

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

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX540 · NX5096:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station
9h15
3:15 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
6h15
12:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:35 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
5h50
12:25 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX424 · NX50711:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station
12h05
12:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
Friday, 14 August
National ExpressNX541 · NX101 · NX2024:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station
7h20
12:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens2 changes
National ExpressNX541 · NX1115:50 AM Manchester, Coach Station
7h10
1:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus7:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
5h55
1:05 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
7h40
4:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus9:15 AM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
7h15
4:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX541 · NX11210:00 AM Manchester, Coach Station
6h40
4:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
National ExpressNX121 · NX105 · NX20210:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station
7h45
6:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens2 changes
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:40 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
6h55
6:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus12:05 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
6h30
6:35 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX541 · NX11112:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station
7h20
7:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus1:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
6h20
7:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus1:35 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
5h55
7:30 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
National ExpressNX590 · NX100 · NX2022:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station
8h00
10:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens2 changes
National ExpressNX540 · NX5092:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station
9h39
11:59 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus3:00 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
6h10
9:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus3:25 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
5h45
9:10 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Cardiff 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.

Thu
13 Aug
Fri
14 Aug
Sat
15 Aug
Sun
16 Aug
Mon
17 Aug
Tue
18 Aug
Wed
19 Aug

Why should you book Manchester to Cardiff coaches with Omio?

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

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

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Manchester to Cardiff run on average 18 times per day, taking around 5h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at 23S$ 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 50m.

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 44m
Cheapest ticket price
23S$
Buses per day
18
Fastest bus
5h 50m
First bus
12:05 AM
Last bus
11:57 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
28 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, FlixBus, National Express from Manchester to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Cardiff with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express for as low as 23S$. 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 50m
Cheapest Price
23S$
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
7h 50m
Cheapest Price
28S$
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 $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 50m
Cheapest Price
35S$
Megabus frequency
2 a day

FAQs: Manchester to Cardiff coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Cardiff can start from as little as 23S$ when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Cardiff is 38S$; 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 Manchester to Cardiff is 5h 50m 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 Manchester to Cardiff leaves at 12:05 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Cardiff leaves at 11:57 pm.
There are 18 coaches a day from Manchester to Cardiff which require at least one change with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Cardiff, you can count on Megabus, FlixBus, National Express for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Manchester , you have various coach station options to start your trip from including Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Manchester, Airport . When arriving in Cardiff , you can end your trip in coach stations like Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, University, Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB), Newport, Queensway, Weston-super-Mare, Diamond Batch Car Park Stop (Worle Station), Weston-super-Mare, Regent St (Interchange), Cardiff, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent), Bridgend, Sarn Odeon .Passengers board the coach most frequently from Manchester, Coach Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Cardiff from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Cardiff is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Cardiff:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Cardiff for coach company FlixBus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Cardiff 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 FlixBus, National Express.
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 Manchester to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Cardiff:
  • 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 Manchester to Cardiff:
  • 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 Manchester to Cardiff. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Cardiff with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Cardiff with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Cardiff with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Cardiff

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.

Departure bus stations in Manchester
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff

Which Manchester station do buses to Cardiff leave from?

Buses from Manchester to Cardiff leave from Manchester, Coach Station. The station is from Manchester city centre at Chorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom.
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester, Coach Station from Manchester city centre

Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 33, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 1m · 3S$ · every ~231 min

Manchester, Coach Station 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 and drink

Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.

Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United KingdomWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre

Bus163, 118, 119, 18, 112, 114, 117, 81 · 3m · 3S$ · every ~69 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 2m · 3S$ · every ~23 min

Manchester, Shudehill Interchange bus station facilities and services

Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.

Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane EastMoss Ln E & Princess Rd, Manchester M15 6LD, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East from Manchester city centre

Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus101, 15, 103, 102 · 14m · 3S$ · every ~31 min
Uk023, Ukn23, Uk071 · 21m · 2S$ · every ~2 min

Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East bus station facilities and services

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 and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. ATMs are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Accessible for wheelchairs.

Most popular bus connections from Manchester

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HomeCoachesBuses in United KingdomManchester to Cardiff bus

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