Cardiff to Manchester bus with Megabus

Sat, Nov 15
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Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
AirCoach
Navette Beauvais
1,000+ travel companies
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
AirCoach
Navette Beauvais
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Nov 18

Cheapest price

€16

Average price

€24

Fastest journey

5 h 50 m

Average duration

6 h 54 m

Buses per day

5

Distance

231 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Manchester will cost around €24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €16.

Fast buses

Of the 5 buses that leave Cardiff for Manchester on Tue, Nov 18, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Nov 18 the direct buses cover the 231 km distance in an average of 6 h 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 50 m .

On Tue, Nov 18 the slowest buses will take 7 h 50 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.

FlixBus
09:40AM6h50
Cardiff
04:30PMManchester
€161One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus
04:05AM7h25
Cardiff
11:30AMManchester
€241One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus
11:45AM7h50
Cardiff
07:35PMManchester
€241One-way
0 transfers
National Express
04:20PM5h50
Cardiff
10:10PMManchester
€261One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus
07:45AM6h35
Cardiff
02:20PMManchester
€271One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €16. 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 bus costs an average of €16, and a train costs an average of €47.

Distance: 231 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€30

Average price

Cheapest

€75

Average price

6h 9m

Average total duration

5h 39m

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 buses for today, Monday, November 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 4:43 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus5:05 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h25
12:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus5:05 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h05
12:10 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 transfer
national_expressNX202 · NX101 · NX120
Delayed
6:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h55
3:45 PM 3:45 PMManchester, Coach Station		2 transfers
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus8:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h55
3:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus8:45 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h35
3:20 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 transfer
national_expressNX111 · NX120
On time
9:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h35
4:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station		1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus10:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h50
5:30 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus10:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h10
5:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
national_expressNX112 · NX121
On time
11:20 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h20
5:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station		1 transfer
national_expressNX111 · NX120
On time
12:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h00
6:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station		1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus12:45 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
8h05
8:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus12:45 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h50
8:35 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 transfer
national_expressNX111 · NX120
On time
1:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h50
7:35 PM Manchester, Coach Station		1 transfer
national_expressNX111 · NX120
On time
5:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h00
11:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station		1 transfer
national_expressNX507 · NX424
Delayed
10:00 PM 6:45 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens
11h20
6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station		1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbus4:05 AM Cardiff
7h25
11:30 AM Manchester0 transfersDirect

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 bus

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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 17 times per day, taking around 5h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €16 if you book in advance.

There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 231 km distance in 5h 40m.

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 39m
Cheapest ticket price
€16
Buses per day
17
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
5h 40m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:55
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 €16. 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.
Learn more about FlixBus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
€16
FlixBus frequency
6 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.
Learn more about National Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 40m
Cheapest Price
€19
National Express frequency
10 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
10 a day
Luggage included
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).
Additional luggage
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.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Manchester 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 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 €31; 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 5 h 5 min   to travel the 231 km long trip, with around there are 24 coaches per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Cardiff to Manchester leaves at 04: 50. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Cardiff to Manchester leaves at 22: 10.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Cardiff to Manchester without having to change trains with Megabus. There are 8 direct coaches from Cardiff to Manchester each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
Take the Cardiff to Manchester coach with Megabus, National Express or FlixBus. However, it's always good to check out all possible coach companies for the journey between Cardiff and Manchester as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.

When departing from Cardiff, you have various coach station options to start your route from including Cardiff, University and Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). When arriving in Manchester, you can end your route in coach stations like Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Airport and Manchester, Shudehill / Bradshaw Street.

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, University, which is located around 1.1 miles (1.8 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, located 0.5 miles (833 m) away from the city centre.

The cheapest month to travel from Cardiff to Manchester by coach is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel to Manchester from Cardiff including taking a train or coach.
No, the coach from Cardiff to Manchester has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Manchester.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Cardiff to Manchester.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.

    • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Manchester.
    No, luggage for the coach from Cardiff to Manchester needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Cardiff to Manchester.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Manchester.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Manchester.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Cardiff to Manchester.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Manchester

    Cardiff
    Manchester
    The major bus station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester.
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    information
    Cardiff, Millennium Stadium
    information
    Cardiff, University
    information
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    information
    Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent)
    information

    More options for your journey from Cardiff to Manchester

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