4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Cardiff
Cheapest price on Sep 13
€31
Average ticket price on Sep 13
€41
Fastest journey on Sep 13
5 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 13
5 h 54 m
Buses on Sep 13
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 €41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €31.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus7:10 AM5h55Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1:05 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)€311One-way1 transfer- FlixBus · FlixBus11:40 AM6h55Manchester, Shudehill Interchange6:35 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)€311One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus1:10 PM6h20Manchester, Shudehill Interchange7:30 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)€311One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus12:05 PM6h30Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East6:35 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)€321One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus8:50 AM7h40Manchester, Shudehill Interchange4:30 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)€321One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus3:25 PM5h45Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East9:10 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)€361One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus6:35 PM5h50Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East12:25 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)€381One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus1:35 PM5h55Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East7:30 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)€321One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus7:10 AM5h55Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1:05 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)€311One-way1 transfer
NX541 · NX11210:00 AM6h05Manchester, Coach Station4:05 PMCardiff, Sophia Gardens€411One-way1 transfer
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 an average ticket price of €22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 33m. 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 €22, while a train costs an average of €46.
Distance: 231 km
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€22 Average price Cheapest | €46 Average price | €52 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 37m Average total duration 5h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 4h 3m 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 €24 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Cardiff costing on average €46.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 7m.
Live departures
Manchester to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Cardiff buses for today, Saturday, September 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX541 · NX101 · NX202 | 5:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h50 | 12:05 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
| NX541 · NX111 | 6:10 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h50 | 1:00 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 | 10:00 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h05 | 4:05 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 | 7h05 | 7:30 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 · NX100 · NX202 | 2:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h00 | 10:00 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
| NX540 · NX509 | 2:35 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h24 | 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 | |
| NX121 · NX100 · NX202 | 5:35 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h15 | 12:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 transfers | |
| 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 | 7:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h15 | 3:45 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
| NX424 · NX507 | 11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 11h55 | 11:50 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 transfer | |
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.
Sep 13
Sep 14
Sep 15
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Sep 24
Sep 25
Sep 26
Sep 27
Sep 28
Sep 29
Sep 30
Oct 01
Oct 02
Oct 03
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
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Cardiff run on average 19 times per day, taking around 5h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €15 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:57. The fastest bus covers the 231 km distance in 5h 50m.
Distance 231 km |
Average bus duration 5h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price €15 |
Buses per day 19 |
Fastest bus 5h 50m |
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 |
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. 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.
- 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
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.
Which Manchester station do buses to Cardiff leave from?
Getting to Manchester, Coach Station from Manchester city centre
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.
Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre
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.
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:
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.
Which Cardiff station do buses from Manchester arrive at?
Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cardiff and Manchester
Most popular bus connections to Cardiff
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