Cambridge to Manchester bus with National Express

Mon 31 Aug
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
Stagecoach East
Alsa
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
Stagecoach East
Alsa
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cambridge to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 31 Aug

Cheapest price on 31 Aug

£44

Average ticket price on 31 Aug

£68

Fastest journey on 31 Aug

5 h 45 m

Average journey duration on 31 Aug

6 h 33 m

Buses on 31 Aug

13

Distance

213 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cambridge to Manchester will cost around £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £44.

Fast coaches

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

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    5:355h45
    Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
    11:20Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
    £441One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    5:356h05
    Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
    11:40Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    £451One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX777 · NX121
    9:506h50
    Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
    16:40Manchester, Coach Station
    £481One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX777 · NX421
    1:505h45
    Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
    7:35Manchester, Coach Station
    £581One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX727 · NXA8 · NX540
    13:558h50
    Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
    22:45Manchester, Coach Station
    £691One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Cambridge to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £23 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 55m. 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 coach costs an average of £23, while a flight costs an average of £83.

Distance: 213 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Flight

£23

Average Price

Cheapest

£55

Average Price

£83

Average Price

5h 21m

Average total duration

4h 51m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 30m

Average total duration

4h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 55m

Average total duration

Fastest

55m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

East Midlands Railway

Most popular train company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Cambridge to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Manchester coaches for today, Sunday 30 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus18:45 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
10h45
5:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
National ExpressNX777 · NXA8 · NX42418:55 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
11h10
6:05 Manchester, Coach Station2 changes
National ExpressNX777 · NXA8 · NX42418:55 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
11h10
6:05 Manchester, Coach Station2 changes
Monday 31 August
National ExpressNX777 · NX4211:50 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
5h45
7:35 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX727 · NXA8 · NX5403:50 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
8h20
12:10 Manchester, Coach Station2 changes
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus5:35 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
6h05
11:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus5:35 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
5h45
11:20 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
National ExpressNX727 · NXA8 · NX5406:05 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
8h40
14:45 Manchester, Coach Station2 changes
National ExpressNX777 · NX1219:50 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
6h50
16:40 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX727 · NX737 · NX54012:15 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
8h20
20:35 Manchester, Coach Station2 changes
National ExpressNX727 · NXA8 · NX54013:55 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
8h50
22:45 Manchester, Coach Station2 changes
National ExpressNX728 · NX737 · NX54016:15 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
10h00
2:15 Manchester, Coach Station2 changes

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to Manchester by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach and flight 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.

Mon
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept

Why should you book Cambridge to Manchester coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus, Megabus, Stagecoach East and more offer coaches services from Cambridge to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cambridge to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, Megabus or Stagecoach East to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge 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 FlixBus, Megabus or Stagecoach East to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cambridge to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cambridge to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cambridge to Manchester run on average 14 times per day, taking around 4h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 213 km distance in 5h 45m.

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
213 km
Average bus duration
4h 51m
Cheapest ticket price
£14
Buses per day
14
Fastest bus
5h 45m
First bus
0:05
Last bus
23:55
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Mon
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: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Stagecoach East from Cambridge to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Cambridge to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Stagecoach East 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 FlixBus Duration
5h 45m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£14
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 National Express Duration
6h 50m
Cheapest National Express Price
£36
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 Megabus Duration
4h 55m
Cheapest Megabus Price
£22
Megabus frequency
1 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.

Stagecoach East

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Stagecoach East Duration
4h 50m
Cheapest Stagecoach East Price
£37
Stagecoach East frequency
12 a day

Complete guide to Manchester

Things to do in Manchester

Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.

  • Must visit

Science and Industry Museum

Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.

  • Must visit

Manchester Museum

Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.

  • Must visit

Manchester Art Gallery

Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£70+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.

Buses from Cambridge to Manchester.

National Express operates direct and indirect daily buses from Cambridge to Manchester. There are two direct services, leaving Cambridge early morning and late morning. The indirect connections include three morning departures and an afternoon service. These journeys require a change at either Milton Keynes Coachway or Birmingham Coach Station. The fastest connection is the mid-morning departure via Milton Keynes, taking just over six hours to reach Manchester. Buses from Cambridge to Manchester depart from Parkside, on the southern side of central Cambridge, arriving at Manchester Coach Station, on the eastern edge of the city centre.

FAQs: Cambridge to Manchester coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge 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 Cambridge to Manchester can start from as little as £14 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cambridge to Manchester is £23; 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 Cambridge to Manchester is 5h 45m to travel the 213 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Cambridge to Manchester leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cambridge to Manchester leaves at 23:55.
There are 14 coaches a day from Cambridge to Manchester which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Stagecoach East. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cambridge to Manchester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Stagecoach East for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cambridge and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Manchester from Cambridge is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cambridge to Manchester is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cambridge and Manchester including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cambridge to Manchester:
  • 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cambridge to Manchester for coach company National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cambridge to Manchester depends on the coach companies:
  • 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.
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 Cambridge to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cambridge to Manchester:
  • 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Cambridge to Manchester:
  • 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.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Cambridge 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 Cambridge to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cambridge to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cambridge to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cambridge and Manchester

Most Cambridge to Manchester buses use the Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Cambridge
Arrival bus stations in Manchester
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
City-centre transport

Getting to Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) from Cambridge city centre

BusTour · 31m · £2 · every ~6 min
HomeCoachesCoach tickets to Manchester Cambridge to Manchester bus

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone