- 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.
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
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.
To travel from Cambridge to Manchester you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX777 · NX121
NX777 · NX421
NX727 · NXA8 · NX540
NX777 · NX421
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX777 · NX121
NX727 · NXA8 · NX540Omio 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
| 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 |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 18:45 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 10h45 | 5:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
NX777 · NXA8 · NX424 | 18:55 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 11h10 | 6:05 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
NX777 · NXA8 · NX424 | 18:55 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 11h10 | 6:05 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| Monday 31 August | |||||
NX777 · NX421 | 1:50 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 5h45 | 7:35 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX727 · NXA8 · NX540 | 3:50 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 8h20 | 12:10 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:35 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 6h05 | 11:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:35 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 5h45 | 11:20 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 change | |
NX727 · NXA8 · NX540 | 6:05 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 8h40 | 14:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
NX777 · NX121 | 9:50 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 6h50 | 16:40 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX727 · NX737 · NX540 | 12:15 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 8h20 | 20:35 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
NX727 · NXA8 · NX540 | 13:55 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 8h50 | 22:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
NX728 · NX737 · NX540 | 16:15 Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 10h00 | 2:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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.
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 |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
A hearty hotpot of slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. A long-standing North West comfort dish served across Manchester pubs.
A rich tripe stew cooked with onions, milk and stock. It was a classic working-class Manchester meal linked to the city’s historic tripe trade.
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
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.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport Train Station -> Manchester Piccadilly
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.
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.

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.
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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 is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. ATMs are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Accessible for wheelchairs.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need