Cambridge to Manchester bus with National Express

Mon 01 Dec
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National Express
FlixBus
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cambridge to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 02 Dec

Cheapest price

£22

Average price

£46

Fastest journey

6 h 35 m

Average duration

8 h 13 m

Buses per day

5

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 £46 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £22.

Fast coaches

Of the 5 buses that leave Cambridge for Manchester every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 213 km distance in an average of 8 h 13 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 35 m .

The slowest buses will take 9 h 55 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
14:158h05
Cambridge
22:20Manchester
£221One-way
0 changes
FlixBus
16:157h44
Cambridge
23:59Manchester
£291One-way
0 changes
National Express
08:506h35
Cambridge
15:25Manchester
£331One-way
0 changes
National Express
12:558h45
Cambridge
21:40Manchester
£691One-way
0 changes
National Express
20:409h55
Cambridge
06:35Manchester
£771One-way
0 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 prices starting from £14. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. 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 £14, and a flight costs an average of £56.

Distance: 213 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Flight

£28

Average Price

Cheapest

£92

Average Price

£170

Average Price

6h 2m

Average total duration

5h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 11m

Average total duration

3h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 6m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

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, Monday 1 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 03:35
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_express08:50 Cambridge
6h35
15:25 Manchester0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbus14:15 Cambridge
8h55
23:10 Manchester0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbus16:15 Cambridge
8h45
01:00 Manchester0 changesdirect

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.

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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 12 times per day, taking around 5h 32m. 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 6h 35m.

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
5h 32m
Cheapest ticket price
£14
Buses per day
12
Fastest bus
6h 35m
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: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus from Cambridge to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Cambridge to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus 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 Duration
7h 44m
Cheapest Price
£17
FlixBus frequency
5 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
6h 35m
Cheapest Price
£28
National Express frequency
9 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
4h 55m
Cheapest Price
£23
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.

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 £12 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cambridge to Manchester is £33; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Cambridge to Manchester coach time is 4 h 20 min   covering the 131 mile long journey, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Cambridge to Manchester leaves at 05: 15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Cambridge to Manchester leaves at 16: 15.
There are 5 coaches a day from Cambridge to Manchester which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus or Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
For the trip from Cambridge to Manchester you can take a coach with National Express, FlixBus or Megabus. Be sure to check out all possible coach companies that offer services between Cambridge and Manchester on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
A trip to Manchester from Cambridge is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 20 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Cambridge to Manchester by coach is March.
You have options as you can travel to Manchester from Cambridge 2 different ways: train or coach.
No, the coach from Cambridge to Manchester has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Cambridge to Manchester.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Cambridge to Manchester.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cambridge 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 Cambridge to Manchester.
    No, luggage for the coach from Cambridge to Manchester needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Cambridge to Manchester.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cambridge to Manchester.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Cambridge to Manchester.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Cambridge to Manchester.

    popular bus stations

    Important Stations and Airports in Cambridge and Manchester

    Cambridge
    Manchester
    The major coach station for departures in Cambridge is Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) for your trip from Cambridge to Manchester.
    Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
    information
    HomeCoachesCoach tickets to Manchester Cambridge to Manchester bus

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