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- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
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Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £18 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 9m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, while a train costs an average of £36.
Distance: 230 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£18 Average Price Cheapest | £36 Average Price | £46 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 0m Average total duration 5h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration Fastest 3h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is a coach with an average price of £18.
This is compared to other travel options from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN):
A coach is £18 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) costing on average £36.
The fastest way to travel from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is by train with an average journey time of 3h 39m.
Other travel options to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 30m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cathays (CYS) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) including taking a coach and train.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £18 compared to roughly £46 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £28. The journey takes 5h 30m versus 3h 31m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) coaches for today, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 NX202 · NX100 · NX120 | 4:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h30 | 11:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| NX509 · NX540 | 4:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 9h00 | 13:50 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| NX202 · NX100 · NX120 | 6:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h25 | 14:05 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| NX111 · NX590 | 8:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h20 | 15:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| NX112 · NX541 | 12:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h40 | 18:05 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| NX202 · NX100 · NX541 | 12:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h55 | 20:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| NX111 · NX541 | 16:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h50 | 22:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NX540 | 17:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h45 | 2:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NX424 | 18:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 11h20 | 6:05 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| NX509 · NX421 | 19:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 11h50 | 7:35 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) coaches with Omio?
Megabus as well as National Express offer coaches services from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
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 National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 13:50, the last at 13:50. The fastest coach covers the 230 km distance in 5h 55m.
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 230 km |
Average bus duration 5h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 5h 55m |
First bus 13:50 |
Last bus 13:50 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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 from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)You can travel by bus between Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) with Megabus, National Express for as low as £18. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
6h 25m
Cheapest Megabus Price
£12
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.
Entertaiment on board
What's included in each class
Compare Megabus classes and the amenities included in each one.
Front seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
General
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Leg
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
Reservable
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Standard +
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Table seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
Top of stairs
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
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
7h 45m
Cheapest National Express Price
£20
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.
What's included in each class
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
FAQs: Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 Piccadilly (MAN), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) can start from as little as £18 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is £18; 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 Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is 5h 55m to travel the 230 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 Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) leaves at 13:50. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) leaves at 13:50.
There are 13 coaches a day from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), you can count on Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN). You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cathays (CYS) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) from Cathays (CYS) is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cathays (CYS) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) including taking a coach and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) for coach company Megabus, National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN):
- 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.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
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 Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN):
- 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.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN):
- 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.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cathays (CYS) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express.
Most popular bus connections from Cathays (CYS)
Most popular buses to and from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cathays (CYS)
Most popular bus connections
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