- 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
£28
Average price
£34
Fastest journey
5 h 20 m
Average duration
5 h 31 m
Buses per day
21
Distance
231 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Manchester will cost around £34 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £28.
To travel from Cardiff to Manchester you need to make at least one change.
NX202 · NX100 · NX120
NX202 · NX100 · NX541
NX111 · NX541
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX112 · NX541
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 27m. 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 £13, and a train costs an average of £28.
Distance: 231 km
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£23 Average Price Cheapest | £57 Average Price |
6h 3m Average total duration 5h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Manchester coaches for today, Friday 31 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h55 | 15:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h30 | 15:15 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 change | |
NX112 · NX541 | 12:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h25 | 18:35 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h55 | 18:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h30 | 17:45 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 change | |
NX202 · NX100 · NX541 | 12:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h25 | 21:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 14:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h55 | 20:45 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 14:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h20 | 21:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
NX111 · NX541 | 16:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h20 | 22:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX201 · NX101 · NX541 | 16:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h55 | 0:25 Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h30 | 23:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h10 | 22:50 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 change | |
NX509 · NX540 | 17:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h45 | 2:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 18:20 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h40 | 2:00 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 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 | |
| Saturday 1 August | |||||
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 | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h45 | 12:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h20 | 12:05 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 change | |
NX111 · NX590 | 8:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h20 | 15:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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 Cardiff to Manchester run on average 18 times per day, taking around 5h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 231 km distance in 5h 20m.
Distance 231 km |
Average bus duration 5h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Buses per day 18 |
Fastest bus 5h 20m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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
Sophia Gardens in Cardiff is the departure point for buses from Cardiff to Manchester with the first bus of the day departing around 7:30 a.m. National Express runs these buses and the final service departs from Cardiff at about 5:00 p.m. Journeys can take around 6 hours, but at certain times of the day, travel times can extend to over 8 hours. There is a change of bus during the journey in either Birmingham or Bristol, depending on the route taken. Buses from Cardiff to Manchester run every couple of hours between the first and last departure times and the service runs from Monday to Sunday.
Cardiff is an exciting city with much to attract any visitor. It was ranked 6th in National Geographic’s 2011 Alternative Tourist Destinations and is often considered the most popular tourist destination in Wales, with 14.6 million visitors in 2009. The city is steeped in history and you don’t need to travel far (in fact, just straight to the city centre) to see one of its oldest historical attractions: Cardiff Castle. The castle is surrounded by beautiful parkland (an abundance of green space is also a reason for Cardiff’s popularity) and visitors can marvel at the intricate artworks covering many of the walls inside. Much of the area surrounding the city is very interesting also. If you head to the outskirts of the city to the Llandaff district you can visit the 12th century Llandaff Cathedral, made more famous in recent years for the Ghost Walks on offer. Those feeling brave will love this renowned, exciting, and educational activity.
A large city in the north west of England, Manchester is an important industrial and musical centre with a large and eclectic array of attractions and activities to keep you busy. Consider exploring the fascinating Museum of Science & Industry, a 2.8-hectare urban heritage park encompassing old brick buildings, rusting viaducts, and massive warehouses, to get a glimpse of 19th-century industrial Manchester. Literature enthusiasts will love visiting the John Rylands Library, which is complete with high-vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows, and the Elizabeth Gaskell house, where this famous author lived from 1850 to 1865. The Godlee Observatory is largely unvisited but one of the most interesting sites in town. Head to the Whitworth Art Gallery to see a wonderful collection of British watercolours.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Manchester buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Use this guide to compare Cardiff 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need