Cardiff to Manchester bus with Megabus

Sat 31 Jan
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Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Swiss Tours
1,000+ travel companies
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Swiss Tours
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 01 Feb

Cheapest price

£23

Average price

£31

Fastest journey

5 h 35 m

Average duration

5 h 47 m

Buses per day

22

Distance

231 km

Cheap tickets

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 £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £23.

Fast coaches

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

National ExpressNX216 · NX100 · NX421
22:109h25
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
07:35Manchester, Coach Station
£231One-way
2 changes
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
10:407h20
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
18:00Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
£241One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
10:406h55
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
17:35Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
£251One-way
1 change
National ExpressNX509 · NX540
04:509h20
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
14:10Manchester, Coach Station
£261One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
14:505h55
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
20:45Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
£261One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the coach 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 £15. 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 £15, and a train costs an average of £43.

Distance: 231 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train

£27

Average Price

Cheapest

£68

Average Price

6h 9m

Average total duration

5h 39m

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
Megabus

Most popular bus company

Transport for Wales

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Cardiff to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Manchester coaches for today, Saturday 31 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 07:27
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX509 · NX540
Delayed
13:45 04:50Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
9h20
14:10 Manchester, Coach Station
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus09:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h00
15:15 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus09:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h25
15:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
national_expressNX111 · NX120
On time
09:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h35
16:25 Manchester, Coach Station
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus10:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h55
17:35 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus10:40 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h20
18:00 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
national_expressNX112 · NX121
On time
11:20 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
6h05
17:25 Manchester, Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX111 · NX120
On time
12:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h40
18:20 Manchester, Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX111 · NX120
On time
13:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h35
19:20 Manchester, Coach Station
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus14:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h20
21:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus14:50 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
5h55
20:45 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus16:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h05
22:50 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus16:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
6h25
23:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
national_expressNX111 · NX120
On time
17:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h45
23:10 Manchester, Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX507 · NX424
On time
18:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
11h20
06:05 Manchester, Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX216 · NX100 · NX421
On time
22:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
9h25
07:35 Manchester, Coach Station
2 changes
Sunday 1 February
national_expressNX202 · NX106 · NX12002:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
8h30
11:15 Manchester, Coach Station2 changes
national_expressNX202 · NX100 · NX12004:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h30
12:15 Manchester, Coach Station2 changes
national_expressNX509 · NX54004:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
9h20
14:10 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus05:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h00
12:05 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus05:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
7h25
12:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
national_expressNX202 · NX101 · NX12006:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
7h40
14:20 Manchester, Coach Station2 changes
national_expressNX507 · NX54006:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
9h05
15:50 Manchester, Coach Station1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Manchester by train or coach

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.

Sun
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21 Feb

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Manchester run on average 17 times per day, taking around 5h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £15 if you book in advance.

There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 231 km distance in 5h 40m.

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
231 km
Average bus duration
5h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
£15
Buses per day
17
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
5h 40m
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: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus from Cardiff to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Manchester with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for as low as £15. 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
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
£15
FlixBus frequency
6 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
5h 40m
Cheapest Price
£17
National Express frequency
10 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
5h 35m
Cheapest Price
£20
Megabus frequency
10 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 Cardiff to Manchester

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

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.

Manchester

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.

FAQs: Cardiff to Manchester coach

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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Manchester can start from as little as £15 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Manchester is £27; 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 Cardiff to Manchester is 5h 40m to travel the 231 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 Cardiff to Manchester leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Manchester leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 2 direct coaches a day from Cardiff to Manchester with Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Manchester, you can count on Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Manchester from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Manchester is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Manchester including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Manchester for coach company Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Manchester with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Manchester with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Manchester with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Manchester

Cardiff
Manchester
The major coach station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
information
Cardiff, University
information

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