Cardiff to Manchester Airport bus with National Express

Sun 04 Oct
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National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Manchester Airport

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Oct

Cheapest price on 04 Oct

£15

Average ticket price on 04 Oct

£21

Fastest journey on 04 Oct

5 h 15 m

Average journey duration on 04 Oct

8 h 24 m

Buses on 04 Oct

6

Distance

218 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Manchester Airport 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 Airport will cost around £21 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £15.

Fast coaches

On Sun 04 Oct, we found 6 buses from Cardiff to Manchester Airport, including 6 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 218 km distance in an average of 8 h 24 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 15 m .

The slowest buses will take 10 h 20 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
    8:4510h00
    Cardiff
    18:45Manchester Airport
    £151One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBus
    23:2511h45
    Cardiff
    11:10Manchester Airport
    £181One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBus
    15:4010h20
    Cardiff
    2:00Manchester Airport
    £191One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    17:255h15
    Cardiff
    22:40Manchester Airport
    £231One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    3:457h25
    Cardiff
    11:10Manchester Airport
    £251One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Manchester Airport

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Manchester Airport run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 00:40, the last at 22:25. The fastest coach covers the 218 km distance in 4h 15m.

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
218 km
Average bus duration
6h 32m
Cheapest ticket price
£18
Buses per day
12
Fastest bus
4h 15m
First bus
0:40
Last bus
22:25
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sat
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

Live departures

Cardiff to Manchester Airport bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Manchester Airport coaches for today, Saturday 3 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
FlixBus8:45 Cardiff
10h00
18:45 Manchester Airport0 changesdirect
FlixBus12:15 Cardiff
8h10
20:25 Manchester Airport0 changesdirect
FlixBus16:40 Cardiff
10h20
3:00 Manchester Airport0 changesdirect
Sunday 4 October
FlixBus2:10 Cardiff
9h00
11:10 Manchester Airport0 changesdirect
National Express3:45 Cardiff
7h25
11:10 Manchester Airport0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cardiff to Manchester Airport coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.
  • 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Cardiff to Manchester AirportYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Manchester Airport with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £18. 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 FlixBus Duration
5h 15m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£18
FlixBus frequency
7 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 National Express Duration
4h 15m
Cheapest National Express Price
£18
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.

FAQs: Cardiff to Manchester Airport coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Manchester Airport 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 Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Manchester Airport can start from as little as £18 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Manchester Airport is £31; 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 Airport is 4h 15m to travel the 218 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 Airport leaves at 0:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Manchester Airport leaves at 22:25.
There are 12 coaches a day from Cardiff to Manchester Airport which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Manchester Airport, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Manchester Airport. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Manchester Airport and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Manchester Airport including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Manchester Airport:
  • 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 Airport for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Manchester Airport depends on the coach companies:
  • 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 Airport.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Manchester Airport:
  • 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 Airport:
  • 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 Airport. 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 Airport with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Manchester Airport with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Manchester Airport with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Manchester Airport

Most Cardiff to Manchester Airport buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Manchester, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Manchester Airport bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Manchester
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre

TRUE

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) bus station facilities and services

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.

Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre

Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cardiff, Sophia Gardens bus station facilities and services

Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.

Cardiff, University
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.89 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Manchester Airport

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular buses to and from Manchester Airport and Cardiff

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