Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) bus with Megabus

Fri 17 Apr
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Showing times and prices for 18 Apr

Cheapest price

£27

Average price

£37

Fastest journey

5 h 10 m

Average duration

5 h 46 m

Buses per day

31

Distance

232 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £27.

Fast coaches

To travel from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) you need to make at least one change.

  • National ExpressNX540 · NX509
    19:308h05
    Manchester, Coach Station
    3:35Cardiff, University
    £271One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    12:056h30
    Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
    18:35Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £311One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    15:006h20
    Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    21:20Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £311One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    18:355h50
    Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
    0:25Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £311One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    18:106h15
    Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    0:25Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    £311One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £12, and a train costs an average of £33.

Distance: 232 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£23

Average Price

Cheapest

£63

Average Price

5h 56m

Average total duration

5h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 54m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Transport for Wales

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) bus times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) coaches for today, Friday 17 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX120 · NX1116:00 Manchester, Coach Station
5h25
11:25 Cardiff, University1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX507
Delayed
8:50 6:05Manchester, Coach Station
10h45
16:50 Cardiff, University
1 change
national_expressNX541 · NX509
Delayed
15:35 6:15Manchester, Coach Station
11h05
17:20 Cardiff, University
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus7:50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
7h40
15:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus8:05 Manchester, Airport
8h00
16:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus8:10 Manchester, Airport
10h20
18:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus8:15 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
7h15
15:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus9:50 Manchester, Airport
9h35
19:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus10:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
7h50
18:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus11:05 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
7h25
18:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX541 · NX111
Delayed
15:35 12:00Manchester, Coach Station
6h15
18:15 Cardiff, University
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX509
On time
12:10 Manchester, Coach Station
9h25
21:35 Cardiff, University
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus12:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
7h15
19:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus12:35 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
6h50
19:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX509
On time
13:20 Manchester, Coach Station
9h30
22:50 Cardiff, University
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus13:20 Manchester, Airport
10h05
23:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus14:00 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
7h15
21:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus14:25 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
6h50
21:15 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX509
On time
14:35 Manchester, Coach Station
9h15
23:50 Cardiff, University
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus14:50 Manchester, Airport
9h35
0:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX509
On time
15:55 Manchester, Coach Station
8h50
0:45 Cardiff, University
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX509
On time
17:00 Manchester, Coach Station
8h45
1:45 Cardiff, University
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus17:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
7h15
0:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus17:35 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
6h50
0:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX509
On time
18:30 Manchester, Coach Station
8h05
2:35 Cardiff, University
1 change
national_expressNX120 · NX100 · NX21620:30 Manchester, Coach Station
8h05
4:35 Cardiff, University2 changes
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus22:40 Manchester, Airport
11h05
9:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus23:45 Manchester, Airport
10h00
9:45 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
Saturday 18 April
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus4:25 Manchester, Airport
11h05
15:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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.

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Why should you book Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) coaches with Omio?

Megabus as well as FlixBus or National Express offer coaches services from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

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 FlixBus or National Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
  • 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

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

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 17 times per day, taking around 5h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 232 km distance in 6h 0m.

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
232 km
Average bus duration
5h 26m
Cheapest ticket price
£12
Buses per day
17
Fastest bus
6h 0m
First bus
0:45
Last bus
23:40
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Mon
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

Bus providers: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)You can travel by bus between Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express for as low as £12. 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
£12
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
8h 0m
Cheapest Price
£18
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 40m
Cheapest Price
£31
Megabus frequency
2 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.

FAQs: Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Cardiff Central (CDF), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) can start from as little as £12 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is £23; 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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is 6h 0m to travel the 232 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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 0:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 23:40.
There are 17 coaches a day from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) which require at least one change with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF), you can count on Megabus, FlixBus, National Express for the best way to get you to Cardiff Central (CDF). You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cardiff Central (CDF) and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Cardiff Central (CDF) from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cardiff Central (CDF) including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF):
  • 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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) for coach company Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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.
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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF):
  • 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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF):
  • 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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF). The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) with the following coach company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) with the following coach company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) with the following coach company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.

More options for your journey from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

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