- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Cheapest price
£23
Average price
£30
Fastest journey
5 h 45 m
Average duration
5 h 59 m
Buses per day
20
Distance
231 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Cardiff will cost around £30 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £23.
To travel from Manchester to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Cardiff 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 4h 3m. 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 £20.
Distance: 231 km
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£21 Average Price Cheapest | £43 Average Price |
5h 37m Average total duration 5h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 4h 3m 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 Manchester to Cardiff coaches for today, Wednesday 19 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX541 · NX104 · NX202 | 7:25 Manchester, Coach Station | 9h05 | 16:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
NX541 · NX100 · NX202 | 7:25 Manchester, Coach Station | 9h05 | 16:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h40 | 16:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 7h15 | 16:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
NX541 · NX112 | 10:20 Manchester, Coach Station | 6h20 | 16:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h55 | 18:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 6h30 | 18:35 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
NX541 · NX111 | 12:25 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h20 | 19:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 13:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h20 | 19:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 13:35 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 5h55 | 19:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
NX590 · NX100 · NX202 | 14:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h00 | 22:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 15:00 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h10 | 21:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 15:25 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 5h45 | 21:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
NX541 · NX100 · NX202 | 15:40 Manchester, Coach Station | 9h10 | 0:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
NX540 · NX509 | 18:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 9h15 | 3:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 18:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h15 | 0:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 18:35 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 5h50 | 0:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
NX424 · NX507 | 23:55 Manchester, Coach Station | 12h15 | 12:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| Thursday 20 August | |||||
NX421 · NX507 | 2:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 11h15 | 14:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
NX541 · NX509 | 5:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 10h35 | 16:20 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
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 Manchester to Cardiff run on average 19 times per day, taking around 5h 7m. 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 45m.
Distance 231 km |
Average bus duration 5h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Buses per day 19 |
Fastest bus 5h 45m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.
Official public transport app
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) -> Cardiff Bus Interchange
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Cardiff 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Cardiff buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). Use this guide to compare Manchester and Cardiff 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.
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. ATMs are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Accessible for wheelchairs.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need