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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 06 Jul
Cheapest price
£19
Average price
£22
Fastest journey
5 h 35 m
Average duration
5 h 47 m
Buses per day
23
Distance
231 km
Cheap tickets
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 £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £19.
Fast coaches
To travel from Manchester to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
NX120 · NX100 · NX21621:308h15Manchester, Coach Station5:45Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£191One-way2 changes
FlixBus · FlixBus12:056h30Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East18:35Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)£191One-way1 change- FlixBus · FlixBus18:355h50Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East0:25Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)£191One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus9:157h15Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East16:30Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)£191One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus13:355h55Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East19:30Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)£201One-way1 change
- NX120 · NX1117:005h35Manchester, Coach Station12:35Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£261One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus15:255h45Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East21:10Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)£211One-way1 change
- NX541 · NX11210:205h50Manchester, Coach Station16:10Cardiff, Sophia Gardens£281One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus18:355h50Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East0:25Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)£191One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus13:355h55Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East19:30Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)£201One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Manchester to Cardiff
Omio 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 3h 26m. 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 £23.
Distance: 231 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£22 Average Price Cheapest | £58 Average Price |
6h 14m Average total duration 5h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 56m Average total duration Fastest 3h 26m 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.
Live departures
Manchester to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Cardiff coaches for today, Sunday 5 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX541 · NX101 · NX202 | Delayed 11:25 5:15Manchester, Coach Station | 6h50 | 12:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 5h55 | 13:05 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
| NX120 · NX111 | Delayed 10:25 7:15Manchester, Coach Station | 5h20 | 12:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| 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 | Delayed 11:25 10:00Manchester, Coach Station | 6h05 | 16:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| NX541 · NX111 | Delayed 11:25 11:15Manchester, Coach Station | 6h20 | 17:35 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 | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 13:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h20 | 19:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
| NX541 · NX111 | On time 13:20 Manchester, Coach Station | 5h50 | 19:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 13:35 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 5h55 | 19:30 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
| NX121 · NX111 | 14:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 5h55 | 20:10 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| NX540 · NX509 | On time 14:35 Manchester, Coach Station | 9h24 | 23:59 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| 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 | On time 16:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h35 | 0:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
| NX541 · NX100 · NX202 | On time 16:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h35 | 0:50 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
| NX540 · NX509 | On time 17:10 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h45 | 1:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| NX540 · NX509 | On time 18:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h55 | 2:55 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 | |
| NX540 · NX509 | On time 19:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h15 | 3:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| NX120 · NX100 · NX216 | On time 21:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h15 | 5:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Cardiff by train or coach
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Why should you book Manchester to Cardiff coaches with Omio?
Megabus as well as FlixBus or National Express offer coaches services from Manchester to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Cardiff.
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 to Cardiff.
- 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 to Cardiff.
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 to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Cardiff run on average 18 times per day, taking around 5h 44m. 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 50m.
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 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Buses per day 18 |
Fastest bus 5h 50m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
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 to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Cardiff with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express for as low as £13. 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
5h 50m
Cheapest Price
£13
FlixBus frequency
8 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
7h 50m
Cheapest Price
£16
National Express frequency
11 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 50m
Cheapest Price
£20
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 to Cardiff coach
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.
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Cardiff can start from as little as £13 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Cardiff is £22; 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 to Cardiff is 5h 50m 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 Manchester to Cardiff leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Cardiff leaves at 23:57.
There are 18 coaches a day from Manchester to Cardiff 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 to Cardiff, you can count on Megabus, FlixBus, National Express for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Cardiff from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Cardiff is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Cardiff for coach company Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Cardiff:
- 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.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Cardiff 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 FlixBus, National Express.
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 to Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Cardiff:
- 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 to Cardiff:
- 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 to Cardiff. 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 to Cardiff with the following coach company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Cardiff with the following coach company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Cardiff with the following coach company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Cardiff
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.
Departure bus stations in Manchester
Arrival bus stations in Cardiff
Which Manchester station do buses to Cardiff leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Cardiff leave from Manchester, Coach Station. The station is from Manchester city centre at Chorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom.
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Coach Station from Manchester city centre
Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 33, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 1m · £2 · every ~231 min
Manchester, Coach Station 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 and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre
Bus163, 118, 119, 18, 112, 114, 117, 81 · 3m · £2 · every ~69 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 2m · £2 · every ~23 min
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East from Manchester city centre
Bus101, 15, 103, 102 · 14m · £2 · every ~31 min
Uk023, Ukn23, Uk071 · 21m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
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, North Road (Friary Gardens)
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 · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cardiff and Manchester
Most popular bus connections
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