- Must visit
St Fagans National Museum of History
Open-air museum and historic house in St Fagans showcasing Welsh buildings, crafts and galleries; a longer day trip but one of South Wales’ best museum visits.
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Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Manchester to Porthcawl
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Porthcawl among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, and a train costs an average of £40.
Distance: 244 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train |
|---|---|
£21 Average Price Cheapest | £40 Average Price |
9h 18m Average total duration 8h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 3h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Why should you book Manchester to Porthcawl coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Manchester to Porthcawl.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Porthcawl.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 Manchester to Porthcawl.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Porthcawl.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Porthcawl
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Porthcawl run on average 22 times per day, taking around 8h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £21 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 244 km distance in 6h 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 244 km |
Average bus duration 8h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Buses per day 22 |
Fastest bus 6h 50m |
First bus 2:00 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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: National Express from Manchester to PorthcawlYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Porthcawl with National Express for as low as £21. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
National Express frequency
8 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.
Complete guide to Porthcawl
Things to do in Porthcawl
Discover the best of Porthcawl — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Porthcawl trip today.
- Recommended
Porthcawl Museum
Compact local museum on the seafront with displays on Porthcawl’s maritime past, seaside holidays and community life, useful for understanding the town.
- Recommended
Bridgend Museum and Art Gallery
Regional museum and art gallery in Bridgend with local history, archaeology and changing art displays, suitable as an easy cultural trip from Porthcawl.
- Must visit
Rest Bay
Wide sandy beach and promenade popular for walks, paddling and sea views, with easy access to the harbour, pavilion and central seafront.
- Must visit
Porthcawl Promenade
Dramatic seafront walk from the town centre to the lighthouse, ideal for coastal views, storm watching and an easy introduction to Porthcawl.
- Recommended
Porthcawl Harbour
Harbour area with fishing heritage, sea air and views across the Bristol Channel, best visited with the adjoining breakwater and lighthouse.
- Vegetarian
Welsh Cakes
Traditional Welsh cakes griddled with currants and spice. A beloved teatime staple across South Wales, often eaten warm with butter or sugar.
- Gluten-free
Laverbread
Laverbread is seaweed cooked to a soft paste, often served at Welsh breakfast with cockles or bacon. It reflects the local coastal food tradition.
- Gluten-free
Cockles
Fresh cockles from the South Wales coast, commonly eaten plain with vinegar or as part of breakfast. They are a classic local seaside shellfish.
Beale's Fish and Chips
Popular waterfront fish and chip shop and restaurant known for fresh seafood and relaxed seaside dining near the harbour.
Watersports Bar & Grill
Stylish café-bar by Rest Bay serving brunch, coffee and modern casual plates. A popular stop before or after the beach.
The Waterfront
Established pub and restaurant overlooking the sea, serving British favourites, grills and drinks in a comfortable traditional setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Accommodation can rise in summer, but dining and local transport are usually manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £35-60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is polite if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Manchester to Porthcawl coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Porthcawl 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 Porthcawl, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Porthcawl can start from as little as £21 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Porthcawl is £21; 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 Porthcawl is 6h 50m to travel the 244 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 Porthcawl leaves at 2:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Porthcawl leaves at 23:55.
There are 22 coaches a day from Manchester to Porthcawl which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Porthcawl, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Porthcawl. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Porthcawl and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Manchester , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Manchester, Airport, Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East . When arriving in Porthcawl , you can end your route in coach stations like Bridgend, Sarn Odeon, Port Talbot, Heilbronn Way.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Manchester, Airport, which is located around 2 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Bridgend, Sarn Odeon, located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Porthcawl from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Porthcawl is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Porthcawl including taking a coach and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Porthcawl for coach company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Porthcawl:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Porthcawl 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company 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 Porthcawl.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Porthcawl:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Porthcawl:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Manchester to Porthcawl.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Porthcawl with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Porthcawl with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Porthcawl with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Porthcawl
Most Manchester to Porthcawl buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Bridgend, Sarn Odeon station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Porthcawl 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 Porthcawl
Which Manchester station do buses to Porthcawl leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Porthcawl leave from Manchester, Airport. The station is 3 km from Manchester city centre at Manchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United Kingdom.
Manchester, AirportManchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £4 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min
Manchester, Airport bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Porthcawl
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Porthcawl and Manchester
Most popular bus connections
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