The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Manchester
Cheapest price
$28
Average price
$40
Fastest journey
6 h
Average duration
6 h 24 m
Buses per day
16
Distance
231 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Manchester 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 will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only $28.
To travel from Cardiff to Manchester you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX111 · NX120
NX111 · NX120
NX112 · NX121
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX111 · NX120Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 27m. 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 $20, and a train costs an average of $58.
Distance: 231 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train |
|---|---|
$37 Average Price Cheapest | $92 Average Price |
6h 9m Average total duration 5h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m 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
Cardiff to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Manchester coaches for today, Monday, 1 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX202 · NX101 · NX120 | Delayed 6:25 am Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h55 | 4:25 pm 4:25 pmManchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:45 am Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h55 | 3:40 pm Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:45 am Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h35 | 3:20 pm Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 change | |
NX111 · NX120 | On time 9:50 am Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h35 | 4:25 pm Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:40 am Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h50 | 5:30 pm Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:40 am Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h10 | 5:50 pm Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
NX112 · NX121 | On time 11:20 am Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h20 | 5:40 pm Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX111 · NX120 | On time 12:40 pm Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h00 | 6:40 pm Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:45 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 8h05 | 8:50 pm Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:45 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h50 | 8:35 pm Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 change | |
NX111 · NX120 | On time 1:45 pm Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h50 | 7:35 pm Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX111 · NX120 | On time 5:10 pm Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h00 | 11:10 pm Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX507 · NX424 | On time 6:45 pm Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 11h20 | 6:05 am Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX216 · NX100 · NX421 | On time 10:10 pm Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 9h25 | 7:35 am Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| Tuesday, 2 December | |||||
NX202 · NX106 · NX120 | 2:35 am Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h40 | 11:15 am Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
NX509 · NX540 | 3:15 am Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 9h05 | 12:20 pm Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX202 · NX100 · NX121 | 4:30 am Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h45 | 1:15 pm Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:05 am Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h25 | 12:30 pm Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:05 am Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h05 | 12:10 pm Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Manchester 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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Manchester
Buses from Cardiff to Manchester run on average 17 times per day, taking around 5h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 if you book in advance.
There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 231 km distance in 5h 40m.
Distance 231 km |
Average bus duration 5h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 |
Buses per day 17 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 40m |
First bus 00:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Bus providers: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus from Cardiff to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Manchester with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for as low as $20. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
Megabus
FAQs: Cardiff to Manchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Manchester 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

When departing from Cardiff, you have various coach station options to start your route from including Cardiff, University and Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). When arriving in Manchester, you can end your journey in coach stations like Manchester, Shudehill Interchange and Manchester, Airport.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, University, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, located away from the city centre.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Manchester
- 05:00-23:30
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside the interchange.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Manchester
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