The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Manchester
Cheapest price
$24
Average price
$36
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
5 h 41 m
Buses per day
31
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 $36 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only $24.
To travel from Cardiff to Manchester you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus10:40 AM7h30Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)6:10 PMManchester, Shudehill Interchange$241One-way1 change
FlixBus · FlixBus8:55 AM6h45Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)3:40 PMManchester, Shudehill Interchange$241One-way1 change
FlixBus · FlixBus4:40 AM7h50Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)12:30 PMManchester, Shudehill Interchange$241One-way1 change
FlixBus · FlixBus8:55 AM6h20Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)3:15 PMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East$251One-way1 change
FlixBus · FlixBus4:40 AM7h25Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)12:05 PMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East$251One-way1 change
FlixBus · FlixBus9:45 AM5h30Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)3:15 PMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East$361One-way1 change
FlixBus · FlixBus12:15 PM5h30Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)5:45 PMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East$361One-way1 change
NX111 · NX5415:10 PM5h35Cardiff, Sophia Gardens10:45 PMManchester, Coach Station$461One-way1 change
FlixBus · FlixBus12:15 PM5h55Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)6:10 PMManchester, Shudehill Interchange$361One-way1 change
FlixBus · FlixBus6:10 AM5h55Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)12:05 PMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East$361One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train 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 $17. 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 $17, and a train costs an average of $38.
Distance: 231 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$31 Average Price Cheapest | $79 Average Price |
6h 3m Average total duration 5h 33m 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, Thursday, 4 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX202 · NX106 · NX120 | Delayed 7:30 AM 2:35 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h40 | 11:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
NX202 · NX100 · NX121 | Delayed 7:30 AM 4:30 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h30 | 1:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
NX507 · NX540 | Delayed 7:00 AM 5:15 AMCardiff, Sophia Gardens | 9h25 | 2:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX111 · NX590 | 8:20 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h40 | 3:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX202 · NX100 · NX541 | On time 8:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h35 | 4:05 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h20 | 3:15 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h45 | 3:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
NX112 · NX121 | On time 11:20 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h00 | 5:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h45 | 6:00 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:15 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h20 | 5:35 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 change | |
NX111 · NX120 | 1:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 6h35 | 8:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:50 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h55 | 8:45 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:50 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h20 | 9:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h30 | 11:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h10 | 10:50 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 change | |
NX111 · NX120 | 5:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h45 | 10:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:20 PM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h40 | 2:00 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
NX509 · NX424 | 7:15 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 10h50 | 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 | |
| Friday, 5 June | |||||
NX202 · NX106 · NX120 | On time 2:35 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h55 | 11:30 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
NX509 · NX540 | 3:15 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h55 | 12:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX202 · NX100 · NX121 | On time 4:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 8h15 | 12:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h25 | 12:05 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:40 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 7h50 | 12:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 6h20 | 12:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 5h55 | 12:05 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 change | |
NX202 · NX101 · NX120 | On time 6:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 7h50 | 2:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
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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Why should you book Cardiff to Manchester coaches with Omio?
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 National Express or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester.
- 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 Cardiff to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Manchester
Buses from Cardiff to Manchester run on average 18 times per day, taking around 5h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $17 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 20m.
Distance 231 km |
Average bus duration 5h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 |
Buses per day 18 |
Fastest bus 5h 20m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
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 $17. 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.

- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- 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).
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Manchester
- 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
- 05:00-23:30
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside the interchange.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


