The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Cardiff
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$40
Fastest journey
6 h 35 m
Average duration
7 h 4 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 $40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only $29.
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 · FlixBusTravel 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 $19. 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 $19, and a train costs an average of $50.
Distance: 231 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$36 Average Price Cheapest | $93 Average Price |
6h 7m Average total duration 5h 37m 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
Manchester to Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Cardiff coaches for today, Tuesday, 3 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX540 · NX509 | Delayed 11:45 am 6:15 amManchester, Coach Station | 9h55 | 4:10 pm Cardiff, University | 1 change | |
NX540 · NX507 | Delayed 11:45 am 7:15 amManchester, Coach Station | 9h50 | 5:05 pm Cardiff, University | 1 change | |
NX540 · NX509 | Delayed 11:45 am 8:20 amManchester, Coach Station | 10h00 | 6:20 pm Cardiff, University | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:30 am Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h00 | 3:30 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:55 am Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 6h35 | 3:30 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
NX540 · NX507 | Delayed 11:45 am 9:30 amManchester, Coach Station | 10h00 | 7:30 pm Cardiff, University | 1 change | |
NX540 · NX509 | Delayed 11:45 am 10:15 amManchester, Coach Station | 10h00 | 8:15 pm Cardiff, University | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:40 am Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h05 | 7:45 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
NX540 · NX507 | On time 11:45 am Manchester, Coach Station | 9h20 | 9:05 pm Cardiff, University | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 pm Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 7h40 | 7:45 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:10 pm Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h15 | 8:25 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
NX540 · NX509 | On time 12:45 pm Manchester, Coach Station | 9h45 | 10:30 pm Cardiff, University | 1 change | |
NX540 · NX507 | On time 1:30 pm Manchester, Coach Station | 9h55 | 11:25 pm Cardiff, University | 1 change | |
NX590 · NX509 | On time 2:00 pm Manchester, Coach Station | 10h45 | 12:45 am Cardiff, University | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:00 pm Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h15 | 10:15 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:25 pm Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 6h50 | 10:15 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 1 change | |
NX540 · NX509 | On time 5:45 pm Manchester, Coach Station | 9h20 | 3:05 am Cardiff, University | 1 change | |
NX120 · NX100 · NX216 | On time 9:45 pm Manchester, Coach Station | 7h50 | 5:35 am Cardiff, University | 2 changes | |
NX424 · NX507 | 11:55 pm Manchester, Coach Station | 12h05 | 12:00 pm Cardiff, University | 1 change | |
| Wednesday, 4 February | |||||
NX181 · NX111 | 4:15 am Manchester, Coach Station | 8h10 | 12:25 pm Cardiff, University | 1 change | |
NX540 · NX509 | 6:15 am Manchester, Coach Station | 9h55 | 4:10 pm Cardiff, University | 1 change | |
NX540 · NX507 | 7:15 am Manchester, Coach Station | 9h50 | 5:05 pm Cardiff, University | 1 change | |
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
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 Manchester to Cardiff
Buses from Manchester to Cardiff run on average 16 times per day, taking around 5h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 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 6h 0m.
Distance 231 km |
Average bus duration 5h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 |
Buses per day 16 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 6h 0m |
First bus 00:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Bus providers: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus, Transport for Wales from Manchester to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Cardiff with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus, Transport for Wales for as low as $19. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Transport for Wales
FlixBus
National Express
Megabus
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.

- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Transport for Wales
- Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
- 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.
- Transport for Wales
- Refund policy depends on ticket type
- 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).
- Transport for Wales
- 2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
- 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.
- Transport for Wales
- Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Cardiff
- 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 Manchester to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need



