Manchester to Cardiff bus with Megabus

Tue, 03 Feb
+ Add return
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Transport for Wales
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1,000+ travel companies
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Transport for Wales
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 04 Feb

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

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 $40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only $29.

Fast coaches

To travel from Manchester to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.

FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
03:00PM7h15
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
10:15PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
$291One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
08:30AM7h00
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
03:30PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
$291One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
11:40AM8h05
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
07:45PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
$291One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
12:05PM7h40
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
07:45PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
$291One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
03:25PM6h50
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
10:15PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
$291One-way
1 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 $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
Megabus

Most popular bus company

Transport for Wales

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.

Last updated at 7:25 am
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX540 · NX509
Delayed
11:45 am 6:15 amManchester, Coach Station
9h55
4:10 pm Cardiff, University
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX507
Delayed
11:45 am 7:15 amManchester, Coach Station
9h50
5:05 pm Cardiff, University
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX509
Delayed
11:45 am 8:20 amManchester, Coach Station
10h00
6:20 pm Cardiff, University
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus8:30 am Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
7h00
3:30 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus8:55 am Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
6h35
3:30 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX507
Delayed
11:45 am 9:30 amManchester, Coach Station
10h00
7:30 pm Cardiff, University
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX509
Delayed
11:45 am 10:15 amManchester, Coach Station
10h00
8:15 pm Cardiff, University
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus11:40 am Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
8h05
7:45 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX507
On time
11:45 am Manchester, Coach Station
9h20
9:05 pm Cardiff, University
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus12:05 pm Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
7h40
7:45 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus12:10 pm Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
8h15
8:25 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX509
On time
12:45 pm Manchester, Coach Station
9h45
10:30 pm Cardiff, University
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX507
On time
1:30 pm Manchester, Coach Station
9h55
11:25 pm Cardiff, University
1 change
national_expressNX590 · NX509
On time
2:00 pm Manchester, Coach Station
10h45
12:45 am Cardiff, University
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus3:00 pm Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
7h15
10:15 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus3:25 pm Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
6h50
10:15 pm Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX509
On time
5:45 pm Manchester, Coach Station
9h20
3:05 am Cardiff, University
1 change
national_expressNX120 · NX100 · NX216
On time
9:45 pm Manchester, Coach Station
7h50
5:35 am Cardiff, University
2 changes
national_expressNX424 · NX50711:55 pm Manchester, Coach Station
12h05
12:00 pm Cardiff, University1 change
Wednesday, 4 February
national_expressNX181 · NX1114:15 am Manchester, Coach Station
8h10
12:25 pm Cardiff, University1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX5096:15 am Manchester, Coach Station
9h55
4:10 pm Cardiff, University1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX5077:15 am Manchester, Coach Station
9h50
5:05 pm Cardiff, University1 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.

Wed
04 Feb
Thu
05 Feb
Fri
06 Feb
Sat
07 Feb
Sun
08 Feb
Mon
09 Feb
Tue
10 Feb
Wed
11 Feb
Thu
12 Feb
Fri
13 Feb
Sat
14 Feb
Sun
15 Feb
Mon
16 Feb
Tue
17 Feb
Wed
18 Feb
Thu
19 Feb
Fri
20 Feb
Sat
21 Feb
Sun
22 Feb
Mon
23 Feb
Tue
24 Feb

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Manchester to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

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.

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 37m
Cheapest ticket price
$19
Buses per day
16
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
6h 0m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:55
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, 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

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 3m
Cheapest Price
$60
Transport for Wales frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

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
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
$20
FlixBus frequency
5 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.
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
5h 35m
Cheapest Price
$30
National Express frequency
10 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.

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
$28
Megabus frequency
6 a day

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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Cardiff can start from as little as $19 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Cardiff is $36; 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 6h 0m to travel the 231 km long trip. 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 12:05 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Cardiff leaves at 11:55 pm.
Yes, there are 2 direct coaches a day from Manchester to Cardiff with Megabus, Transport for Wales. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Cardiff, you can count on Megabus, National Express, FlixBus, Transport for Wales 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 6h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Cardiff is August.
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 National Express, FlixBus, Transport for Wales.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Cardiff:
  • 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
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Cardiff 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.
  • 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
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
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:
  • 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
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Cardiff:
  • 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.
  • Transport for Wales
    • Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Transport for Wales
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Transport for Wales.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Cardiff with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Transport for Wales.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Cardiff

Manchester
Cardiff
The major coach station for departures in Manchester is Manchester, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester, Coach Station for your trip from Manchester to Cardiff.
Manchester, Coach StationWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-22:00
carConnection
Car connection
Chorlton Street
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café at the Station (in the station)
  • Fast Food Express (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, assistance
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for Manchester, Coach Station
  • Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 05:00-23:30
carConnection
Car connection
Shudehill
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the interchange.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
  • Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
information

More options for your journey from Manchester to Cardiff

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