Bus from Cardiff to Manchester: Tickets & Timetables

Next bus departures

Next departures from Cardiff to Manchester on 29 November
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
FlixbusBus
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens)
ShudehillCheapest
FlixbusBus
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens)
Manchester (Moss Lane East)Fastest
FlixbusBus
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens)
Manchester AirportNo tags
National ExpressBus
    		Sophia Gardens
    		Manchester Airport Bus Station (MAN)No tags
    FlixbusBus
    		Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens)
    		ShudehillNo tags

    Last refresh of the prices: Today at 13:34 GMT.

    Compare 3 ways to travel from Cardiff to Manchester

    We recommend carpooling

    Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Manchester. The journey takes about 3 hours 50 minutes and with fares starting at just £17, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

    1carpool per day
    3h 50mAverage duration
    144 milesDistance
    10kgCO₂ emissions
    Bus
    		Average price£13 - £66Average duration7h 40m
    6kg CO₂e
    Train
    		Average price£41 - £168Average duration3h 34m
    5kg CO₂e
    Carpool
    		Average price£17 - £34Average duration3h 50m
    10kg CO₂e

    Frequently asked questions about travelling by bus from Cardiff to Manchester

    Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your journey.

    1. How much is the bus ticket from Cardiff to Manchester?

      The cheapest coach tickets from Cardiff to Manchester start from £13. The average price for this route is around £26. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

    2. How long is the bus journey from Cardiff to Manchester?

      The average bus journey time from Cardiff to Manchester is 7h 40m, covering a distance of 142 miles. The fastest bus can take you there in 5h and is operated by National Express.

    3. Which bus companies service the Cardiff to Manchester route?

      Several major bus companies operate on this route with 13 buses available per day, including services from FlixBus, National Express, Megabus UK.

    4. What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Cardiff to Manchester?

      The earliest bus departs from Cardiff to Manchester at 02:35. And the latest bus departs at 22:15.

    5. What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Cardiff to Manchester?

      A bus journey from Cardiff to Manchester produces an estimated 6 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly choice and a mode of travel recommended by Busbud.

    6. Which is the best bus company from Cardiff to Manchester?

      According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is National Express, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 29733 reviews.

    7. Which company has the best Wi-Fi from Cardiff to Manchester?

      Based on Busbud reviews, the bus company National Express has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.4.

    8. Which bus company offers the most punctual service from Cardiff to Manchester?

      According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is National Express, with a punctuality rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars.

    9. Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Cardiff to Manchester?

      According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is National Express, with a cleanliness rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

    Find cheapest prices for buses

    Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

    Best price found
    26/11
    £19
    27/11
    £28
    Today
    £27
    29/11
    £29
    30/11
    £29
    01/12
    £15
    02/12
    £13
    03/12
    £14
    busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Cardiff to Manchester was searched and found on 2 Dec 2025 with a price of £13

    To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Cardiff to Manchester as early as possible.

    You can expect to pay from £13 to £43 for a bus ticket from Cardiff to Manchester based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at £13, which is on 2025-12-02.

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