Bus from Cardiff to Manchester: Tickets & Timetables

Next bus departures

Next departures from Cardiff to Manchester on 23 January
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
FlixbusBus
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens)
ShudehillCheapest
FlixbusBus
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens)
ShudehillFastest
FlixbusBus
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens)
Manchester (Moss Lane East)No tags
FlixbusBus
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens)
Manchester AirportNo tags
FlixbusBus
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens)
Manchester (Moss Lane East)No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 21:23 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 20 minutes and with fares starting at just £15, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day
3h 20mAverage duration
144 milesDistance
10kgCO₂ emissions
Bus
Average price£14 - £107Average duration7h 25m
6kg CO₂e
Train
Average price£33 - £177Average duration3h 45m
5kg CO₂e
Carpool
Average price£15 - £29Average duration3h 20m
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 £14. The average price for this route is around £19. 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 25m, covering a distance of 144 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 00:45. And the latest bus departs at 23:25.

  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 29868 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 4.1 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
20/01
£17
21/01
No data
Today
£19
23/01
No data
24/01
£22
25/01
No data
26/01
£12
27/01
£14
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Cardiff to Manchester was searched and found on 26 Jan 2026 with a price of £12

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 £12 to £32 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 £12, which is on 2026-01-26.

What's the cheapest way to go from Cardiff to Manchester?

busbud logoThe Bus is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

People from around the world trust Busbud

‌