Bus from Cardiff to Manchester: Tickets & Timetables

Next bus departures

Next departures from Cardiff to Manchester on 16 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
FlixbusBus
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens)
Manchester (Moss Lane East)Cheapest
National ExpressBus
    		Sophia Gardens
    		Manchester Airport Bus Station (MAN)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 4:55 AM 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 30 minutes and with fares starting at just R 372, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

      1carpool per day
      3h 30mAverage duration
      232 kmDistance
      10kgCO₂ emissions
      Bus
      		Average priceR 290 - R 1 455Average duration7h 30m
      6kg CO₂e
      Train
      		Average priceR 905 - R 3 727Average duration3h 45m
      5kg CO₂e
      Carpool
      		Average priceR 372 - R 739Average duration3h 30m
      10kg CO₂e

      Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cardiff to Manchester by bus

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

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

        The cheapest bus tickets from Cardiff to Manchester start at R 290. The average price for this route is around R 559. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting 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 30m, covering a distance of 229 km. The fastest bus gets 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 10 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 trip from Cardiff to Manchester produces an estimated 6 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.

      6. What 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 29762 reviews.

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

        Based on reviews on Busbud, 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
      13/12
      R 988
      14/12
      R 780
      Today
      R 447
      16/12
      R 302
      17/12
      R 281
      18/12
      R 447
      19/12
      R 302
      20/12
      R 603
      busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Cardiff to Manchester was searched and found on 17 Dec 2025 with a price of R 281

      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 R 281 to R 988 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 R 281, which is on 2025-12-17.

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