Bus from Manchester to Cardiff: Tickets & Timetables

Next bus departures

Next departures from Manchester to Cardiff on 31 January
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
FlixbusBus
Shudehill
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens)Cheapest
FlixbusBus
Manchester (Moss Lane East)
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens)Fastest
FlixbusBus
Manchester Airport
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens)No tags
National ExpressBus
    		Coach Station
    		Sophia GardensNo tags
    FlixbusBus
    		Manchester Airport
    		Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens)No tags

    Last refresh of the prices: Today at 4:46 AM GMT.

    Compare 3 ways to travel from Manchester to Cardiff

    We recommend carpooling

    Among the sustainable travel choices, the Carpool stands out as a good way to reach Cardiff. The journey takes about 3 hours and with fares starting at just R 424, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

    1carpool per day
    3hAverage duration
    232 kmDistance
    10kgCO₂ emissions
    Bus
    		Average priceR 265 - R 1 840Average duration7h 30m
    6kg CO₂e
    Train
    		Average priceR 713 - R 3 784Average duration3h 30m
    6kg CO₂e
    Carpool
    		Average priceR 424 - R 428Average duration3h
    10kg CO₂e

    Frequently asked questions about travelling from Manchester to Cardiff 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 Manchester to Cardiff?

      The cheapest bus tickets from Manchester to Cardiff start at R 265. The average price for this route is around R 377. 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 Manchester to Cardiff?

      The average bus journey time from Manchester to Cardiff is 7h 30m, covering a distance of 229 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 5h 30m and is operated by National Express.

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

      The earliest bus departs from Manchester to Cardiff at 00:45. And the latest bus departs at 23:59.

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

      A bus trip from Manchester to Cardiff 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 Manchester to Cardiff?

      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 29871 reviews.

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

      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 Manchester to Cardiff?

      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 Manchester to Cardiff?

      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
    28/01
    R 368
    29/01
    R 587
    Today
    R 307
    31/01
    R 398
    01/02
    R 468
    02/02
    R 297
    03/02
    R 269
    04/02
    R 269
    busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Manchester to Cardiff was searched and found on 04 Feb 2026 with a price of R 269

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

    You can expect to pay from R 269 to R 930 for a bus ticket from Manchester to Cardiff based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 269, which is on 2026-02-04.

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

    busbud logoThe Bus is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

    People from around the world trust Busbud

    ‌