Bus from Cardiff to Manchester: Tickets & Schedules

Next bus departures

Next departures for Cardiff to Manchester on February 18
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
FlixbusBus
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens)
Manchester AirportNo tags
FlixbusBus
Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens)
Manchester AirportNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 10:11 AM GMT.

Compare 3 ways to go from Cardiff to Manchester

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Bus stands out as a good way to reach Manchester. The journey takes about 7 hours 30 minutes, and with fares starting at just $27, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

18bus per day
7h 30mAverage Duration
219 kmDistance
5kgCO₂ emissions
Bus
Average Price$27 - $102Average Duration7h 30m
5kg CO₂e
Train
Average Price$62 - $335Average Duration3h 45m
6kg CO₂e
Carpool
Average Price$49 - $49Average Duration3h
10kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cardiff to Manchester by bus

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary 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 from $27. The average price for this route is around $37. 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 ride from Cardiff to Manchester?

    The average bus travel time from Cardiff to Manchester is 7h 30m, covering a distance of 219 km. The quickest bus can get you there in 4h 55m 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 18 buses available per day, including services from FlixBus, National Express, Megabus UK.

  4. What are the earliest and latest departure times for the bus from Cardiff to Manchester?

    The earliest bus departs from Cardiff to Manchester at 12:45am. And the latest bus departs at 11:25pm.

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

    A bus trip from Cardiff to Manchester generates an estimated 5 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and a mode of travel recommended by Busbud.

  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 29872 reviews.

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

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

  8. Which bus company has the best on-time performance 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
02-15
$57
02-16
$44
Today
$44
02-18
$38
02-19
$42
02-20
$28
02-21
$26
02-22
$44
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Cardiff to Manchester was searched and found on Feb 21, 2026 with a price of $26

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 $26 to $72 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 $26 which is on 2026-02-21.

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

busbud logoThe Bus is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

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