How to get from Manchester to Cardiff

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What is the best way to travel from Manchester to Cardiff?

Looking for a trip? Check and compare all the available Buses and Trains to Cardiff from Manchester. Look at different modes of transportation, search for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 6 available companies to find your perfect trip!
Bus is the cheapest, while Train is the fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Bus
5h 35m
£12
£18
35
Train
3h 8m
£29
£47
30

What is the cheapest way to reach Cardiff from Manchester?

You can reach Cardiff with just £12 by taking a Bus from FlixBus, but there are many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for you for the next few days here.

Monday
from £20
Tuesday
from £12
Wednesday
from £15
Thursday
from £14
Friday
from £12
Saturday
from £21
Sunday
from £15

    Cheapest Buses Monday

  • National Express
    9h 10m
    0
    17:45
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    02:55
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £20
  • National Express
    8h 30m
    0
    19:15
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    03:45
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £20
  • FlixBus
    7h 50m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    17:10
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20
  • FlixBus
    6h 55m
    0
    11:40
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    18:35
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20
  • FlixBus
    6h 35m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester
    Manchester (Moss Lane East) Coach Station
    18:35
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20
  • Cheapest Trains Monday

  • CrossCountry
    4h 0m
    0
    08:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £31
  • CrossCountry
    4h 0m
    0
    09:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    13:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £40
  • CrossCountry
    4h 0m
    0
    10:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    14:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £40
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 8m
    0
    08:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:38
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £106
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 15m
    0
    09:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:45
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £106

    Cheapest Buses Tuesday

  • FlixBus
    11h 55m
    0
    08:25
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    20:20
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £12
  • National Express
    6h 10m
    0
    08:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    14:40
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £15
  • National Express
    6h 30m
    0
    11:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    18:00
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    5h 35m
    0
    09:05
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    14:40
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £18
  • FlixBus
    7h 50m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    17:10
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £18
  • Cheapest Trains Tuesday

  • CrossCountry
    4h 0m
    0
    07:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £33
  • CrossCountry
    4h 23m
    0
    07:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:48
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £40
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 50m
    0
    06:27
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    10:17
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £42
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 48m
    0
    07:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:18
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £42
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 20m
    0
    06:27
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    09:47
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £42

    Cheapest Buses Wednesday

  • National Express
    5h 35m
    0
    09:05
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    14:40
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £15
  • National Express
    6h 0m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    18:00
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £15
  • National Express
    9h 30m
    0
    17:45
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    03:15
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £18
  • FlixBus
    7h 50m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    17:10
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £19
  • FlixBus
    6h 55m
    0
    11:40
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    18:35
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £19
  • Cheapest Trains Wednesday

  • Transport for Wales
    3h 20m
    0
    06:27
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    09:47
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £29
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 19m
    0
    07:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    10:49
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £29
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 8m
    0
    08:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:38
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £29
  • CrossCountry
    4h 14m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    09:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £53
  • CrossCountry
    3h 56m
    0
    17:03
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    20:59
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £55

    Cheapest Buses Thursday

  • FlixBus
    7h 50m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    17:10
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £14
  • FlixBus
    6h 55m
    0
    11:40
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    18:35
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £14
  • FlixBus
    6h 35m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester
    Manchester (Moss Lane East) Coach Station
    18:35
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £15
  • National Express
    6h 10m
    0
    08:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    14:40
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    6h 30m
    0
    11:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    18:00
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • Cheapest Trains Thursday

  • CrossCountry
    4h 3m
    0
    14:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    18:28
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £30
  • CrossCountry
    4h 2m
    0
    15:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    19:27
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £30
  • CrossCountry
    4h 0m
    0
    08:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £34
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 8m
    0
    08:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:38
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £43
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 19m
    0
    10:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    13:49
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £43

    Cheapest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    9h 50m
    0
    15:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    00:50
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £12
  • FlixBus
    8h 5m
    0
    11:40
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    19:45
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £13
  • FlixBus
    7h 45m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester
    Manchester (Moss Lane East) Coach Station
    19:45
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £13
  • National Express
    6h 55m
    0
    12:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    19:25
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £20
  • National Express
    6h 10m
    0
    14:00
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    20:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £21
  • Cheapest Trains Friday

  • CrossCountry
    4h 0m
    0
    07:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £35
  • CrossCountry
    4h 0m
    0
    08:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £40
  • CrossCountry
    4h 23m
    0
    07:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:48
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £43
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 19m
    0
    10:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    13:49
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £49
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 8m
    0
    08:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:38
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £55

    Cheapest Buses Saturday

  • National Express
    5h 40m
    0
    13:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    19:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £21
  • National Express
    5h 40m
    0
    14:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    20:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £21
  • FlixBus
    7h 50m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    17:10
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £21
  • National Express
    9h 10m
    0
    17:45
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    02:55
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £22
  • FlixBus
    6h 55m
    0
    11:40
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    18:35
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £22
  • Cheapest Trains Saturday

  • Transport for Wales
    3h 20m
    0
    06:27
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    09:47
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £49
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 16m
    0
    07:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    10:46
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £49
  • TransPennine Express
    3h 35m
    0
    11:09
    Manchester
    Oxford Road Station
    14:44
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    TransPennine Express
    Economy
    from £62
  • CrossCountry
    4h 15m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    09:26
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £63

    Cheapest Buses Sunday

  • FlixBus
    11h 55m
    0
    08:25
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    20:20
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £15
  • FlixBus
    7h 50m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    17:10
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £18
  • FlixBus
    7h 25m
    0
    08:50
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:15
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £19
  • National Express
    5h 40m
    0
    13:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    19:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £20
  • National Express
    5h 40m
    0
    14:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    20:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £21
  • Cheapest Trains Sunday

  • Transport for Wales
    3h 42m
    0
    09:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    13:12
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £49
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 20m
    0
    11:29
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    14:49
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £49
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 26m
    0
    13:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    16:56
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £49
  • CrossCountry
    4h 21m
    0
    08:26
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:47
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £53
  • CrossCountry
    4h 22m
    0
    10:26
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    14:48
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £53

What are the fastest trips from Manchester to Cardiff?

You can get to Cardiff from Manchester in just 3h 8m with a Train from Transport for Wales. But this is just one option, click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other available modes of transportations.

Monday
from 3h 8m
Tuesday
from 3h 20m
Wednesday
from 3h 8m
Thursday
from 3h 8m
Friday
from 3h 8m
Saturday
from 3h 16m
Sunday
from 3h 20m

    Fastest Trains Monday

  • Transport for Wales
    3h 8m
    0
    08:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:38
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £106
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 15m
    0
    09:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:45
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £106
  • CrossCountry
    4h 0m
    0
    08:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £31
  • CrossCountry
    4h 0m
    0
    09:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    13:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £40
  • CrossCountry
    4h 0m
    0
    10:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    14:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £40
  • Fastest Buses Monday

  • FlixBus
    6h 35m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester
    Manchester (Moss Lane East) Coach Station
    18:35
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20
  • FlixBus
    6h 55m
    0
    11:40
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    18:35
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20
  • FlixBus
    7h 50m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    17:10
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £20
  • National Express
    8h 30m
    0
    19:15
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    03:45
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £20
  • National Express
    9h 10m
    0
    17:45
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    02:55
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £20

    Fastest Trains Tuesday

  • Transport for Wales
    3h 20m
    0
    06:27
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    09:47
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £42
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 48m
    0
    07:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:18
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £42
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 50m
    0
    06:27
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    10:17
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £42
  • CrossCountry
    4h 0m
    0
    07:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £33
  • CrossCountry
    4h 23m
    0
    07:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:48
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £40
  • Fastest Buses Tuesday

  • National Express
    5h 35m
    0
    09:05
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    14:40
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £18
  • National Express
    6h 10m
    0
    08:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    14:40
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £15
  • National Express
    6h 30m
    0
    11:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    18:00
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • FlixBus
    7h 50m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    17:10
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £18
  • FlixBus
    11h 55m
    0
    08:25
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    20:20
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £12

    Fastest Trains Wednesday

  • Transport for Wales
    3h 8m
    0
    08:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:38
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £29
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 19m
    0
    07:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    10:49
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £29
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 20m
    0
    06:27
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    09:47
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £29
  • CrossCountry
    3h 56m
    0
    17:03
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    20:59
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £55
  • CrossCountry
    4h 14m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    09:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £53
  • Fastest Buses Wednesday

  • National Express
    5h 35m
    0
    09:05
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    14:40
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £15
  • National Express
    6h 0m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    18:00
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £15
  • FlixBus
    6h 55m
    0
    11:40
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    18:35
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £19
  • FlixBus
    7h 50m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    17:10
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £19
  • National Express
    9h 30m
    0
    17:45
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    03:15
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £18

    Fastest Trains Thursday

  • Transport for Wales
    3h 8m
    0
    08:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:38
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £43
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 19m
    0
    10:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    13:49
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £43
  • CrossCountry
    4h 0m
    0
    08:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £34
  • CrossCountry
    4h 2m
    0
    15:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    19:27
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £30
  • CrossCountry
    4h 3m
    0
    14:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    18:28
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £30
  • Fastest Buses Thursday

  • National Express
    6h 10m
    0
    08:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    14:40
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    6h 30m
    0
    11:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    18:00
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • FlixBus
    6h 35m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester
    Manchester (Moss Lane East) Coach Station
    18:35
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £15
  • FlixBus
    6h 55m
    0
    11:40
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    18:35
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £14
  • FlixBus
    7h 50m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    17:10
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £14

    Fastest Trains Friday

  • Transport for Wales
    3h 8m
    0
    08:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:38
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £55
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 19m
    0
    10:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    13:49
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £49
  • CrossCountry
    4h 0m
    0
    07:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £35
  • CrossCountry
    4h 0m
    0
    08:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £40
  • CrossCountry
    4h 23m
    0
    07:25
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:48
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £43
  • Fastest Buses Friday

  • National Express
    6h 10m
    0
    14:00
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    20:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £21
  • National Express
    6h 55m
    0
    12:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    19:25
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £20
  • FlixBus
    7h 45m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester
    Manchester (Moss Lane East) Coach Station
    19:45
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £13
  • FlixBus
    8h 5m
    0
    11:40
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    19:45
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £13
  • FlixBus
    9h 50m
    0
    15:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    00:50
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £12

    Fastest Trains Saturday

  • Transport for Wales
    3h 16m
    0
    07:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    10:46
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £49
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 20m
    0
    06:27
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    09:47
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £49
  • TransPennine Express
    3h 35m
    0
    11:09
    Manchester
    Oxford Road Station
    14:44
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    TransPennine Express
    Economy
    from £62
  • CrossCountry
    4h 15m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    09:26
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £63
  • Fastest Buses Saturday

  • National Express
    5h 40m
    0
    13:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    19:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £21
  • National Express
    5h 40m
    0
    14:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    20:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £21
  • FlixBus
    6h 55m
    0
    11:40
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    18:35
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £22
  • FlixBus
    7h 50m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    17:10
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £21
  • National Express
    9h 10m
    0
    17:45
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    02:55
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £22

    Fastest Trains Sunday

  • Transport for Wales
    3h 20m
    0
    11:29
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    14:49
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £49
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 26m
    0
    13:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    16:56
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £49
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 42m
    0
    09:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    13:12
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £49
  • CrossCountry
    4h 21m
    0
    08:26
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:47
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £53
  • CrossCountry
    4h 22m
    0
    10:26
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    14:48
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £53
  • Fastest Buses Sunday

  • National Express
    5h 40m
    0
    13:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    19:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £20
  • National Express
    5h 40m
    0
    14:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    20:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £21
  • FlixBus
    7h 25m
    0
    08:50
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:15
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £19
  • FlixBus
    7h 50m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    17:10
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £18
  • FlixBus
    11h 55m
    0
    08:25
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    20:20
    Cardiff
    Kingsway Coach Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £15
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Manchester to Cardiff

What are the most popular stations in Manchester and Cardiff?

In Manchester, you will usually depart from Victoria Station, Piccadilly Train Station or Shudehill Interchange, while in Cardiff you will be arriving at Central Station, Bus Interchange or National Museum, but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.

How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience

Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to Cardiff from Manchester? With 9 connections between 6 Bus and Train operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.

Look for the lowest price

Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Manchester and Cardiff, you can pay as low as £12 with a Bus from FlixBus.

Travel duration

Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Train from Transport for Wales: you will get to Cardiff in just 3h 8m.

Comfort makes all the difference

You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Manchester and Cardiff are FlixBus, National Express and Transport for Wales, but be sure to check what they have to offer!

Save money with deals, and always compare

One last tip? Even if you live in Manchester and Cardiff is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Salford or to Newlyn, and look at flights from Liverpool Airport, and landing at Cardiff Airport. Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!

Which companies offer a trip from Manchester to Cardiff?

The most popular companies between Manchester and Cardiff, are FlixBus, National Express and Transport for Wales. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: FlixBus and National Express

Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry and TransPennine Express

All you need to know when you travel from Manchester to Cardiff

Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Manchester to Cardiff. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.

FAQs about the trip from Manchester to Cardiff

How can I reach Cardiff from Manchester?

Every day, there are on average 9 connections between Bus and Train, with which you can get to Cardiff from Manchester.

How far is Cardiff from Manchester?

The distance between Manchester and Cardiff is 231.2 km.

What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Manchester and Cardiff?

Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance. On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 6 kgs of CO2, a train 8 kgs, a car 39 kgs, and a flight 57 kgs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport from Manchester to Cardiff?

You can get to Cardiff with just £12 by taking a Bus from FlixBus.

What is the fastest way to get from Manchester to Cardiff?

While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to Cardiff in just 3h 8m with a Train from Transport for Wales.

More routes to Manchester and to Cardiff

Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Manchester and to Cardiff. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!

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