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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? Compare all the available Buses, Trains and Flights for the journey to Cardiff from Manchester. Check between different modes of transportation, look for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 7 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
£8
£13
33
Train
3h 31m
£25
£96
8
Flight
3h 50m
£61
£104
27

What is the cheapest way to reach Cardiff from Manchester?

You can get to Cardiff with just £8 by taking a Bus from FlixBus, but you can find many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for next few days here for you.

today
from £17
tomorrow
from £10
Monday
from £10
Tuesday
from £10
Wednesday
from £9
Thursday
from £8
Friday
from £9

    Cheapest Buses today

  • FlixBus
    6h 50m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:10
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £17
  • National Express
    9h 10m
    0
    17:45
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    02:55
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £18
  • National Express
    8h 30m
    0
    19:15
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    03:45
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £20
  • National Express
    5h 40m
    0
    13:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    19:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £25
  • Cheapest Trains today

  • CrossCountry
    4h 15m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:26
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £25
  • CrossCountry
    3h 31m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    08:42
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £103
  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 52m
    0
    05:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:47
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £103
  • CrossCountry
    3h 51m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:02
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £104

    Cheapest Buses tomorrow

  • FlixBus
    7h 5m
    0
    09:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Bus Interchange
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £10
  • FlixBus
    10h 5m
    0
    15:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    01:05
    Cardiff
    Bus Interchange
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £10
  • FlixBus
    6h 45m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Manchester (Moss Lane East) Coach Station
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Bus Interchange
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £10
  • National Express
    5h 40m
    0
    13:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    19:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • Cheapest Flights tomorrow

  • Skyscanner
    28h 15m
    0
    13:25
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    17:40
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from £61
  • Buzz
    7h 20m
    0
    11:00
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    18:20
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    0
    Buzz
    Economy
    from £76
  • Jet2.com
    5h 45m
    0
    16:30
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    22:15
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    0
    Jet2.com
    Economy
    from £83
  • Aer Lingus
    23h 45m
    0
    08:10
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    07:55
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    0
    Aer Lingus
    Economy
    from £148

    Cheapest Buses Monday

  • FlixBus
    7h 5m
    0
    09:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £10
  • FlixBus
    11h 35m
    0
    11:10
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    22:45
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £10
  • FlixBus
    10h 5m
    0
    15:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    01:05
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £10
  • National Express
    5h 55m
    0
    13:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    19:25
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £15
  • Cheapest Trains Monday

  • CrossCountry
    4h 14m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £69
  • CrossCountry
    3h 33m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    08:44
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £103
  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 52m
    0
    05:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:47
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £103
  • CrossCountry
    4h 6m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:17
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £104

    Cheapest Buses Tuesday

  • FlixBus
    7h 5m
    0
    09:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Bus Interchange
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £10
  • FlixBus
    11h 35m
    0
    11:10
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    22:45
    Cardiff
    Bus Interchange
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £10
  • FlixBus
    10h 5m
    0
    15:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    01:05
    Cardiff
    Bus Interchange
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £10
  • National Express
    5h 35m
    0
    09:05
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    14:40
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £13
  • Cheapest Trains Tuesday

  • CrossCountry
    4h 14m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    First Class
    from £78
  • CrossCountry
    3h 33m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    08:44
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £106
  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 52m
    0
    05:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:47
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £106
  • Avanti West Coast
    4h 22m
    0
    05:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    10:17
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £107

    Cheapest Buses Wednesday

  • FlixBus
    12h 30m
    0
    02:45
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    15:15
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £9
  • FlixBus
    7h 5m
    0
    09:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £9
  • FlixBus
    11h 35m
    0
    11:10
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    22:45
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £9
  • National Express
    6h 30m
    0
    11:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    18:00
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £14

    Cheapest Buses Thursday

  • FlixBus
    7h 5m
    0
    09:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £8
  • FlixBus
    6h 45m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Manchester (Moss Lane East) Coach Station
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £8
  • National Express
    9h 30m
    0
    17:45
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    03:15
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £14
  • National Express
    6h 55m
    0
    13:15
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    20:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16

    Cheapest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    7h 5m
    0
    09:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £9
  • FlixBus
    6h 45m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Manchester (Moss Lane East) Coach Station
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £9
  • FlixBus
    7h 5m
    0
    09:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Bus Interchange
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £10
  • National Express
    6h 25m
    0
    13:00
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    19:25
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £15
  • Cheapest Trains Friday

  • CrossCountry
    3h 33m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    08:44
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £106
  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 52m
    0
    05:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:47
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £106

What are the fastest trips from Manchester to Cardiff?

You can get to Cardiff from Manchester in just 3h 31m with a Train from CrossCountry. This is not the only option, and you can click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other modes of transportations.

today
from 3h 31m
tomorrow
from 3h 50m
Monday
from 3h 33m
Tuesday
from 3h 33m
Wednesday
from 6h 0m
Thursday
from 6h 30m
Friday
from 3h 33m

    Fastest Trains today

  • CrossCountry
    3h 31m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    08:42
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £103
  • CrossCountry
    3h 51m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:02
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £104
  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 52m
    0
    05:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:47
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £103
  • CrossCountry
    4h 15m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:26
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £25
  • Fastest Buses today

  • National Express
    5h 40m
    0
    13:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    19:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £25
  • FlixBus
    6h 50m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:10
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £17
  • FlixBus
    7h 5m
    0
    09:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £27
  • National Express
    8h 30m
    0
    19:15
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    03:45
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £20

    Fastest Flights tomorrow

  • EasyJet Airline
    3h 50m
    0
    13:50
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    17:40
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    0
    EasyJet Airline
    Economy
    from £153
  • Jet2.com
    5h 45m
    0
    16:30
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    22:15
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    0
    Jet2.com
    Economy
    from £83
  • Buzz
    7h 20m
    0
    11:00
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    18:20
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    0
    Buzz
    Economy
    from £76
  • Aer Lingus
    23h 45m
    0
    08:10
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    07:55
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    0
    Aer Lingus
    Economy
    from £148
  • Fastest Buses tomorrow

  • National Express
    5h 40m
    0
    13:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    19:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • National Express
    5h 40m
    0
    14:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    20:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £19
  • FlixBus
    6h 45m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Manchester (Moss Lane East) Coach Station
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Bus Interchange
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £10
  • FlixBus
    7h 5m
    0
    09:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Bus Interchange
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £10

    Fastest Trains Monday

  • CrossCountry
    3h 33m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    08:44
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £103
  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 52m
    0
    05:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:47
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £103
  • CrossCountry
    4h 6m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:17
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £104
  • CrossCountry
    4h 14m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £69
  • Fastest Buses Monday

  • National Express
    5h 55m
    0
    13:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    19:25
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £15
  • National Express
    6h 10m
    0
    10:00
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    16:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • FlixBus
    7h 5m
    0
    09:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £10
  • FlixBus
    10h 5m
    0
    15:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    01:05
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £10

    Fastest Trains Tuesday

  • CrossCountry
    3h 33m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    08:44
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £106
  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 52m
    0
    05:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:47
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £106
  • CrossCountry
    4h 14m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:25
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    First Class
    from £78
  • Avanti West Coast
    4h 22m
    0
    05:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    10:17
    Cardiff
    Penarth Train Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £107
  • Fastest Buses Tuesday

  • National Express
    5h 35m
    0
    09:05
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    14:40
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £13
  • National Express
    6h 55m
    0
    13:15
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    20:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £13
  • FlixBus
    7h 5m
    0
    09:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Bus Interchange
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £10
  • FlixBus
    10h 5m
    0
    15:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    01:05
    Cardiff
    Bus Interchange
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £10

    Fastest Buses Wednesday

  • National Express
    6h 0m
    0
    12:00
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    18:00
    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
    £14
  • FlixBus
    7h 5m
    0
    09:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £9
  • FlixBus
    11h 35m
    0
    11:10
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    22:45
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £9

    Fastest Buses Thursday

  • National Express
    6h 30m
    0
    11:30
    Manchester
    Coach Station
    18:00
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £17
  • FlixBus
    6h 45m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Manchester (Moss Lane East) Coach Station
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £8
  • National Express
    6h 55m
    0
    13:15
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    20:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £16
  • FlixBus
    7h 5m
    0
    09:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £8

    Fastest Trains Friday

  • CrossCountry
    3h 33m
    0
    05:11
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    08:44
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £106
  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 52m
    0
    05:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Station
    09:47
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £106
  • Fastest Buses Friday

  • National Express
    6h 10m
    0
    14:00
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    20:10
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £15
  • National Express
    6h 25m
    0
    13:00
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    19:25
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £15
  • FlixBus
    6h 45m
    0
    09:20
    Manchester
    Manchester (Moss Lane East) Coach Station
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £9
  • FlixBus
    7h 5m
    0
    09:00
    Manchester
    Shudehill Interchange
    16:05
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £9
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 Piccadilly Station, Victoria 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 8 connections between 7 Bus, Train and Flight 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 £8 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 CrossCountry: you will get to Cardiff in just 3h 31m.

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 CrossCountry, 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 CrossCountry. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: FlixBus and National Express

Train companies: CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast

Airlines: Skyscanner, Buzz, Jet2.com and 2 more.

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 8 connections between Bus, Train and Flight, 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 £8 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 31m with a Train from CrossCountry.

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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