London Gatwick Airport to Manchester bus with National Express

Thu, Jan 29
+ Add return
National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Jan 29

Cheapest price

€28

Average price

€54

Fastest journey

6 h 40 m

Average duration

6 h 52 m

Buses per day

54

Distance

294 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester will cost around €54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €28.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester without transferring at least once.

National ExpressNX025 · NX540
11:30PM12h50
London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
12:20PMManchester, Coach Station
281One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX025 · NX540
11:45PM12h35
London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
12:20PMManchester, Coach Station
281One-way
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
09:30PM8h20
Horley, Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
05:50AMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
341One-way
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
09:30PM8h40
Horley, Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
06:10AMManchester, Shudehill Interchange
341One-way
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
09:20PM8h50
London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
06:10AMManchester, Shudehill Interchange
341One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for London Gatwick Airport to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, and a train costs an average of €70.

Distance: 294 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€32

Average price

Cheapest

€106

Average price

7h 8m

Average total duration

6h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 38m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

London Gatwick Airport to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Manchester buses for today, Wednesday, January 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 8:43 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus9:20 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
8h50
6:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus9:20 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
8h30
5:50 AM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus9:30 PM Horley, Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
8h20
5:50 AM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus9:30 PM Horley, Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
8h40
6:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX42410:30 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h35
6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressNX230 · NX42111:05 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
8h30
7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
Thursday, January 29
national_expressNXA2 · NX540
On time
4:35 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h45
12:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNXA2 · NX540
On time
4:45 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h35
12:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX121
Delayed
7:00 AM 6:15 AMLondon, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h00
2:15 PM 2:15 PMManchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX121
Delayed
6:25 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
6h50
2:15 PM 2:15 PMManchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX230 · NX5406:35 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h35
2:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressNX230 · NX5406:50 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h20
2:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX590
On time
7:45 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h15
3:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX5908:00 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h00
3:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX120
On time
8:50 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h35
4:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX230 · NX5408:55 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
8h00
4:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX120
On time
9:00 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h25
4:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus9:05 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
8h55
6:00 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus9:05 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
8h30
5:35 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 transfer
national_expressNX230 · NX5409:10 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h45
4:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus9:15 AM Horley, Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
8h20
5:35 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus9:15 AM Horley, Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
8h45
6:00 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX121
On time
9:30 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
8h10
5:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX121
On time
9:40 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
8h00
5:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus10:10 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
9h30
7:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus10:20 AM Horley, Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
9h20
7:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
national_expressNX230 · NX54010:40 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h25
6:05 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressNX230 · NX54010:55 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h10
6:05 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus11:05 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
9h40
8:45 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus11:05 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
10h05
9:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus11:15 AM Horley, Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
9h55
9:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus11:15 AM Horley, Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
9h30
8:45 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX120
On time
11:20 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h50
7:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX120
On time
11:30 AM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h40
7:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX120
On time
12:20 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
8h10
8:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX120
On time
12:30 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
8h00
8:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX230 · NX5401:20 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
8h00
9:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressNX230 · NX5401:35 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h45
9:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus2:05 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
8h45
10:50 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus2:05 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
9h05
11:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX120
On time
2:10 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h30
9:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus2:15 PM Horley, Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
8h55
11:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus2:15 PM Horley, Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
8h35
10:50 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX120
On time
2:20 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h20
9:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX025 · NX551 · NX120
On time
3:40 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h30
11:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station
2 transfers
national_expressNX025 · NX551 · NX120
On time
3:55 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h15
11:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station
2 transfers
national_expressNX230 · NX5404:40 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h15
11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressNX230 · NX5404:55 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h00
11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX181
On time
6:25 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
6h50
1:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX1816:35 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
6h40
1:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · NX424
On time
10:30 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h35
6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX025 · NX540
On time
11:30 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
12h50
12:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX025 · NX540
On time
11:45 PM London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
12h35
12:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London Gatwick Airport to Manchester by train or bus

Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Thu
Jan 29
Fri
Jan 30
Sat
Jan 31
Sun
Feb 01
Mon
Feb 02
Tue
Feb 03
Wed
Feb 04
Thu
Feb 05
Fri
Feb 06
Sat
Feb 07
Sun
Feb 08
Mon
Feb 09
Tue
Feb 10
Wed
Feb 11

Journey information

Overview: Bus from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester run on average 40 times per day, taking around 6h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €18 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 02:35, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 294 km distance in 6h 50m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
294 km
Average bus duration
6h 38m
Cheapest ticket price
€18
Buses per day
40
Fastest bus
6h 50m
First bus
02:35
Last bus
23:30
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus from London Gatwick Airport to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between London Gatwick Airport to Manchester with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as €18. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 50m
Cheapest Price
€26
FlixBus frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 50m
Cheapest Price
€19
National Express frequency
26 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 17m
Cheapest Price
€60
Megabus frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

FAQs: Bus from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester can start from as little as €18 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for London Gatwick Airport to Manchester is €32; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester is 6h 50m to travel the 294 km long trip. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester leaves at 2:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester leaves at 11:30 PM.
There are 40 coaches a day from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between London Gatwick Airport and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Manchester from London Gatwick Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Gatwick Airport and Manchester including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester for coach company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester depends on the coach companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester

London
Manchester
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 05:00-23:30
carConnection
Car connection
Shudehill
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the interchange.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
  • Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
Manchester, Coach StationWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-22:00
carConnection
Car connection
Chorlton Street
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café at the Station (in the station)
  • Fast Food Express (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, assistance
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Coach Station
  • Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
information

More options for your journey from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeBusesBus tickets to ManchesterLondon Gatwick Airport to Manchester bus

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone