Known for its nightlife, music scene and impressive architecture, Manchester is a youthful and exciting city. Having recently become the hub of the BBC's offices, and with new cultural attractions like the Lowry Gallery opening up, Manchester's cultural scene is growing year on year. During the football season, Manchester is a popular destination for fans who flock to the city's two great clubs, City and United, while Old Trafford Cricket Ground hosts high-quality international cricket fixtures.

Buses to Manchester FAQ

Which bus operating companies run Coaches to Manchester?

The city of Manchester is serviced by bus networks from several destinations in the UK. There are regular direct buses offered by National Express.

Which cities have direct coaches to Manchester?

Most UK cities such as London, Liverpool, Bristol and Edinburgh serve direct buses to Manchester. Although other major UK cities frequently offer indirect buses to Manchester including Cardiff, Southampton and many more.

How far in advance to book coaches to Manchester?

The best time to book coaches to Manchester in advance is about 1 month before your ideal date of departure.

What are the main stations in Manchester?

Manchester's main bus station is the Central Coach Station, located on Chorlton Street, just a few hundred metres from Manchester Piccadilly train station, making it easy and convenient to catch a local train to the coach station. The X40, X41 and X43 local bus routes also stop at Chorlton Street.

Flixbus services depart from Manchester's second coach station at Shudehill Interchange. This is located in the Salford district, just to the north of the city centre. It is well connected to the rest of Manchester with regular tram services. During the day, Shudehill is also connected to the city centre via the free Metroshuttle bus service.

Bus providers: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus, DoggioBus, British Airways to BerlinTravel to Manchester on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus, DoggioBus, British Airways buses with Omio. When comparing schedules and tickets, we will also show you other options with multiple connections or other travel modes if they’re available.

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

4h 10m

Cheapest Price

€9

FlixBus frequency

39 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.

Learn more about FlixBus

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

4h 15m

Cheapest Price

€11

National Express frequency

20 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.

Learn more about National Express

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

4h 20m

Cheapest Price

€22

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.

British Airways

About

British Airways (BA) is the United Kingdom’s flag carrier airline with headquarters in London near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). BA is the second largest UK-based airline in terms of fleet size and number of passengers carried. Known as a full-service global airline, British Airways offers year-round low fares to destinations worldwide and flies to and from centrally-located airports. Its extensive global route network includes more than 170 destinations in nearly 80 countries throughout Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia. syn p British Airways (BA) is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom with its headquarters in London near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Known as a full-service global airline, BA offers low fares year-round to destinations around the globe and flies to and from centrally-located airports. Its extensive global route network includes more than 170 destinations in nearly 80 countries throughout Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia. BA is also the second largest airline based in the UK in terms of its fleet size and number of passengers carried.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

1h 5m

Cheapest Price

€59

Luggage included

Economy Basic includes 1 cabin bag (max 23kg, 56x45x25cm) plus 1 personal item (40x30x15cm)

Additional luggage

Additional checked bags can be purchased, with prices varying by route and fare class

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation policy depends on ticket type - Basic tickets non-refundable, Flexible tickets can be cancelled for a full refund

Pregnant on board

Travel permitted until end of 36th week for single pregnancies, end of 32nd week for multiple pregnancies. Medical clearance required after 28th weeks

Unaccompagned minor

Young flyers aged 5-11 can travel alone using British Airways' Skyflyer Solo service. Service must be booked in advance and is available on most routes

Amenities on board the bus

Wifi

Food sold onboard

USB plugs

Accessibility

British Airways provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair assistance and special assistance through airports.

Pets

Pets travel in the hold except assistance dogs. Advance booking required. Only cats and dogs accepted on most routes

DoggioBus

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

4h 23m

Cheapest Price

€9

DoggioBus frequency

2 a day

Buses to Manchester: related information

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

Travelling to Manchester: related information

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More information on flights to Manchester

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