Manchester to Dartford bus with National Express

Mon, Aug 03
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Avanza
RegioJet a.s.
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Avanza
RegioJet a.s.
2,000+ 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 Manchester to Dartford

Showing times and prices for Aug 03

Cheapest price

€20

Average price

€23

Fastest journey

6 h 55 m

Average duration

8 h 26 m

Buses per day

5

Distance

281 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Manchester to Dartford will cost around €23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €20.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Manchester to Dartford without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX540 · NX022
    3:30 PM7h15
    Manchester, Coach Station
    10:45 PMDartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre
    €201One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX540 · NX022
    5:15 AM7h05
    Manchester, Coach Station
    12:20 PMDartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre
    €211One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX540 · NX022
    11:30 AM8h00
    Manchester, Coach Station
    7:30 PMDartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre
    €221One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX540 · NX022
    9:00 AM6h55
    Manchester, Coach Station
    3:55 PMDartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre
    €221One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX424 · NX022
    11:55 PM12h55
    Manchester, Coach Station
    12:50 PMDartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre
    €311One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Manchester to Dartford

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Dartford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €9. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €9, and a flight costs an average of €139.

Distance: 281 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Flight

€18

Average price

Cheapest

€181

Average price

€225

Average price

6h 9m

Average total duration

5h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 20m

Average total duration

3h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 10m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 10m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Manchester to Dartford bus times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Dartford buses for tomorrow, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX540 · NX0225:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station
7h05
12:20 PM Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre1 transfer
National ExpressNX540 · NX0229:00 AM Manchester, Coach Station
6h55
3:55 PM Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre1 transfer
National ExpressNX540 · NX02211:30 AM Manchester, Coach Station
8h00
7:30 PM Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre1 transfer
National ExpressNX540 · NX0223:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station
7h15
10:45 PM Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre1 transfer
National ExpressNX424 · NX02211:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station
12h55
12:50 PM Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Dartford by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight 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.

Mon
Aug 03
Tue
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09

Why should you book Manchester to Dartford buses with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Manchester to Dartford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Dartford.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Dartford.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Dartford.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Dartford.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Dartford.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Manchester to Dartford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Manchester to Dartford run on average 44 times per day, taking around 5h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €9 if you book in advance.

There are 40 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 281 km distance in 4h 30m.

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
281 km
Average bus duration
5h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
€9
Buses per day
44
Direct buses
40
Fastest bus
4h 30m
First bus
12:05 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
28 days
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, FlixBus from Manchester to DartfordYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Dartford with National Express, FlixBus for as low as €9. 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
4h 30m
Cheapest Price
€9
FlixBus frequency
44 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
6h 40m
Cheapest Price
€29
National Express frequency
4 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

FAQs: Bus from Manchester to Dartford

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Dartford 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 Dartford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Dartford can start from as little as €9 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Dartford is €18; 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 Manchester to Dartford is 4h 30m to travel the 281 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 Manchester to Dartford leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Dartford leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 40 direct coaches a day from Manchester to Dartford with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Dartford, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Dartford. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Dartford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Manchester , you have various coach station options to start your trip from including Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Airport . When arriving in Dartford , you can end your trip in coach stations like London, Victoria Coach Station, London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant), Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre, London, Hammersmith Broadway (Irish Cultural Centre), London, Stratford City Bus Station, London, Park Lane / Green Street (Marble Arch) .Passengers board the coach most frequently from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at London, Victoria Coach Station, located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Dartford from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Dartford is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Dartford including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Dartford:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Dartford for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Dartford depends on the coach companies:
  • 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 Manchester to Dartford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Dartford:
  • 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 Manchester to Dartford:
  • 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 Manchester to Dartford. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Dartford with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Dartford with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Dartford with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Manchester to Dartford

Most Manchester to Dartford buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to London, Victoria Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Dartford bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Manchester
Arrival bus stations in Dartford

Which Manchester station do buses to Dartford leave from?

Buses from Manchester to Dartford leave from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. The station is from Manchester city centre at Shudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom.
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United KingdomWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre

Bus163, 118, 119, 18, 112, 114, 117, 81 · 3m · €2 · every ~69 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 2m · €2 · every ~23 min

Manchester, Shudehill Interchange bus station facilities and services

Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.

Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East from Manchester city centre

Bus101, 15, 103, 102 · 14m · €2 · every ~31 min
Uk023, Ukn23, Uk071 · 21m · €1 · every ~2 min
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester, Coach Station from Manchester city centre

Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 33, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 1m · €2 · every ~231 min

Manchester, Coach Station bus station facilities and services

Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.

More options for your journey from Manchester to Dartford

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

Trains from Manchester to Dartford
Tickets and more information for coaches to Manchester
HomeBusesManchester to Dartford 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