Manchester to Leicester bus with National Express

Sat, Feb 21
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Leicester

Showing times and prices for Feb 22

Cheapest price

€23

Average price

€26

Fastest journey

4 h 5 m

Average duration

4 h 28 m

Buses per day

11

Distance

119 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Manchester to Leicester will cost around €26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €23.

Fast buses

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

National ExpressNX120 · NX777
09:45PM4h45
Manchester, Coach Station
02:30AMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
231One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX120 · NX150
08:40AM4h15
Manchester, Coach Station
12:55PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
231One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX120 · NX180
07:45PM4h05
Manchester, Coach Station
11:50PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
251One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX424 · NX777
11:55PM5h10
Manchester, Coach Station
05:05AMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
271One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX172 · NX180
11:59PM5h21
Manchester, Coach Station
05:20AMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
271One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Manchester to Leicester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 4m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €6, and a train costs an average of €19.

Distance: 119 km

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

€17

Average price

Cheapest

€44

Average price

3h 57m

Average total duration

3h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

East Midlands Trains

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Manchester to Leicester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Leicester buses for today, Saturday, February 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 6:17 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus7:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
5h05
12:55 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)1 transfer
national_expressNX120 · NX150
On time
8:40 AM Manchester, Coach Station
4h15
12:55 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus10:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
6h10
4:20 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus10:20 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
6h05
4:25 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)1 transfer
national_expressNX121 · NX151
Delayed
1:30 PM 11:30 AMManchester, Coach Station
4h45
4:15 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus12:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
4h30
4:50 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus2:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
5h15
7:35 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)1 transfer
national_expressNX121 · NX150
On time
2:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station
4h55
7:25 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX120 · NX180
On time
7:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station
4h05
11:50 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX120 · NX777
On time
9:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station
4h45
2:30 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX172 · NX180
On time
11:59 PM Manchester, Coach Station
5h21
5:20 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer
Sunday, February 22
national_expressNX421 · NX7772:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station
4h55
7:40 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station1 transfer
national_expressNX181 · NX1834:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station
4h40
8:55 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station1 transfer
national_expressNX170 · NX240
On time
4:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station
6h10
10:35 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX170 · NX183
On time
3:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station
4h35
8:00 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX424 · NX777
On time
11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station
5h10
5:05 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Leicester by bus or train

Compare bus and train 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.

Sun
Feb 22
Mon
Feb 23
Tue
Feb 24
Wed
Feb 25
Thu
Feb 26
Fri
Feb 27
Sat
Feb 28
Sun
Mar 01
Mon
Mar 02
Tue
Mar 03
Wed
Mar 04
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Mar 05
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Mar 06
Sat
Mar 07

Why should you book Manchester to Leicester buses with Omio?

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

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 or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Leicester.
  • 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Leicester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

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

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Manchester to Leicester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Manchester to Leicester run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €6 if you book in advance.

There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 119 km distance in 3h 35m.

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
119 km
Average bus duration
3h 27m
Cheapest ticket price
€6
Buses per day
13
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
3h 35m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:55
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, Megabus from Manchester to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Leicester with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for as low as €6. 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
3h 35m
Cheapest Price
€6
FlixBus frequency
4 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
4h 5m
Cheapest Price
€16
National Express frequency
10 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
4h 45m
Cheapest Price
€15
Megabus frequency
2 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 Manchester to Leicester

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

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Leicester can start from as little as €6 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Leicester is €17; 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 Leicester is 3h 35m to travel the 119 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 Leicester leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Leicester leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Manchester to Leicester with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Leicester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for the best way to get you to Leicester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Leicester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Leicester from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Leicester is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Leicester including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Leicester:
  • 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 Manchester to Leicester for coach company National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Leicester 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 Manchester to Leicester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Leicester:
  • 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 Manchester to Leicester:
  • 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 Manchester to Leicester. 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 Leicester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Leicester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Leicester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Manchester to Leicester

Manchester
Leicester
The major bus station for departures in Manchester is Manchester, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester, Coach Station for your trip from Manchester to Leicester.
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, 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, AirportWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
ShowerShower
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 00:00-23:59
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
carConnection
Car connection
Terminal Road North
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King (in the station)
  • Giraffe (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, assistance
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Airport
  • Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
HomeBusesBus tickets to LeicesterManchester to Leicester bus

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