Southampton to Manchester bus with National Express

Thu, Jun 04
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Southampton to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Jun 04

Cheapest price

€28

Average price

€39

Fastest journey

6 h 55 m

Average duration

7 h 16 m

Buses per day

15

Distance

292 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Southampton to Manchester will cost around €39 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 Southampton to Manchester without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX032 · NX541
    4:30 PM9h10
    Southampton, Coach Station
    1:40 AMManchester, Coach Station
    281One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX032 · NX540
    6:30 PM7h45
    Southampton, Coach Station
    2:15 AMManchester, Coach Station
    281One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX032 · NX540
    12:15 PM8h55
    Southampton, Coach Station
    9:10 PMManchester, Coach Station
    291One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    10:45 AM8h45
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    7:30 PMManchester, Shudehill Interchange
    361One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX032 · NX540
    4:15 AM7h55
    Southampton, Coach Station
    12:10 PMManchester, Coach Station
    371One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Southampton to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €17, and a flight costs an average of €60.

Distance: 292 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Flight

€31

Average price

Cheapest

€82

Average price

€130

Average price

7h 0m

Average total duration

6h 30m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 36m

Average total duration

4h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 10m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 10m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Southampton to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Manchester buses for today, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX160 · NX541
Delayed
8:55 AM Southampton, Coach Station
7h10
10:15 PM 10:15 PMManchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus10:45 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
8h45
7:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:05 AM Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University)
8h25
7:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
National ExpressNX160 · NX541
Delayed
12:10 PM Southampton, Coach Station
7h20
10:15 PM 10:15 PMManchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX160 · NX120
On time
4:00 PM Southampton, Coach Station
6h55
10:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:05 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
7h45
11:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX5404:15 AM Southampton, Coach Station
7h55
12:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:20 AM Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University)
7h30
11:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX5405:35 AM Southampton, Coach Station
9h05
2:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:05 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
7h45
1:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus6:25 AM Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University)
7h25
1:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Manchester 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.

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Why should you book Southampton to Manchester buses with Omio?

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

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 Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Manchester.
  • 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 Southampton to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

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

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Southampton to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Southampton to Manchester run on average 14 times per day, taking around 6h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €17 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 292 km distance in 7h 10m.

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
292 km
Average bus duration
6h 30m
Cheapest ticket price
€17
Buses per day
14
Fastest bus
7h 10m
First bus
12:05 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
7 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, Megabus, FlixBus from Southampton to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Manchester with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as €17. 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
7h 25m
Cheapest Price
€27
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
7h 10m
Cheapest Price
€17
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
5h 55m
Cheapest Price
€47
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 Southampton to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton 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 Southampton to Manchester can start from as little as €17 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Southampton to Manchester is €31; 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 Southampton to Manchester is 7h 10m to travel the 292 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 Southampton to Manchester leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Southampton to Manchester leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 14 coaches a day from Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Southampton , you have various coach station options to start your trip from including Southampton, Coach Station, Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University), Southampton, University . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your trip in coach stations like Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Manchester, Airport .Passengers board the coach most frequently from Southampton, Coach Station, which is located around 0 away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Manchester, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Manchester from Southampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Southampton to Manchester is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Southampton and Manchester including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Southampton 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 Southampton to Manchester for coach company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Southampton 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 Southampton to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Southampton to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Southampton to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Southampton to Manchester

Southampton
Manchester
The major bus station for departures in Southampton is Southampton, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Southampton, Coach Station for your trip from Southampton to Manchester.
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
Harbour Parade
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café Express (in the station)
  • Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the station.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available near the entrance.
Public transit options for Southampton, Coach Station
  • Bus: U1, U2, U6, X4 Train: South Western Railway
Southampton, Burgess Rd (Library)
information
Southampton, University
information

Most popular bus connections from Southampton

HomeBusesBus tickets to ManchesterSouthampton to Manchester bus

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