- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bedford to Manchester
Showing times and prices for 29 Aug
Cheapest price
£34
Average price
£38
Fastest journey
4 h
Average duration
4 h 11 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
191 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bedford to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bedford to Manchester will cost around £38 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £34.
Fast coaches
To travel from Bedford to Manchester you need to make at least one change.
UCX5 · NX54018:254h20Bedford, Bus Station22:45Manchester, Coach Station£341One-way1 change- UCX5 · NX54017:254h05Bedford, Bus Station21:30Manchester, Coach Station£361One-way1 change
- UCX5 · NX54015:154h10Bedford, Bus Station19:25Manchester, Coach Station£361One-way1 change
- UCX5 · NX54114:154h55Bedford, Bus Station19:10Manchester, Coach Station£361One-way1 change
- UCX5 · NX54016:154h20Bedford, Bus Station20:35Manchester, Coach Station£361One-way1 change
- UCX5 · NX54019:554h00Bedford, Bus Station23:55Manchester, Coach Station£361One-way1 change
- UCX5 · NX54017:254h05Bedford, Bus Station21:30Manchester, Coach Station£361One-way1 change
- UCX5 · NX54015:154h10Bedford, Bus Station19:25Manchester, Coach Station£361One-way1 change
- UCX5 · NX54016:154h20Bedford, Bus Station20:35Manchester, Coach Station£361One-way1 change
- UCX5 · NX54018:254h20Bedford, Bus Station22:45Manchester, Coach Station£341One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Bedford to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, and a flight costs an average of £56.
Distance: 191 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£37 Average Price Cheapest | £66 Average Price | £103 Average Price |
3h 59m Average total duration 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 10m Average total duration 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 57m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Bedford to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bedford to Manchester coaches for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCX5 · NX540 | 7:35 Bedford, Bus Station | 4h35 | 12:10 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| UCX5 · NX540 | 9:15 Bedford, Bus Station | 4h35 | 13:50 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| UCX5 · NX540 | 10:15 Bedford, Bus Station | 4h45 | 15:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| UCX5 · NX541 | 11:15 Bedford, Bus Station | 5h10 | 16:25 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| UCX5 · NX540 | 12:15 Bedford, Bus Station | 4h40 | 16:55 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| UCX5 · NX541 | 13:15 Bedford, Bus Station | 5h20 | 18:35 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| UCX5 · NX540 | 14:15 Bedford, Bus Station | 4h25 | 18:40 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| UCX5 · NX540 | 15:15 Bedford, Bus Station | 4h40 | 19:55 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| UCX5 · NX541 | 15:45 Bedford, Bus Station | 5h15 | 21:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| UCX5 · NX540 | 16:45 Bedford, Bus Station | 4h20 | 21:05 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| UCX5 · NX540 | 17:25 Bedford, Bus Station | 4h25 | 21:50 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| UCX5 · NX541 | 18:05 Bedford, Bus Station | 4h40 | 22:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| UCX5 · NX540 | 18:55 Bedford, Bus Station | 4h05 | 23:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| UCX5 · NX540 | 19:55 Bedford, Bus Station | 4h00 | 23:55 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| Saturday 29 August | |||||
| UCX5 · NX540 | 7:05 Bedford, Bus Station | 5h05 | 12:10 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Manchester by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train 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 Bedford to Manchester coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Bedford to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bedford 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 FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Bedford 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bedford 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 FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Bedford to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bedford to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bedford to Manchester run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £21 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 191 km distance in 4h 0m.
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 191 km |
Average bus duration 3h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 4h 0m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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, FlixBus from Bedford to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Bedford to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £21. 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
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 0m
Cheapest Price
£21
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.
Complete guide to Manchester
Things to do in Manchester
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
- Must visit
Manchester Museum
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
- Must visit
Manchester Art Gallery
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
- Recommended
Albert Square
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
- Recommended
Oldham Street
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
Rag Pudding
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
A hearty hotpot of slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. A long-standing North West comfort dish served across Manchester pubs.
- Gluten-free
Manchester Tripe
A rich tripe stew cooked with onions, milk and stock. It was a classic working-class Manchester meal linked to the city’s historic tripe trade.
mana
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
The Winston Churchill
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
The Black Friar
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.
Bee Network
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £1.40
- Day pass
- £7.10
To the city centre
Manchester Airport Train Station -> Manchester Piccadilly
- Distance
- 14 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Contactless Tap and Go works on Bee Network trams and buses. Remember to tap in and tap out on trams, and tap in on buses.
- Train tickets to MANCHESTER CTLZ are valid on Metrolink in Zone 1, which can help if you are connecting into the city centre.
FAQs: Bedford to Manchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford to Manchester by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Bedford to Manchester can start from as little as £21 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bedford to Manchester is £37; 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 Bedford to Manchester is 4h 0m to travel the 191 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Bedford to Manchester leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Bedford to Manchester leaves at 23:55.
There are 10 coaches a day from Bedford to Manchester which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Bedford to Manchester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Bedford and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Manchester from Bedford is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Bedford to Manchester is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bedford and Manchester including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Bedford to Manchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Bedford to Manchester for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Bedford to Manchester 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 Bedford to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Bedford to Manchester:
- 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 Bedford to Manchester:
- 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 Bedford 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 Bedford to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Bedford to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Bedford to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Manchester
Most Bedford to Manchester buses use the Bedford, Bus Station to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare Bedford and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Bedford
Arrival bus stations in Manchester
Bedford, Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Bedford, Bus Station from Bedford city centre
Bus4 · 4m · £2 · every ~7 min
Which Manchester station do buses from Bedford arrive at?
Buses from Bedford to Manchester most often arrive at Manchester, Coach Station. Some services arrive at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Manchester arrival station.
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom
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.
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom
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 EastMoss Ln E & Princess Rd, Manchester M15 6LD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus101, 15, 103, 102 · 14m · £2 · every ~31 min
Uk023, Ukn23, Uk071 · 21m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. ATMs are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Accessible for wheelchairs.
More options for your journey from Bedford to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Bedford
Most popular bus connections
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