Bristol to Manchester bus with Megabus

Thu 29 Jan
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Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Swiss Tours
1,000+ travel companies
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
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Swiss Tours
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bristol to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 29 Jan

Cheapest price

£13

Average price

£20

Fastest journey

3 h 20 m

Average duration

3 h 27 m

Buses per day

21

Distance

227 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Bristol to Manchester will cost around £20 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £13.

Fast coaches

Of the 21 buses that leave Bristol for Manchester every day 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 227 km distance in an average of 3 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .

The slowest buses will take 3 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

FlixBusFlixBus
19:303h40
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
23:10Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
£131One-way
0 changes
FlixBusFlixBus
17:203h50
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
21:10Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
£131One-way
0 changes
FlixBusFlixBus
17:203h25
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
20:45Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
£131One-way
0 changes
FlixBusFlixBus
19:303h20
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
22:50Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
£131One-way
0 changes
FlixBusFlixBus
14:053h30
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
17:35Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
£141One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Bristol to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 21m. 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 £9, and a train costs an average of £28.

Distance: 227 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train

£18

Average Price

Cheapest

£55

Average Price

4h 40m

Average total duration

4h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 51m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Megabus

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Bristol to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Manchester coaches for today, Wednesday 28 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 19:05
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbus21:10 Bristol
13h00
10:10 Manchester0 changesdirect
Thursday 29 January
national_expressNX100 · NX421
Delayed
07:00 01:00Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
6h35
07:35 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
national_expressNX106 · NX120
On time
05:50 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
5h25
11:15 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
national_expressNX100 · NX121
Delayed
07:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
6h15
14:15 14:15Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus08:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
3h30
12:05 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus08:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
3h55
12:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
national_expressNX100 · NX120
On time
09:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
5h00
14:20 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
national_expressNX100 · NX120
On time
10:50 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
5h35
16:25 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus11:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
3h55
15:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus11:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
3h30
15:15 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East0 changesdirect
national_expressNX101 · NX121
On time
12:30 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
5h10
17:40 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus14:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
3h30
17:35 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East0 changesdirect
national_expressNX100 · NX120
On time
14:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
6h25
20:30 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus14:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
3h55
18:00 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
national_expressNX104 · NX120
On time
15:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
5h55
21:40 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus17:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
3h50
21:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus17:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
3h25
20:45 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East0 changesdirect
national_expressNX100 · NX120
On time
18:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
4h50
23:10 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
national_expressNX100 · NX424
On time
21:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
8h45
06:05 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Manchester by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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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31 Jan
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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bristol to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Bristol to Manchester run on average 20 times per day, taking around 4h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.

There are 7 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 227 km distance in 3h 25m.

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
227 km
Average bus duration
4h 10m
Cheapest ticket price
£9
Buses per day
20
Direct buses
7
Fastest bus
3h 25m
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: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus from Bristol to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Manchester with Megabus, 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
3h 25m
Cheapest Price
£9
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.
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
5h 5m
Cheapest Price
£18
National Express frequency
14 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 10m
Cheapest Price
£19
Megabus frequency
11 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.

Buses from Bristol to Manchester: Journey Details

National Express offer approximately 7 buses from Bristol to Manchester daily. Some journeys require one change at Birminhgham Coach Station. Nevertheless, the average duration of trip is just over 5 hours with transfer making little impact on the journey time. The services begin early in the morning and continue at regular intervals until just before 12.00 am.

Where do buses from Bristol to Manchester depart from and arrive at?

National Express buses from Bristol to Manchester each depart at Bristol Coach Station which is located in the city centre on Marlborough Street close to one of the major shopping centres in Bristol, Broadmead Shopping centre. Accessing the city centre from the peripheries and other areas of the country is simple using the regional buses and main train station, Bristol Temple Meads. There are night buses available for those travelling at past midnight; these services are operated by the First Group.

National Express buses that operate from Bristol to Manchester terminate at Manchester Coach Station. The coach station is located in the city centre, less than 500 metres from Manchester Piccadilly station, the central train station of Manchester. Trains and buses from all over the country and areas of Greater Manchester terminate at Manchester Piccadilly and the Coach Station and from these stations, there are also trams and buses available to take you to other areas of the city centre. Transport at night is available with night buses of taxis. The services offered by Megabus terminates at Shudehill Interchange, this bus station is located a short distance from Manchester Victoria train station.

FAQs: Bristol to Manchester coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Bristol to Manchester can start from as little as £9 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bristol to Manchester 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 Bristol to Manchester is 3h 25m to travel the 227 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 Bristol to Manchester leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Bristol to Manchester leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 7 direct coaches a day from Bristol to Manchester with Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Bristol to Manchester, you can count on Megabus, 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 Bristol and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Bristol , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus), Bristol, Airport Bus Station, Bristol, Airport, Stoke Gifford, UWE East Gate, Bristol, Airport (Public Transport Interchange), Bristol, Bond Street North . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your route in coach stations like Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Airport, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), 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 Bristol is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Bristol to Manchester is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Manchester including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Bristol 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 Bristol to Manchester for coach company Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Bristol 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 Bristol to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol to Manchester with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Bristol to Manchester with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Bristol to Manchester with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Manchester

Bristol
Manchester
The major coach station for departures in Bristol is Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) for your trip from Bristol to Manchester.
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
information
address
Address
Bristol Bus Station (Bay 19), Marlborough Street 15, BS1 3ES
Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus)
information
Bristol, Airport Bus Station
information

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