Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Cheapest price on 13 Sept
£19
Average ticket price on 13 Sept
£22
Fastest journey on 13 Sept
3 h 20 m
Average journey duration on 13 Sept
3 h 27 m
Buses on 13 Sept
21
Distance
227 km
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 £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £19.
On Sun 13 Sept, we found 21 buses from Bristol to Manchester, including 10 direct services.
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.
FlixBus
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FlixBusOmio 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 an average ticket price of £15 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 12m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, while a train costs an average of £33.
Distance: 227 km
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£15 Average Price Cheapest | £33 Average Price | £55 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 19m Average total duration 3h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 3h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Manchester:
A coach is £18 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Manchester costing on average £33.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 49m.
Tickets start at around £15 compared to roughly £55 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £40. The journey takes 3h 49m versus 3h 15m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Megabus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Manchester coaches for today, Saturday 12 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 14:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h30 | 17:35 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 14:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h55 | 18:00 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
NX100 · NX541 | 15:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 5h10 | 20:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX104 · NX120 | 16:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 4h50 | 21:10 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 17:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h25 | 20:45 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 17:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h50 | 21:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
NX111 · NX541 | 18:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 4h30 | 22:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 19:30 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h40 | 23:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:30 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h20 | 22:50 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 0 changesdirect | |
NX101 · NX541 | 19:40 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 4h45 | 0:25 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX100 · NX120 | 6:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 4h40 | 11:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX100 · NX121 | 7:15 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 5h30 | 12:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 8:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h30 | 12:05 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 8:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h55 | 12:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
NX100 · NX120 | 8:50 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 5h15 | 14:05 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX111 · NX590 | 10:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 5h00 | 15:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX100 · NX541 | 10:50 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 5h15 | 16:05 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 11:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h55 | 15:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 11:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h30 | 15:15 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 0 changesdirect | |
NX101 · NX541 | 11:50 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 5h25 | 17:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX105 · NX541 | 13:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 5h50 | 19:10 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach 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.
Buses from Bristol to Manchester run on average 19 times per day, taking around 3h 49m. 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.
Distance 227 km |
Average bus duration 3h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Buses per day 19 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 3h 25m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 days |
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Compare Megabus classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
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.
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.
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
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.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport Train Station -> Manchester Piccadilly
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.
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.
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.

Most Bristol to Manchester buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus). ATMs are available at Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus).
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus).
Available at Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus): Station is accessible for disabled users.
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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 is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. ATMs are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Accessible for wheelchairs.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need