- 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 Bristol to Manchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 28 Oct
Cheapest price on 28 Oct
£19
Average ticket price on 28 Oct
£23
Fastest journey on 28 Oct
3 h 20 m
Average journey duration on 28 Oct
3 h 27 m
Buses on 28 Oct
16
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 £23 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £19.
Fast coaches
On Wed 28 Oct, we found 16 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.
FlixBus19:303h40Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)23:10Manchester, Shudehill Interchange£191One-way0 changes- FlixBus19:303h20Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)22:50Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East£191One-way0 changes
NX100 · NX12015:005h15Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)20:15Manchester, Coach Station£211One-way1 change- FlixBus11:453h30Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)15:15Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East£211One-way0 changes
- FlixBus14:053h30Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)17:35Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East£211One-way0 changes
- FlixBus19:303h20Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)22:50Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East£191One-way0 changes
- FlixBus17:203h25Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)20:45Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East£211One-way0 changes
- FlixBus11:453h30Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)15:15Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East£211One-way0 changes
- FlixBus14:053h30Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)17:35Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East£211One-way0 changes
- FlixBus8:353h30Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)12:05Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East£211One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bristol to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bristol to Manchester run on average 20 times per day, taking around 4h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
There are 9 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 20m.
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 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Buses per day 20 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 3h 20m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 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
Frequently asked questions about your Bristol to Manchester trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Bristol to Manchester.
Cheap coach tickets from Bristol to Manchester can start from as little as £8 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bristol to Manchester is £20; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
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 9 direct coaches a day from Bristol to Manchester with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
Live departures
Bristol to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Manchester coaches for tomorrow, Wednesday 28 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX100 · NX121 | 7:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 6h00 | 13:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus | 8:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h55 | 12:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 8:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h30 | 12:05 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX100 · NX590 | 9:50 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 5h30 | 15:20 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus | 11:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h30 | 15:15 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 11:45 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h55 | 15:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX101 · NX121 | 11:50 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 5h30 | 17:20 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| NX105 · NX541 | 13:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 6h10 | 19:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| 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 · NX120 | 15:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 5h15 | 20:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| NX104 · NX541 | 16:30 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 5h05 | 21:35 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 | |
| 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 | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Bristol to Manchester coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as National Express offer coaches services from Bristol to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Manchester.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Bristol 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol 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 National Express to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Manchester.
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Bristol to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £8. 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 FlixBus Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£8
FlixBus frequency
9 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 National Express Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest National Express Price
£14
National Express frequency
11 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.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Bristol and Manchester
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a coach from Bristol to Manchester, you can count on FlixBus, National Express 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.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Bristol 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 Bristol to Manchester for coach company FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company {providersWithBike}.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Bristol 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.
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:
- 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:
- 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: FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Bristol to Manchester with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Bristol to Manchester with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.
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.
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.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Manchester including taking a coach and train.
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.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Manchester
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.
Departure bus stations in Bristol
Arrival bus stations in Manchester
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)Bristol Bus Station (Bay 19), Marlborough Street 15, BS1 3ES
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) from Bristol city centre
Bus76, X6, X1, 39, 75, X9, X4, 73, X39, 522, X6a, X1a · 4m · £2 · every ~156 min
Bristol, Airport Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol, Airport Bus Station from Bristol city centre
BusFal · 19m · £10 · every ~4 min
A1 · 29m · £4 · every ~30 min
A1 · 32m · £4 · every ~30 min
A1 · 39m · £4 · every ~30 min
Which Manchester station do buses from Bristol arrive at?
Buses from Bristol 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 · £1 · 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.
Most popular bus connections from Bristol
More options for your journey from Bristol to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Bristol
Most popular bus connections
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