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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Chelmsford to Manchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£58
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£58
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
13 h 50 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
13 h 50 m
Buses on 18 Sept
1
Distance
267 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Chelmsford to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to Manchester will cost around £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £58.
Fast coaches
To travel from Chelmsford to Manchester you need to make at least one change.
13:2513h50Chelmsford3:15Manchester£581One-way1 change
- 13:2513h50Chelmsford3:15Manchester£581One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Chelmsford to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £57 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 2m. 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 £57, while a flight costs an average of £140.
Distance: 267 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£57 Average Price Cheapest | £62 Average Price | £140 Average Price | £65 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 43m Average total duration 13h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Chelmsford to Manchester is a coach with an average price of £57.
This is compared to other travel options from Chelmsford to Manchester:
A coach is £5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chelmsford to Manchester costing on average £62.
A coach is £83 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chelmsford to Manchester costing on average £140.
The fastest way to travel from Chelmsford to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 2m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 30m.
Coach takes on average 13h 13m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chelmsford and Manchester including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £57 compared to roughly £65 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £8. The journey takes 13h 13m versus 4h 18m 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.
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.
Compare prices and tickets Chelmsford 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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18 Sept
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19 Sept
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Why should you book Chelmsford to Manchester coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Chelmsford to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chelmsford to Manchester.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 Chelmsford to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chelmsford to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chelmsford to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Chelmsford to Manchester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 13h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £53 but you can travel from only £52 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:35, the last at 21:55. The fastest coach covers the 267 km distance in 9h 5m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £52
Distance 267 km |
Average bus duration 13h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £53 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 9h 5m |
First bus 0:35 |
Last bus 21:55 |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £52
Bus providers: National Express from Chelmsford to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Chelmsford to Manchester with National Express for as low as £52. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
9h 5m
Cheapest National Express Price
£53
National Express frequency
1 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.
Bus providers: National Express from Chelmsford to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Chelmsford to Manchester with National Express for as low as £52. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
9h 5m
Cheapest National Express Price
£53
National Express frequency
1 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.
What's included in each class
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
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
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.
- 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: Chelmsford to Manchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford to Manchester can start from as little as £53 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Chelmsford to Manchester is £57; 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 Chelmsford to Manchester is 9h 5m to travel the 267 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 Chelmsford to Manchester leaves at 0:35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Chelmsford to Manchester leaves at 21:55.
There are 4 coaches a day from Chelmsford to Manchester which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Chelmsford to Manchester, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Chelmsford and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Manchester from Chelmsford is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chelmsford and Manchester including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Chelmsford to Manchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Chelmsford to Manchester for coach company National Express.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Chelmsford 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.
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 Chelmsford to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Chelmsford to Manchester:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Chelmsford to Manchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Chelmsford to Manchester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Chelmsford to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Chelmsford to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Chelmsford to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express.
More options for your journey from Chelmsford to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Chelmsford
Most popular bus connections
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