Cheltenham to Manchester bus with Megabus

Tue 18 Aug
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Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Stagecoach West
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cheltenham to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 18 Aug

Cheapest price

£13

Average price

£18

Fastest journey

4 h 50 m

Average duration

5 h 50 m

Buses per day

4

Distance

176 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cheltenham to Manchester will cost around £18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £13.

Fast coaches

Of the 4 buses that leave Cheltenham for Manchester every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 176 km distance in an average of 5 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 50 m .

The slowest buses will take 6 h 50 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
    7:504h50
    Cheltenham
    12:40Manchester
    £131One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBus
    14:206h25
    Cheltenham
    20:45Manchester
    £171One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBus
    13:206h50
    Cheltenham
    20:10Manchester
    £191One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    2:205h15
    Cheltenham
    7:35Manchester
    £221One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cheltenham to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 15m. 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 £10, and a train costs an average of £15.

Distance: 176 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£18

Average Price

Cheapest

£63

Average Price

4h 11m

Average total duration

3h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 45m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.4kg

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

Cheltenham to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Manchester coaches for today, Monday 17 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus9:20 Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub
6h20
15:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus9:20 Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub
5h55
15:15 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:05 Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub
4h55
16:00 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus14:20 Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub
6h50
21:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus14:20 Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub
6h25
20:45 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus21:05 Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub
4h55
2:00 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
Tuesday 18 August
National Express2:20 Cheltenham
5h15
7:35 Manchester0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cheltenham 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.

Tue
18 Aug
Wed
19 Aug
Thu
20 Aug
Fri
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug

Why should you book Cheltenham to Manchester coaches with Omio?

Megabus as well as National Express, FlixBus, Stagecoach West and more offer coaches services from Cheltenham to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cheltenham to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs Megabus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express, FlixBus or Stagecoach West to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cheltenham 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, FlixBus or Stagecoach West to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cheltenham to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cheltenham to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cheltenham to Manchester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £10 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 176 km distance in 4h 50m.

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
176 km
Average bus duration
3h 41m
Cheapest ticket price
£10
Buses per day
5
Fastest bus
4h 50m
First bus
0:05
Last bus
23:55
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
21 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: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus, Stagecoach West from Cheltenham to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Cheltenham to Manchester with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus, Stagecoach West for as low as £10. 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
4h 50m
Cheapest Price
£10
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
5h 15m
Cheapest Price
£22
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.

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
2h 55m
Cheapest Price
£16
Megabus frequency
2 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.

Stagecoach West

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 26m
Cheapest Price
£22
Stagecoach West frequency
7 a day

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.

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.

FAQs: Cheltenham to Manchester coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Manchester can start from as little as £10 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Manchester is 4h 50m to travel the 176 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 Cheltenham to Manchester leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cheltenham to Manchester leaves at 23:55.
There are 5 coaches a day from Cheltenham to Manchester which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus, Stagecoach West. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cheltenham to Manchester, you can count on Megabus, National Express, FlixBus, Stagecoach West for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cheltenham and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Cheltenham , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub, Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station, Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane), Cheltenham, Gloucester, Transport Hub . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your route in coach stations like Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Manchester, Airport.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub, which is located around 3 km 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 Cheltenham is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cheltenham to Manchester is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cheltenham and Manchester including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Manchester for coach company Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Manchester with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cheltenham to Manchester with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cheltenham to Manchester with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cheltenham and Manchester

Most Cheltenham to Manchester buses use the Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Coach Station. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Cheltenham
Arrival bus stations in Manchester

Which Cheltenham station do buses to Manchester leave from?

Buses from Cheltenham to Manchester leave from Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub. The station is 3 km from Cheltenham city centre at Cheltenham Arle Court Transport Hub, Cheltenham GL51 6SH, UK.
Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport HubCheltenham Arle Court Transport Hub, Cheltenham GL51 6SH, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub from Cheltenham city centre

Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub is 3 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:

TRUE

Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub bus station facilities and services

Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free WiFi is available throughout the station. ATMs are available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub: Facilities are accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.

Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus StationRoyal Well Road, Cheltenham, GL50 3PD, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station from Cheltenham city centre

Bus94, 94U, 97, 98

Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station bus station facilities and services

Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Cafeteria Royal Well (in the station), The Coffee House (0.2 km), The Brewery Quarter (0.5 km).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham, Royal Well Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.

Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane)
City-centre transport

Getting to Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane) from Cheltenham city centre

Bus94X, 94, Nx94, N94, 95, 96 · 14m · £4 · every ~23 min
100, 94, 95, N94, 96 · 14m · £0.89 · every ~22 min
M13 · 21m
K · 23m · £4 · every ~1 min

More options for your journey from Cheltenham to Manchester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeCoachesCoach tickets to Manchester Cheltenham to Manchester bus

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