Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent bus with National Express

Sat 05 Sept
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept

Cheapest price on 05 Sept

£39

Average ticket price on 05 Sept

£39

Fastest journey on 05 Sept

10 h 55 m

Average journey duration on 05 Sept

10 h 55 m

Buses on 05 Sept

1

Distance

174 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent will cost around £39 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £39.

Fast coaches

On Sat 05 Sept, we found 1 buses from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent, including 1 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 174 km distance in an average of 10 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 55 m .

The slowest buses will take 10 h 55 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.

  • National Express
    14:2510h55
    Darlington
    1:20Stoke-on-Trent
    £391One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 3m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, while a train costs an average of £88.

Distance: 174 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Driving

£14

Average Price

Cheapest

£88

Average Price

£37

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 15m

Average total duration

5h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 3m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 48m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent is a coach with an average price of £14.

This is compared to other travel options from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent:

A coach is £74 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent costing on average £88.

The fastest way to travel from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent is by train with an average journey time of 2h 33m.

Other travel options to Stoke-on-Trent take longer:

Coach takes on average 5h 45m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Darlington and Stoke-on-Trent including taking a coach and train.
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 £14 compared to roughly £37 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £23. The journey takes 5h 45m versus 2h 48m 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.

Live departures

Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent bus times

The table below shows live departures for Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent coaches for tomorrow, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National Express14:25 Darlington
10h55
1:20 Stoke-on-Trent0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent by coach or train

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.

Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept

Why should you book Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent.
  • 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 and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 04:20, the last at 22:30. The fastest coach covers the 174 km distance in 5h 45m.

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
174 km
Average bus duration
5h 45m
Cheapest ticket price
£14
Buses per day
3
Fastest bus
5h 45m
First bus
4:20
Last bus
22:30
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Best time to book
4 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: National Express, FlixBus from Darlington to Stoke-on-TrentYou can travel by bus between Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £14. 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
5h 45m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£14
FlixBus frequency
1 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
4h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
£31
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, FlixBus from Darlington to Stoke-on-TrentYou can travel by bus between Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £14. 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
5h 45m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£14
FlixBus frequency
1 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
4h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
£31
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.

Standard
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs

Complete guide to Stoke-on-Trent

Things to do in Stoke-on-Trent

Discover the best of Stoke-on-Trent — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stoke-on-Trent trip today.

  • Must visit

The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery

Major pottery museum with the Staffordshire Hoard, ceramics collections and family-friendly galleries in Hanley.

  • Must visit

Gladstone Pottery Museum

Historic pottery factory museum with demonstrations, furnished workshops and hands-on insight into Stoke-on-Trent's ceramics trade.

  • Recommended

Middleport Pottery

Museum and visitor centre at Middleport Pottery, exploring working pottery traditions, local history and canal-side industry.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and meals are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday costs stay manageable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£45+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4 for coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is often included in restaurants; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafes do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.

FAQs: Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent can start from as little as £14 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent is £14; 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 Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent is 5h 45m to travel the 174 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 Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent leaves at 4:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent leaves at 22:30.
There are 3 coaches a day from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Stoke-on-Trent. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Darlington and Stoke-on-Trent and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Darlington , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre), Middlesbrough, Bus Station . When arriving in Stoke-on-Trent , you can end your route in coach stations like Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station, located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Stoke-on-Trent from Darlington is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Darlington and Stoke-on-Trent including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent 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.
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 Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent:
  • 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 Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent:
  • 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 Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Darlington and Stoke-on-Trent

Most Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent buses use the Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) to Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Darlington and Stoke-on-Trent bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Darlington
Arrival bus stations in Stoke-on-Trent

Which Darlington station do buses to Stoke-on-Trent leave from?

Buses from Darlington to Stoke-on-Trent leave from Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre). The station is from Darlington city centre at Darlington Feethams Dolphin Centre, Darlington DL1 5PT, UK.
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)Darlington Feethams Dolphin Centre, Darlington DL1 5PT, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) from Darlington city centre

Bus6B, 6 · 5m · £4 · every ~6 min

Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) bus station facilities and services

Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Restaurants available nearby.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Available at the station. ATMs are available within walking distance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Wheelchair accessible.

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