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Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Dunstable to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Dunstable to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £28 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 4h 14m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £28, while a coach costs an average of £39.
Distance: 212 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£39 Average Price | £28 Average Price Cheapest | £41 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 8m Average total duration 4h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Dunstable to Manchester is a train with an average price of £28.
This is compared to other travel options from Dunstable to Manchester:
A train is £11 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Dunstable to Manchester costing on average £39.
The fastest way to travel from Dunstable to Manchester is by coach with an average journey time of 3h 44m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 38m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Dunstable and Manchester 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 £39 compared to roughly £41 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £2. The journey takes 3h 44m versus 3h 14m 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
Dunstable to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Dunstable to Manchester coaches for today, Monday 14 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 16:05 Dunstable | 5h15 | 21:20 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Dunstable to Manchester 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.
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Why should you book Dunstable to Manchester coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Dunstable to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Dunstable 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 and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Dunstable to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Dunstable to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Dunstable to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Dunstable to Manchester run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £39 but you can travel from only £28 by train.
There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 212 km distance in 4h 35m.
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 £28
Distance 212 km |
Average bus duration 3h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 4h 35m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 £28
Bus providers: National Express from Dunstable to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Dunstable to Manchester with National Express for as low as £28. 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
4h 35m
Cheapest National Express Price
£39
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: Dunstable to Manchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dunstable 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 Dunstable to Manchester can start from as little as £39 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Dunstable to Manchester is £39; 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 Dunstable to Manchester is 4h 35m to travel the 212 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 Dunstable to Manchester leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Dunstable to Manchester leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 3 direct coaches a day from Dunstable to Manchester with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Dunstable 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 Dunstable and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Dunstable , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney), Luton, Station Interchange . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your route in coach stations like Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Airport, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney), 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 Dunstable is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Dunstable to Manchester is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Dunstable and Manchester including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Dunstable to Manchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Dunstable to Manchester for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Dunstable 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
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 Dunstable to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Dunstable 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 Dunstable to Manchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Dunstable to Manchester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Dunstable to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Dunstable to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Dunstable to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Dunstable and Manchester
Most Dunstable to Manchester buses use the Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare Dunstable and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Dunstable
Arrival bus stations in Manchester
Which Manchester station do buses from Dunstable arrive at?
Buses from Dunstable to Manchester most often arrive at Manchester, Coach Station. Some services arrive at Manchester, Airport, 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, AirportManchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £4 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min
Manchester, Airport bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, 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.
More options for your journey from Dunstable to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Dunstable
Most popular bus connections
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