- 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.
Cheapest price
£54
Average price
£54
Fastest journey
4 h
Average duration
4 h 26 m
Buses per day
13
Distance
224 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Harpenden to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Harpenden to Manchester will cost around £54 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £54.
To travel from Harpenden to Manchester you need to make at least 2 changes.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Harpenden to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £11, and a flight costs an average of £54.
Distance: 224 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£12 Average Price Cheapest | £72 Average Price | £84 Average Price |
4h 3m Average total duration 3h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 29m Average total duration 2h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Harpenden to Manchester coaches for tomorrow, Tuesday 4 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 0:14 Harpenden | 7h21 | 7:35 Manchester | 2 changes | |
![]() | 8:26 Harpenden | 4h54 | 13:20 Manchester | 2 changes | |
![]() | 9:11 Harpenden | 4h59 | 14:10 Manchester | 2 changes | |
![]() | 11:26 Harpenden | 4h24 | 15:50 Manchester | 2 changes | |
![]() | 12:56 Harpenden | 5h09 | 18:05 Manchester | 2 changes | |
![]() | 14:26 Harpenden | 4h34 | 19:00 Manchester | 2 changes | |
![]() | 15:26 Harpenden | 4h29 | 19:55 Manchester | 2 changes | |
![]() | 15:56 Harpenden | 5h24 | 21:20 Manchester | 2 changes | |
![]() | 17:11 Harpenden | 4h49 | 22:00 Manchester | 2 changes | |
![]() | 18:40 Harpenden | 4h00 | 22:40 Manchester | 2 changes | |
![]() | 19:14 Harpenden | 4h41 | 23:55 Manchester | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Harpenden to Manchester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:35, the last at 18:50. The fastest coach covers the 224 km distance in 3h 30m.
Distance 224 km |
Average bus duration 3h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 3h 30m |
First bus 0:35 |
Last bus 18:50 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
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.
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.
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
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.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport Train Station -> Manchester Piccadilly
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Harpenden 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.

Most Harpenden to Manchester buses use the Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. Use this guide to compare Harpenden and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need