- 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.
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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Harpenden to Manchester
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 an average ticket price of £54 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 29m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £54, while a train costs an average of £63.
Distance: 224 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£54 Average Price Cheapest | £63 Average Price | £43 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 36m Average total duration 5h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 29m Average total duration Fastest 2h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Harpenden to Manchester is a coach with an average price of £54.
This is compared to other travel options from Harpenden to Manchester:
A coach is £9 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Harpenden to Manchester costing on average £63.
The fastest way to travel from Harpenden to Manchester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 59m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 6m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Harpenden and Manchester including taking a train and coach.
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 £54 compared to roughly £43 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-11.20. The journey takes 5h 6m versus 3h 20m 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 Harpenden 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Harpenden to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Harpenden to Manchester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £54 if you book in advance.
There are 4 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:35, the last at 18:50. The fastest coach covers the 224 km distance in 4h 0m.
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 224 km |
Average bus duration 5h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £54 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 0m |
First bus 0:35 |
Last bus 18:50 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 42 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: Centrebus, Arriva UK from Harpenden to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Harpenden to Manchester with Centrebus, Arriva UK for as low as £54. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Centrebus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Centrebus Duration
4h 34m
Cheapest Centrebus Price
£54
Centrebus frequency
1 a day
Arriva UK
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Arriva UK Duration
4h 0m
Cheapest Arriva UK Price
£54
Arriva UK frequency
9 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
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: Harpenden to Manchester coach
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.
Cheap coach tickets from Harpenden to Manchester can start from as little as £54 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Harpenden to Manchester is £54; 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 Harpenden to Manchester is 4h 0m to travel the 224 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 Harpenden to Manchester leaves at 0:35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Harpenden to Manchester leaves at 18:50.
Yes, there are 4 direct coaches a day from Harpenden to Manchester with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Harpenden to Manchester, you can count on Centrebus, Arriva UK for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Harpenden and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Harpenden , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your route in coach stations like Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.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, Shudehill Interchange, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Manchester from Harpenden is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Harpenden to Manchester is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Harpenden and Manchester including taking a train and coach.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Harpenden to Manchester.
No, the coach from Harpenden to Manchester has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Harpenden to Manchester.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Harpenden to Manchester.
No, luggage for the coach from Harpenden to Manchester needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Harpenden to Manchester.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Harpenden to Manchester.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Harpenden to Manchester.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Harpenden to Manchester.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Harpenden and Manchester
Most Harpenden to Manchester buses use the Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) to Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. 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.
Departure bus stations in Harpenden
Arrival bus stations in Manchester
Which Manchester station do buses from Harpenden arrive at?
Buses from Harpenden to Manchester most often arrive at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. Some services arrive at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Manchester arrival station.
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane EastMoss Ln E & Princess Rd, Manchester M15 6LD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus101, 15, 103, 102 · 14m · £2 · every ~31 min
Uk023, Ukn23, Uk071 · 21m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. ATMs are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Accessible for wheelchairs.
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 Harpenden to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Harpenden
Most popular bus connections
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