Leicester to Manchester bus with National Express

Tue 25 Nov
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National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
Arriva Midlands
Alsa
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Arriva Midlands
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Leicester to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 25 Nov

Cheapest price

£10

Average price

£22

Fastest journey

3 h 40 m

Average duration

4 h 18 m

Buses per day

14

Distance

119 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Leicester to Manchester will cost around £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £10.

Fast coaches

Of the 14 buses that leave Leicester for Manchester every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 119 km distance in an average of 4 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 40 m .

The slowest buses will take 4 h 45 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.

FlixBusFlixBus
16:103h40
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
19:50Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
£101One-way
0 changes
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
16:254h55
Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
21:20Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
£151One-way
1 change
National ExpressNX777 · NX120
18:055h05
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
23:10Manchester, Coach Station
£201One-way
1 change
National ExpressNX150 · NX120
16:004h30
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
20:30Manchester, Coach Station
£211One-way
1 change
National ExpressNX180 · NX121
05:254h45
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
10:10Manchester, Coach Station
£221One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Leicester to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, and a train costs an average of £15.

Distance: 119 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train

£16

Average Price

Cheapest

£51

Average Price

4h 12m

Average total duration

3h 42m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 31m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

East Midlands Trains

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Leicester to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Manchester coaches for today, Monday 24 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 22:08
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX180 · NX171
On time
23:55 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
8h25
08:20 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
Tuesday 25 November
national_expressNX777 · NX421
Delayed
11:35 03:30Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
4h05
07:35 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
national_expressNX180 · NX12105:25 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
4h45
10:10 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
national_expressNX183 · NX171
Delayed
08:55 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
5h00
16:40 16:40Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
national_expressNX150 · NX120
On time
09:50 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
4h30
14:20 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
national_expressNX777 · NX120
On time
11:35 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
4h50
16:25 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
national_expressNX151 · NX12112:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
4h55
17:40 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
national_expressNX777 · NX120
On time
13:55 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
5h15
19:10 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
national_expressNX150 · NX120
On time
16:00 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
4h30
20:30 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus16:10 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
3h40
19:50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus16:25 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
4h55
21:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
national_expressNX777 · NX120
On time
18:05 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
5h05
23:10 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change
national_expressNX183 · NX18120:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
5h00
01:15 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
national_expressNX777 · NX424
On time
23:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
6h20
06:05 Manchester, Coach Station		1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Manchester by train or coach

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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Leicester to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Leicester to Manchester run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.

There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 119 km distance in 3h 40m.

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
119 km
Average bus duration
3h 42m
Cheapest ticket price
£8
Buses per day
10
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
3h 40m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:55
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, Megabus, Arriva Midlands from Leicester to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Leicester to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Arriva Midlands for as low as £8. 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.
Learn more about FlixBus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest Price
£8
FlixBus frequency
2 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.
Learn more about National Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 30m
Cheapest Price
£19
National Express frequency
11 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.

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
4h 55m
Cheapest Price
£13
Megabus frequency
3 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.

Arriva Midlands

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Price
£16
Arriva Midlands frequency
1 a day

Coaches from Leicester to Manchester

Passengers wishing to visit the Northern hub from Leicester have a wide range of option to choose from when travelling by coach. With 26 departures from Monday to Friday and 24 on Saturday and Sunday, the route can be completed in as little as three hours 20 minutes. Only two services per day are direct, though numerous indirect options are available with one change required in either Birmingham or Leeds.

Which coach companies travel from Leicester to Manchester?

All services, whether direct or indirect, are offered by National Express coaches. Coach travel is a greener way to travel and National Express has committed to emitting less carbon dioxide. On board the coach, passengers will find charging points for smartphones and laptops, WiFi and comfortable, spacious seating.

How long is the coach from Leicester to Manchester?

The journey time varies significantly depending on the route and service passengers opt for. The fastest direct service is just three hours 20 minutes. The longest indirect route is the overnight service leaving Leicester at just before midnight, taking eight hours ten minutes. On average, passengers can expect an indirect route to take between four hours 30 minutes and five hours 30 minutes to complete the 100-mile route.

How many coaches are there from Leicester to Manchester?

During the week, passengers can expect to choose from up to 26 departures. Two of these services are direct with most others requiring a change at either Birmingham or Leeds. During the weekend, service decreases slightly, though passengers can still expect at least 24 coach departures.

What are the departure and arrival stations for coaches from Leicester to Manchester?

Departure coach station: All coaches depart from Leicester St Margaret's Bus Station. Located on Gravel Street, the station is a short five minutes away from the city centre and just off the Leicester ring road. Leicester Railway Station is a 15-minute walk across town. Station facilities include a cafeteria, newsagents, ticket machines and toilets.

Arrival station:All coaches will terminate at Manchester Bus Station. Located in the city centre, it is accessible by bus, car, tram or on foot. The journey between Manchester Bus Station and Manchester's main railway station is quick and easy, just a seven-minute walk away. Manchester Bus Station has a seated waiting lounge, toilets, luggage storage, and food and drink options.

FAQs: Leicester to Manchester coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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 Leicester to Manchester can start from as little as £8 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Leicester to Manchester is £17; 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 Leicester to Manchester is 2 h 35 min   to travel the 74 mile long journey, with around there are 11 coaches per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Leicester to Manchester leaves at 08: 45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Leicester to Manchester leaves at 23: 55.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Leicester to Manchester without having to change trains with FlixBus. There is 1 direct coach from Leicester to Manchester each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
When taking a coach from Leicester to Manchester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus or Arriva Midlands for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service to Manchester from Leicester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Leicester, St. Margaret's Bus Station, which is located around 0.2 miles (368 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, located 0.5 miles (833 m) away from the city centre.

A trip to Manchester from Leicester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 35 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Leicester to Manchester by coach is December.
You have options as you can travel between Leicester and Manchester 2 different ways: train or coach.
No, the coach from Leicester to Manchester has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Leicester to Manchester.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Leicester to Manchester.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Leicester to Manchester, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.

    • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Leicester to Manchester.
    No, luggage for the coach from Leicester to Manchester needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Leicester to Manchester.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Leicester to Manchester.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Leicester to Manchester.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Leicester to Manchester.

    popular bus stations

    Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Manchester

    Leicester
    Manchester
    The major coach station for departures in Leicester is Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) for your trip from Leicester to Manchester.
    Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
    information
    address
    Address
    Leicester Fosse Park, Fosse Park Ave, LE19 1HQ
    Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
    information

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