Leicester to Manchester bus with National Express

Wed 07 Oct
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Leicester to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 07 Oct

Cheapest price on 07 Oct

£10

Average ticket price on 07 Oct

£20

Fastest journey on 07 Oct

3 h 40 m

Average journey duration on 07 Oct

3 h 50 m

Buses on 07 Oct

20

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 £20 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £10.

Fast coaches

On Wed 07 Oct, we found 20 buses from Leicester to Manchester, including 3 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 119 km distance in an average of 3 h 50 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 5 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
    6:003h40
    Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
    9:40Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    £101One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    16:103h40
    Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
    19:50Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    £101One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    13:103h40
    Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
    16:50Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    £101One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    16:404h40
    Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
    21:20Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    £151One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    10:054h05
    Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
    14:10Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    £151One-way
    1 change

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 16 times per day, taking around 3h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.

There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 119 km distance in 2h 50m.

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 46m
Cheapest ticket price
£6
Buses per day
16
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
2h 50m
First bus
0:05
Last bus
23:55
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
6 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

Live departures

Leicester to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Manchester coaches for today, Tuesday 6 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX180 · NX17023:55 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
7h30
7:25 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
Wednesday 7 October
National ExpressNX777 · NX4213:30 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
4h05
7:35 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX180 · NX1215:25 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
4h30
9:55 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus6:00 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
3h40
9:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX183 · NX1708:55 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
5h58
14:53 Manchester, Miles Platting1 change
National ExpressNX150 · NX5909:50 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
5h10
15:00 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus10:05 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
4h05
14:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus12:15 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
4h15
16:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
National ExpressNX240 · NX17012:30 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
6h13
18:43 Manchester, Miles Platting1 change
National ExpressNX151 · NX12112:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
4h35
17:20 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus13:10 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
3h40
16:50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX777 · NX54113:55 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
5h35
19:30 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus15:40 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
4h20
20:00 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
National ExpressNX150 · NX54116:00 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
4h50
20:50 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus16:10 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
3h40
19:50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus16:30 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
4h30
21:00 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus16:40 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
4h40
21:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1 change
National ExpressNX777 · NX12018:05 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
4h50
22:55 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX183 · NX54120:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
4h10
0:25 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX777 · NX42423:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
6h20
6:05 Manchester, Coach Station1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Leicester to Manchester coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Leicester to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Manchester.

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 Leicester to Manchester.
  • 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to Manchester.

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 Leicester to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Manchester.

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Leicester to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Leicester to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £6. 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
2h 50m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£6
FlixBus frequency
8 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
2h 55m
Cheapest National Express Price
£11
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.

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.

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.

Best day trips from Manchester by bus

The most popular day trips by bus from Manchester are Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Chester and York. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Manchester on Omio.

A view of Liverpool

Day trip from Manchester to Liverpool by bus

Why visit Liverpool for the day?

Liverpool is known for The Beatles, football and a waterfront shaped by its maritime past. Its grand docks, museums and lively city centre give it a proud, creative character.

How to get from Manchester to Liverpool by bus?

There are 34 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 50 km distance in 45m.

A view of Leeds

Day trip from Manchester to Leeds by bus

Why visit Leeds for the day?

Leeds is a major West Yorkshire city known for Victorian arcades, shopping and a lively music scene. Its industrial heritage, regenerated waterfront and large student population give it an energetic but down-to-earth character.

How to get from Manchester to Leeds by bus?

There are 23 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:01, the last at 23:52. The fastest coach covers the 57 km distance in 1h 0m.

A view of Sheffield

Day trip from Manchester to Sheffield by bus

Why visit Sheffield for the day?

Sheffield is known for its steelmaking heritage, modern music culture and easy access to green space. It feels both urban and outdoorsy, with Victorian buildings, independent venues and the Peak District nearby.

How to get from Manchester to Sheffield by bus?

The earliest coach runs at 00:01, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 52 km distance in 1h 30m.

A view of Chester

Day trip from Manchester to Chester by bus

Why visit Chester for the day?

Chester is known for its Roman walls, medieval streets and the distinctive black-and-white Rows. Compact and walkable, it blends deep history with a relaxed riverside setting and a lively city centre.

How to get from Manchester to Chester by bus?

The earliest coach runs at 00:07, the last at 23:57.

A view of York

Day trip from Manchester to York by bus

Why visit York for the day?

York is known for its Roman and Viking heritage, medieval streets and the imposing York Minster. Its compact centre, old walls and busy mix of shops, pubs and museums make it easy to grasp the city's historic character.

How to get from Manchester to York by bus?

There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 93 km distance in 1h 46m.

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 £6 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Leicester to Manchester is £21; 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 2h 50m to travel the 119 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 Leicester to Manchester leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Leicester to Manchester leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 2 direct coaches a day from Leicester to Manchester with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Leicester to Manchester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Leicester and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Manchester including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Leicester to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Leicester to Manchester for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Leicester 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.
  • 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.
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 Leicester to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Leicester to Manchester:
  • 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 Leicester to Manchester:
  • 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 Leicester to Manchester. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Leicester to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Leicester to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Leicester to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Manchester

Most Leicester to Manchester buses use the Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Leicester
Arrival bus stations in Manchester
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport

Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre

BusHop · 0m · £2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)Leicester Fosse Park, Fosse Park Ave, LE19 1HQ
City-centre transport

Getting to Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) from Leicester city centre

BusX6 · 21m · £2 · every ~4 min
50 · 23m · £2 · every ~10 min
104 · 32m · £0.89 · every ~10 min
18 · 44m · every ~8 min

More options for your journey from Leicester to Manchester

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