London Gatwick Airport to Manchester bus with National Express

Mon 02 Nov
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest coaches from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Nov
Cheapest price on 02 Nov
£24
Average ticket price on 02 Nov
£40
Fastest journey on 02 Nov
6 h
Average journey duration on 02 Nov
6 h 9 m
Buses on 02 Nov
42
Distance
294 km
Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester will cost around £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £24.

Fast coaches

On Mon 02 Nov, we found 42 buses from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester, including 12 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 294 km distance in an average of 6 h 9 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h .

The slowest buses will take 6 h 25 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
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Bus from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester run on average 51 times per day, taking around 6h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.

There are 8 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 03:35, the last at 23:30. The fastest coach covers the 294 km distance in 5h 15m.

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
294 km
Average bus duration
6h 30m
Cheapest ticket price
£14
Buses per day
51
Direct buses
8
Fastest bus
5h 15m
First bus
3:35
Last bus
23:30
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
14 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

Frequently asked questions about your London Gatwick Airport to Manchester trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester.

Cheap coach tickets from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester can start from as little as £14 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for London Gatwick Airport to Manchester is £40; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester leaves at 3:35. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester leaves at 23:30.
Yes, there are 8 direct coaches a day from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.

Live departures

London Gatwick Airport to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Manchester coaches for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX201 · NX5908:20 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h00
15:20 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX210 · NX5419:10 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
6h55
16:05 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX230 · NX5409:25 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
6h45
16:10 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus9:30 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
8h05
17:35 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus9:40 Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
7h55
17:35 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
National ExpressNX201 · NX409 · NX54110:15 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h50
18:05 Manchester, Coach Station2 changes
National ExpressNX230 · NX54010:55 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h15
18:10 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX210 · NX54111:10 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
8h00
19:10 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX210 · NX12012:30 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h35
20:05 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus12:50 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
6h40
19:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus13:00 Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
6h30
19:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus13:15 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h30
20:45 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus13:25 Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
7h20
20:45 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
National ExpressNX230 · NX54013:35 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h00
20:35 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX210 · NX12014:20 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
6h50
21:10 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus14:40 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h20
22:00 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
FlixBusFlixBus14:40 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
6h50
21:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus14:50 Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
7h10
22:00 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
FlixBusFlixBus14:50 Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
6h40
21:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus15:15 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h35
22:50 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus15:25 Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
7h25
22:50 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
National ExpressNX210 · NX54115:30 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h00
22:30 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX230 · NX54016:05 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
6h40
22:45 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX210 · NX54117:00 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
6h50
23:50 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX025 · NX410 · NX54117:40 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
6h45
0:25 Manchester, Coach Station2 changes
National ExpressNX210 · NX54119:00 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
6h40
1:40 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus21:20 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
6h10
3:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus21:30 Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
6h00
3:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX025 · NX42422:15 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h50
6:05 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus22:50 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h00
5:50 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus23:00 Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
6h50
5:50 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
FlixBusFlixBus23:20 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
6h10
5:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus23:30 Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
6h00
5:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX210 · NX42123:35 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
8h00
7:35 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
Monday 2 November
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus3:50 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
7h30
11:20 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:00 Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
7h20
11:20 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
National ExpressNXA2 · NX5404:45 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h25
12:10 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus5:15 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
6h35
11:50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus5:25 Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
6h25
11:50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX210 · NX1216:10 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
6h50
13:00 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX230 · NX5406:50 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal North
7h00
13:50 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus7:00 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
8h15
15:15 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
FlixBusFlixBus7:05 London, Gatwick Airport Terminal South
6h45
13:50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus7:10 Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
8h05
15:15 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East1 change
FlixBusFlixBus7:15 Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)
6h35
13:50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book London Gatwick Airport to Manchester coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester.

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from London Gatwick Airport to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between London Gatwick Airport to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £14. 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
5h 15m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£16
FlixBus frequency
20 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
5h 15m
Cheapest National Express Price
£14
National Express frequency
31 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.

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between London Gatwick Airport and Manchester

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a coach from London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from London Gatwick Airport 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company {providersWithBike}.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

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.

FAQs: London Gatwick Airport to Manchester coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Gatwick Airport 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
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Gatwick Airport and Manchester including taking a train and coach.
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.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in London Gatwick Airport and Manchester

Most London Gatwick Airport to Manchester buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Use this guide to compare London Gatwick Airport and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in London
Arrival bus stations in Manchester
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
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, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United KingdomWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
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.

Manchester, AirportManchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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 · £5 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £1 · 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.

Most popular buses to and from Manchester and London Gatwick Airport

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone