- Recommended
Carnforth Station Heritage Centre
Compact railway museum in the station, centred on Brief Encounter and local rail history, with a preserved refreshment room.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Carnforth
Showing times and prices for 04 Aug
Cheapest price
£31
Average price
£31
Fastest journey
5 h 3 m
Average duration
5 h 3 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
79 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Carnforth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Carnforth will cost around £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £31.
Fast coaches
To travel from Manchester to Carnforth you need to make at least one change.
1:355h03Manchester6:38Police Station£311One-way1 change
- 1:355h03Manchester6:38Police Station£311One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Manchester to Carnforth
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Carnforth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 9m. 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 train costs an average of £8, and a coach costs an average of £31.
Distance: 79 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£31 Average Price | £12 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 39m Average total duration Fastest 1h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Manchester to Carnforth bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Carnforth coaches for tomorrow, Tuesday 4 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:35 Manchester | 5h03 | 6:38 Police Station | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Carnforth 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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04 Aug
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Why should you book Manchester to Carnforth coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Manchester to Carnforth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Carnforth.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 Manchester to Carnforth.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Carnforth.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Carnforth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Carnforth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £8 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 23:35. The fastest coach covers the 79 km distance in 5h 3m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £8
Distance 79 km |
Average bus duration 5h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 5h 3m |
First bus 0:45 |
Last bus 23:35 |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £8
Bus providers: National Express from Manchester to CarnforthYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Carnforth with National Express for as low as £8. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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 Duration
5h 3m
Cheapest Price
£31
National Express frequency
1 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 Carnforth
Things to do in Carnforth
Discover the best of Carnforth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carnforth trip today.
- Recommended
Heron Corn Mill Museum
Volunteer-run heritage museum in a former silk mill, presenting local industry, farming and community life around Carnforth.
Leighton Hall
Historic house with curated interiors, family collections and seasonal exhibitions that add a museum-like visit to the estate.
- Must visit
RSPB Leighton Moss Nature Trail
Waterside path through reedbeds and saltmarsh, popular for birdwatching, gentle walks and peaceful estuary views.
- Recommended
Warton Crag
Large limestone hill and nature reserve with marked paths, open scenery and wide views over Morecambe Bay and the surrounding countryside.
- Recommended
Hyning Scout Wood
Wooded hill with easy trails, a limestone cave and rewarding views, making it a favourite short walk near Carnforth.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
Lancashire hotpot is a slow-cooked lamb and onion stew topped with sliced potatoes, long linked to Lancashire homes and pubs.
- Vegetarian
Butter Pie
Butter pie is a Lancashire pastry filled with potato, onion and butter, created as a meat-free Friday meal and still a regional favourite.
- Vegetarian
Eccles Cake
Eccles cake is a small flaky pastry packed with currants, sugar and spice, a classic North West sweet often found in local bakeries.
Spice Touch
Friendly Indian restaurant known for classic curries, tandoori dishes and a comfortable, informal atmosphere in Carnforth town centre.
The Royal Hotel and Bar
Elegant hotel restaurant in nearby Arkholme offering modern British cooking and a calm countryside dining room.
Longlands Hotel
Traditional canal-side pub at Tewitfield Marina serving hearty British meals in a relaxed setting popular with locals and boaters.
Pound sterling (£)
Carnforth is moderate for UK travellers: dining and cafes are fairly priced, rail costs can add up, and nearby accommodation is usually cheaper than larger tourist cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for a budget meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- £40+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares, and tipping in cafes is not expected but appreciated.
FAQs: Manchester to Carnforth coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Carnforth 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 Carnforth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Carnforth can start from as little as £31 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Carnforth is £31; 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 Manchester to Carnforth is 5h 3m to travel the 79 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 Manchester to Carnforth leaves at 0:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Carnforth leaves at 23:35.
There are 6 coaches a day from Manchester to Carnforth which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Carnforth, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Carnforth. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Carnforth and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Carnforth from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 3m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Carnforth including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Carnforth:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Carnforth for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Carnforth 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
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 Manchester to Carnforth.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Carnforth:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Carnforth:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Manchester to Carnforth.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Carnforth with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Carnforth with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Carnforth with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Carnforth
Most Manchester to Carnforth buses use the Manchester, Airport to Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street) station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Carnforth bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Manchester
Arrival bus stations in Carnforth
Which Manchester station do buses to Carnforth leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Carnforth leave from Manchester, Airport. The station is 3 km from Manchester city centre at Manchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United Kingdom.
Manchester, AirportManchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United Kingdom
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 · £4 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.90 · 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.
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom
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 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.
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Carnforth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Carnforth and Manchester
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