Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£12
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£20
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
2 h 30 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
3 h 50 m
Buses on 18 Sept
2
Distance
124 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Darlington is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Darlington will cost around £20 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £12.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 buses from Manchester to Darlington, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 124 km distance in an average of 3 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 30 m .
The slowest buses will take 5 h 10 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.
NX177
NX170 · NX591
NX177
NX170 · NX591Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Darlington among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £9 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 44m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £9, while a train costs an average of £30.
Distance: 124 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£9 Average Price Cheapest | £30 Average Price | £27 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 20m Average total duration 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Darlington:
A coach is £21 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Darlington costing on average £30.
Other travel options to Darlington take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 50m.
Tickets start at around £9 compared to roughly £27 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £18. The journey takes 2h 50m versus 2h 8m 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.
Direct services are operated by National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Darlington coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX170 · NX591 | 11:35 Manchester, Coach Station | 3h20 | 14:55 Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 1 change | |
NX170 · NX591 | 11:47 Manchester, Miles Platting | 3h08 | 14:55 Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 13:00 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 2h50 | 15:50 Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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.
Buses from Manchester to Darlington run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:23, the last at 23:26. The fastest coach covers the 124 km distance in 2h 15m.
Distance 124 km |
Average bus duration 2h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 15m |
First bus 0:23 |
Last bus 23:26 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Compare Megabus classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.
Railway museum celebrating the Stockton and Darlington Railway with locomotives, carriages and stories of early rail travel.
Historic country house with art, furnishings and estate collections, offering a museum-style visit alongside parkland walks.
Local arts centre with changing exhibitions, performances and creative events in a restored Victorian building.
Large public park with bandstand, aviary, café-free green space, sports areas and pleasant paths close to the town centre.
Historic market square surrounded by civic buildings and shops, useful for seeing the town centre's layout and daily life.
Popular woodland and lakeside park on the edge of Darlington with walking trails, sculpture and open green views.
A classic North-East pease pudding spread in a bread bun, often with ham. It is a long-standing local lunch tied to Teesside and County Durham.
Slow-cooked split peas seasoned into a thick savoury paste. It is a regional staple traditionally served with ham or pork pies.
A large round flat loaf with a soft crumb, common across North-East England. It is traditionally used for hearty sandwiches and local fillings.
Refined dining in a country house setting, known for modern British cooking and polished service. Best for a special meal near Darlington.
Stylish restaurant serving Indian small plates and grilled dishes in an upbeat modern setting. A popular choice for groups and evening meals.
Smart casual steakhouse focused on quality beef, burgers and hearty mains. Relaxed atmosphere suited to an easy dinner in town.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday costs are fairly reasonable for visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) -> Market Square, Darlington
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Darlington 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 Darlington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Darlington buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Darlington bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available nearby.
Available at the station. ATMs are available within walking distance.
Ticket office support is available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre).
Available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Wheelchair accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need