- Recommended
Dartford Borough Museum
Local museum covering Dartford's industry, people and archaeology. A useful introduction to the town through compact displays and community stories.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Dartford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Aug
Cheapest price on 30 Aug
£17
Average ticket price on 30 Aug
£21
Fastest journey on 30 Aug
6 h 55 m
Average journey duration on 30 Aug
8 h 8 m
Buses on 30 Aug
5
Distance
281 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Dartford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Dartford will cost around £21 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £17.
Fast coaches
To travel from Manchester to Dartford you need to make at least one change.
NX540 · NX02215:506h55Manchester, Coach Station22:45Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre£171One-way1 change- NX540 · NX0228:507h05Manchester, Coach Station15:55Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre£181One-way1 change
- NX540 · NX0225:107h10Manchester, Coach Station12:20Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre£181One-way1 change
- NX540 · NX02212:157h05Manchester, Coach Station19:20Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre£201One-way1 change
- NX424 · NX02223:5512h25Manchester, Coach Station12:20Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre£331One-way1 change
- NX540 · NX02215:506h55Manchester, Coach Station22:45Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre£171One-way1 change
- NX540 · NX0228:507h05Manchester, Coach Station15:55Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre£181One-way1 change
- NX540 · NX02212:157h05Manchester, Coach Station19:20Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre£201One-way1 change
- NX540 · NX0225:107h10Manchester, Coach Station12:20Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre£181One-way1 change
- NX424 · NX02223:5512h25Manchester, Coach Station12:20Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre£331One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Manchester to Dartford
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Dartford 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 flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £9, while a train costs an average of £110.
Distance: 281 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£9 Average Price Cheapest | £110 Average Price | £96 Average Price |
6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Manchester to Dartford bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Dartford coaches for today, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX540 · NX022 | 12:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h05 | 19:20 Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre | 1 change | |
 FlixBus · FlixBus | 13:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h50 | 22:30 London, Stratford City Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 15:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 9h05 | 0:15 London, Stratford City Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX540 · NX022 | 15:50 Manchester, Coach Station | 6h55 | 22:45 Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 11h25 | 10:35 London, Stratford City Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX424 · NX022 | 23:55 Manchester, Coach Station | 12h25 | 12:20 Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre | 1 change | |
| Sunday 30 August | |||||
| NX540 · NX022 | 5:10 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h10 | 12:20 Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre | 1 change | |
| NX540 · NX022 | 8:50 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h05 | 15:55 Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre | 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 Dartford by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight 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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Why should you book Manchester to Dartford coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Manchester to Dartford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Dartford.
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 Manchester to Dartford.
- 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Dartford.
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 Manchester to Dartford.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Dartford.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Dartford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Dartford run on average 44 times per day, taking around 5h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
There are 40 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 281 km distance in 6h 5m.
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 281 km |
Average bus duration 5h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Buses per day 44 |
Direct buses 40 |
Fastest bus 6h 5m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 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
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Manchester to DartfordYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Dartford with National Express, FlixBus 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.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
6h 5m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£8
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
6h 40m
Cheapest National Express Price
£26
National Express frequency
4 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 Dartford
Things to do in Dartford
Discover the best of Dartford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dartford trip today.
- Recommended
Hall Place
Historic house museum within the nearby Hall Place complex, open to visitors with period interiors, exhibitions and riverside grounds to explore.
Hall Place Visitor Centre
Heritage visitor centre telling the story of nearby Hall Place and its estate. Exhibits add context to one of the area's best-known historic sites.
- Recommended
Central Park
Large town-centre park with lakes, lawns, play areas and event spaces. Ideal for an easy walk and a break close to Dartford's main attractions.
- Recommended
Darenth Country Park
Waterside nature reserve and viewpoint on the Thames. Popular for estuary views, birdwatching and seeing the bridge and crossing from open ground.
- Recommended
Beacon Wood Country Park
Managed reserve with woodland, heath and ponds on Dartford Heath. A rewarding walking area known for wildlife and quieter green space.
Pie And Mash
Pie and mash is a classic working-class meal of minced beef pie with mashed potato, often served with parsley liquor, long associated with London and nearby Kent.
- Gluten-free
Jellied Eels
Jellied eels are chopped eels set in a spiced stock jelly, a traditional Thames-side speciality long eaten across east London and the lower Kent area.
- Vegetarian
Kentish Hopper Cake
Kentish hopper cake is a simple local bread roll from Kent, traditionally served soft and flour-dusted with butter or fillings.
Margiotta
Popular Turkish and Mediterranean spot serving grilled meats, meze and flatbreads in a lively, contemporary setting.
The Raj
Modern Indian restaurant in Dartford known for polished curries, grills and a smart yet relaxed atmosphere suitable for dinner out.
The Bull
Established gastropub by Dartford Heath offering British pub dishes, Sunday roasts and drinks in a traditional inn setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate by South East England standards: accommodation and rail fares can add up, while pubs, cafés and casual dining are fairly typical for day trips from London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 5-10%. Café tipping is optional.
FAQs: Manchester to Dartford coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Dartford 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 Dartford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Dartford can start from as little as £8 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Dartford is £9; 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 Dartford is 6h 5m to travel the 281 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 Dartford leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Dartford leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 40 direct coaches a day from Manchester to Dartford with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Dartford, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Dartford. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Dartford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Manchester , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Airport . When arriving in Dartford , you can end your route in coach stations like London, Victoria Coach Station, London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant), Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre, London, Hammersmith Broadway (Irish Cultural Centre), London, Stratford City Bus Station, London, Park Lane / Green Street (Marble Arch).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at London, Victoria Coach Station, located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Dartford from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Dartford is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Dartford including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Dartford:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Dartford for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Dartford 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 National Express, FlixBus.
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 Dartford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Dartford:
- 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 Manchester to Dartford:
- 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 Manchester to Dartford. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Dartford with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Dartford with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Dartford with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Dartford
Most Manchester to Dartford buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to London, Victoria Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Dartford 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 Dartford
Which Manchester station do buses to Dartford leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Dartford leave from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. The station is from Manchester city centre at Shudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom.
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.
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane EastMoss Ln E & Princess Rd, Manchester M15 6LD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus101, 15, 103, 102 · 14m · £2 · every ~31 min
Uk023, Ukn23, Uk071 · 21m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. ATMs are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Accessible for wheelchairs.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Dartford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Dartford and Manchester
Most popular bus connections
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