- Recommended
Command of the Oceans
Major naval museum site with galleries, historic ships and interactive exhibits. A top choice for understanding Chatham’s maritime story.
Cheapest price
£16
Average price
£16
Fastest journey
7 h 10 m
Average duration
7 h 15 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
300 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Gillingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Gillingham will cost around £16 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £16.
Of the 2 buses that leave Manchester for Gillingham every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 300 km distance in an average of 7 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 10 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 20 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.




Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Gillingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £16, and a flight costs an average of £102.
Distance: 300 km
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£22 Average Price Cheapest | £87 Average Price | £160 Average Price |
7h 4m Average total duration 6h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration 4h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 13m Average total duration Fastest 1h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
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.
Buses from Manchester to Gillingham run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:45, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 300 km distance in 7h 10m.
Distance 300 km |
Average bus duration 6h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 7h 10m |
First bus 2:45 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Gillingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gillingham trip today.
Major naval museum site with galleries, historic ships and interactive exhibits. A top choice for understanding Chatham’s maritime story.
Museum dedicated to the Royal Engineers, with medals, machinery and campaigns explained through well-presented displays near Brompton Barracks.
Compact local museum inside the dockyard exploring the Age of Sail, shipbuilding and dockyard workers. Good for a focused heritage visit.
Large heritage park with open grassland, military earthworks and broad views. Popular for walks, events and understanding Medway’s historic landscape.
Waterside country park with estuary views, birdlife and easy paths. A relaxing local favourite for walking, cycling and nature watching.
Linear riverside walking and cycling route connecting dockyard and country park areas. Good for seeing the Medway waterfront at an easy pace.
Fresh oysters from the nearby Swale and Medway estuary, long linked to Kent’s coast. Briny, mineral and a classic local seafood treat.
A rich pie of beef, kidney and oyster, historically associated with Medway and wider Kent. It reflects the area’s mix of farming and estuary produce.
Slow-cooked Kent lamb, often served as roast or braised dishes. Local sheep farming makes lamb a traditional choice across north Kent.
Well-liked Nepalese and Indian venue serving momos, curries and grilled dishes in a friendly local setting.
Popular Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and flatbreads in a lively, modern setting.
Established Indian restaurant known for classic curries, tandoori dishes and a relaxed dine-in atmosphere.
Moderate for South East England. Hotels can be cheaper than London, but dining and rail fares are still fairly high for many visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis; cafés usually do not expect tips.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Gillingham 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 Gillingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Gillingham buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Gillingham 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need