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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Gillingham
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£15
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£24
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
7 h 35 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
8 h 39 m
Buses on 18 Sept
5
Distance
300 km
Cheap tickets
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 £24 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £15.
Fast coaches
To travel from Manchester to Gillingham you need to make at least one change.
NX540 · NX00716:557h35Manchester, Coach Station0:30Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre£151One-way1 change- NX541 · NX0075:508h35Manchester, Coach Station14:25Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre£181One-way1 change
- NX540 · NX00710:557h35Manchester, Coach Station18:30Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre£181One-way1 change
- NX421 · NX0072:458h20Manchester, Coach Station11:05Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre£321One-way1 change
- NX424 · NX00723:5511h10Manchester, Coach Station11:05Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre£351One-way1 change
- NX540 · NX00710:557h35Manchester, Coach Station18:30Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre£181One-way1 change
- NX540 · NX00716:557h35Manchester, Coach Station0:30Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre£151One-way1 change
- NX421 · NX0072:458h20Manchester, Coach Station11:05Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre£321One-way1 change
- NX541 · NX0075:508h35Manchester, Coach Station14:25Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre£181One-way1 change
- NX424 · NX00723:5511h10Manchester, Coach Station11:05Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre£351One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Manchester to Gillingham
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 an average ticket price of £23 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 6m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, while a flight costs an average of £129.
Distance: 300 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£23 Average Price Cheapest | £69 Average Price | £129 Average Price | £61 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 12m Average total duration 6h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 1m Average total duration 3h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Gillingham is a coach with an average price of £23.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Gillingham:
A coach is £46 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Gillingham costing on average £69.
A coach is £106 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Gillingham costing on average £129.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Gillingham is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 6m.
Other travel options to Gillingham take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 31m.
Coach takes on average 6h 42m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Gillingham including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £23 compared to roughly £61 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £38. The journey takes 6h 42m versus 4h 41m 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.
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.
Live departures
Manchester to Gillingham bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Gillingham coaches for tomorrow, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX421 · NX007 | 2:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h20 | 11:05 Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre | 1 change | |
| NX541 · NX007 | 5:50 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h35 | 14:25 Gillingham, Hempstead Valley 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 Gillingham 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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18 Sept
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Why should you book Manchester to Gillingham coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Manchester to Gillingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Gillingham.
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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Gillingham.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- 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 Gillingham.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Gillingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Gillingham run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £18 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 20m.
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 300 km |
Average bus duration 6h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 7h 20m |
First bus 2:45 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 4 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 from Manchester to GillinghamYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Gillingham with National Express for as low as £18. 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 National Express Duration
7h 20m
Cheapest National Express Price
£18
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 Gillingham
Things to do in Gillingham
Discover the best of Gillingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gillingham trip today.
- Recommended
Royal Engineers Museum
Museum dedicated to the Royal Engineers, with medals, machinery and campaigns explained through well-presented displays near Brompton Barracks.
Dockyard Museum
Compact local museum inside the dockyard exploring the Age of Sail, shipbuilding and dockyard workers. Good for a focused heritage visit.
- Recommended
Great Lines Heritage Park
Large heritage park with open grassland, military earthworks and broad views. Popular for walks, events and understanding Medway’s historic landscape.
- Recommended
Riverside Country Park
Waterside country park with estuary views, birdlife and easy paths. A relaxing local favourite for walking, cycling and nature watching.
Saxon Shore Way
Linear riverside walking and cycling route connecting dockyard and country park areas. Good for seeing the Medway waterfront at an easy pace.
- Gluten-free
Kent Oysters
Fresh oysters from the nearby Swale and Medway estuary, long linked to Kent’s coast. Briny, mineral and a classic local seafood treat.
Steak and Oyster Pie
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.
- Gluten-free
Kent Lamb
Slow-cooked Kent lamb, often served as roast or braised dishes. Local sheep farming makes lamb a traditional choice across north Kent.
Gurkha Fire
Well-liked Nepalese and Indian venue serving momos, curries and grilled dishes in a friendly local setting.
Selale Restaurant
Popular Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and flatbreads in a lively, modern setting.
King Charles Indian Restaurant
Established Indian restaurant known for classic curries, tandoori dishes and a relaxed dine-in atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for South East England. Hotels can be cheaper than London, but dining and rail fares are still fairly high for many visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
FAQs: Manchester to Gillingham coach
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.
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Gillingham can start from as little as £18 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Gillingham is £23; 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 Gillingham is 7h 20m to travel the 300 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 Gillingham leaves at 2:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Gillingham leaves at 23:55.
There are 5 coaches a day from Manchester to Gillingham 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 Gillingham, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Gillingham. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Gillingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Manchester, Coach Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, located 5 away from the city centre.
A trip to Gillingham from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Gillingham is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Gillingham including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Gillingham:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Gillingham for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Gillingham 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 Gillingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Gillingham:
- 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 Gillingham:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Manchester to Gillingham.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Gillingham with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Gillingham with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Gillingham with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Gillingham
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.
Departure bus stations in Manchester
Arrival bus stations in Gillingham
Which Manchester station do buses to Gillingham leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Gillingham leave from Manchester, Coach Station. The station is from Manchester city centre at Chorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom.
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.
Which Gillingham station do buses from Manchester arrive at?
Buses from Manchester to Gillingham arrive at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre. Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre is 6 km from Gillingham city centre.
Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre47, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, Hempstead, Gillingham ME7 3PD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre from Gillingham city centre
Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre is 5 km from Gillingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3A, 3C, 683 · 2m
182, 101 · 3m · £2 · every ~26 min
Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre bus station facilities and services
Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Multiple restaurants in the shopping centre.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre. ATMs are several ATMs inside the shopping centre.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre: The area is wheelchair accessible.
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Gillingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Gillingham and Manchester
Most popular bus connections
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