- Must visit
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Major city museum and gallery with art, natural history and cultural collections. A reliable choice for a broad introduction to Glasgow.
Cheapest price
£30
Average price
£40
Fastest journey
4 h 5 m
Average duration
4 h 55 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
295 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Glasgow is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Glasgow will cost around £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £30.
Of the 5 buses that leave Manchester for Glasgow every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 295 km distance in an average of 4 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 5 m .
The slowest buses will take 5 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX181
NX590
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX181
NX590Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Glasgow among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, and a flight costs an average of £106.
Distance: 295 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£40 Average Price Cheapest | £57 Average Price | £224 Average Price |
4h 58m Average total duration 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration 4h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Glasgow coaches for tomorrow, Friday 14 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX181 | 1:35 Manchester, Coach Station | 5h10 | 6:45 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 2:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 4h05 | 6:15 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
NX590 | 15:25 Manchester, Coach Station | 5h20 | 20:45 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 16:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 5h00 | 21:10 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 17:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 5h00 | 22:20 Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, train 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 Glasgow run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
There are 4 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:24, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 295 km distance in 4h 5m.
Distance 295 km |
Average bus duration 4h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 5m |
First bus 0:24 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Glasgow — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Glasgow trip today.
Major city museum and gallery with art, natural history and cultural collections. A reliable choice for a broad introduction to Glasgow.
Riverside transport museum in a striking modern building, with vintage vehicles, street displays and exhibits on Glasgow’s industrial past.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s house museum, presenting Arts and Crafts interiors and furnishings that reveal his domestic design ideas.
Large urban park with formal gardens, broad lawns and the university nearby. Ideal for walks, museums and a classic West End atmosphere.
Elegant central square framed by historic buildings and statues. A practical starting point for sightseeing and city events.
Lively West End street known for independent shops, colourful tenements, murals and a local feel that contrasts with the main shopping core.
Minced beef in gravy topped with mashed potato, then baked. A comforting Scottish staple long associated with home cooking and city pubs.
A bowl of oats slowly cooked with water or milk. Traditional Scottish porridge is prized for its simplicity and deep link to everyday life.
A crisp fried fritter made from sliced potato in batter, a classic Glasgow chippy order often served with fish or as part of a supper.
Traditional Glasgow institution known for seafood, oysters and classic Scottish dishes in a lively historic dining room.
Popular city centre spot for fresh seafood and fish and chips, with a casual setting and strong local following.
Well-known pub and restaurant serving haggis, pies and other Scottish favourites in a relaxed, traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while public transport and casual meals are fairly manageable for tourists.
Restaurants often add 10-12.5% service; otherwise tip about 10% for good service. Taxi fares are usually rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Buchanan Bus Station -> Buchanan Street, Glasgow
National Express offer two services daily from Manchester Bus and Coach Station to Glasgow Bus Station. The first coach departs from Manchester at 10:15 a.m. and the second coach leaves at 1:25 p.m. The service is direct and the journey takes approximately four hours and thirty minutes.
Departure Station: Manchester Bus and Coach Station Manchester Bus and Coach Station is located on Chorlton Street in central Manchester. Piccadilly Train Station is a five-minute walk from Chorlton Street, however, taxis are available from the bus station and from Piccadilly Gardens. Piccadilly Bus Station, serving local routes, is also a five-minute walk from the bus station.
Arrival Station: Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station Glasgow Bus Station is situated on Buchanan Street in central Glasgow. The bus station also serves local routes and a bus to Glasgow Airport is available at stand 46. Taxis are also available from the bus station.
National Express buses depart from the Manchester Coach Station, centrally located close to the Piccadilly Gardens Interchange which provides bus and tram stops for travel to all areas of the city, including night buses. Piccadilly mainline railway station is a 5-minute walk away. Megabus services depart from the Shudehill Interchange, close to the Northern Quarter and Victoria Station, served by its own Metrolink stop and bus routes throughout the city.
Scotland's largest city, Glasgow has enjoyed a modern makeover but retains some imposing architectural vestiges of its Victorian heyday. It's a city that offers the elegant Kelvingrove Museum in the West End and the chic shopping outlets of the Merchant City, along with its distinctive nightlife. Buses from Manchester to Glasgow arrive at the Buchanan Bus Station on the east side of the city centre, close to Queen Street railway station. City buses, including some night bus services, depart from nearby Renfield Street. There is a 24 hour taxi rank outside the station on Cowcaddens Road.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Glasgow 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 Glasgow, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Glasgow buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Glasgow 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.
Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Buchanan (in the station), Coffee Express (in the station), Fast Bites (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station.
Available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
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