- Must visit
Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens
Local museum in a former coach house covering Harlow’s archaeology, industries and New Town development, with artefacts and changing displays.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Harlow
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£53
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£53
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
7 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
7 h 40 m
Buses on 20 Sept
1
Distance
247 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Harlow is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Harlow will cost around £53 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £53.
Fast coaches
To travel from Manchester to Harlow you need to make at least one change.
23:407h40Manchester7:20Harlow£531One-way1 change
- 23:407h40Manchester7:20Harlow£531One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Manchester to Harlow
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Harlow among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £43 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 21m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £43, while a flight costs an average of £299.
Distance: 247 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£43 Average Price Cheapest | £299 Average Price | £100 Average Price | £50 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 58m Average total duration 5h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration 1h 50m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 21m Average total duration Fastest 2h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Harlow is a coach with an average price of £50.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Harlow:
A coach is £50 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Harlow costing on average £100.
A coach is £249 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Harlow costing on average £299.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Harlow is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 50m.
Other travel options to Harlow take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 51m.
Coach takes on average 5h 42m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Harlow including taking a coach, train 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 £50 compared to roughly £50 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £0.25. The journey takes 5h 42m versus 3h 53m 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 Harlow bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Harlow coaches for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX540 · NX737 | 6:05 Manchester, Coach Station | 5h52 | 11:57 Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D) | 1 change | |
| NX540 · NX737 | 8:50 Manchester, Coach Station | 6h17 | 15:07 Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D) | 1 change | |
| NX540 · NX737 | 10:55 Manchester, Coach Station | 6h37 | 17:32 Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D) | 1 change | |
| NX540 · NX737 | 14:35 Manchester, Coach Station | 5h32 | 20:07 Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D) | 1 change | |
| NX540 · NX737 | 15:50 Manchester, Coach Station | 6h27 | 22:17 Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D) | 1 change | |
| NX422 · NX737 | 23:40 Manchester, Coach Station | 10h07 | 9:47 Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D) | 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 Harlow by coach, train or flight
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.
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Manchester to Harlow coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Manchester to Harlow.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Harlow.
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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Harlow.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Harlow.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Harlow
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Harlow run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £39 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 247 km distance in 4h 57m.
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 247 km |
Average bus duration 5h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 4h 57m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 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 HarlowYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Harlow with National Express for as low as £39. 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
6h 12m
Cheapest National Express Price
£41
National Express frequency
6 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 Harlow
Things to do in Harlow
Discover the best of Harlow — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Harlow trip today.
- Recommended
Gibberd Gallery
Gallery and museum dedicated to Harlow’s post-war sculpture collection, with exhibitions that explain the town’s distinctive public art heritage.
- Recommended
Parndon Mill Gallery
Community gallery in Parndon Mill presenting contemporary art and craft exhibitions in a historic mill setting beside the River Stort.
- Must visit
Harlow Town Park
Large central park with formal gardens, play areas, sculpture and wide paths. A top place for walking and understanding Harlow’s green New Town layout.
- Recommended
Old Harlow
Historic village-style area with independent shops, pubs, old buildings and a calmer atmosphere that contrasts with the planned New Town centre.
- Recommended
River Stort Towpath
Scenic waterside path and nature area along the River Stort, popular for gentle walks, wildlife spotting and access towards neighbouring countryside.
Steak and Onion Pudding
A suet pastry pudding filled with seasoned minced beef and onion. A long-standing East End and Essex comfort food still loved across the region.
- Gluten-free
Jellied Eels
Freshwater eel stewed with herbs and stock, served cold in a savoury jelly. A classic Thames Estuary dish tied to Essex and East London food culture.
- Gluten-free
Kippers
Smoked herring, traditionally grilled and served with bread or eggs. Popular across Essex and the east coast for its strong maritime heritage.
Kervan Kitchen
Smart casual restaurant known for Turkish and Mediterranean grills, mezze and warm service. Good for generous shared plates.
The Mogul
Popular local Indian restaurant serving classic curries, tandoori dishes and house specials in a relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere.
Miller & Carter Harlow
Reliable pub and grill serving steaks, burgers and British mains in a modern, family-friendly setting near Harlow town centre.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and meals are usually cheaper than central London, but commuting, chain cafés and taxis can still add up for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, rounding up or 10% is polite. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
FAQs: Manchester to Harlow coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Harlow 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 Harlow, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Harlow can start from as little as £41 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Harlow is £43; 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 Harlow is 6h 12m to travel the 247 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 Harlow leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Harlow leaves at 23:55.
There are 6 coaches a day from Manchester to Harlow 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 Harlow, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Harlow. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Harlow 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 Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D), located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Harlow from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 12m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Harlow is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Harlow including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Harlow:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Harlow for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Harlow 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 Harlow.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Harlow:
- 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 Harlow:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Manchester to Harlow.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Harlow with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Harlow with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Harlow with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Harlow
Most Manchester to Harlow buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D) station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Harlow 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 Harlow
Which Manchester station do buses to Harlow leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Harlow 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 Harlow station do buses from Manchester arrive at?
Buses from Manchester to Harlow arrive at Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D). Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D) is 1 km from Harlow city centre.
Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D)Harlow, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D) from Harlow city centre
Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D) is 1 km from Harlow city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D) bus station facilities and services
Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D) 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 Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D). ATMs are available at Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Harlow, Temporary Bus Station (Stand D): Wheelchair accessible bus platforms.
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Harlow
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Harlow and Manchester
Most popular bus connections
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
