- Recommended
Ilfracombe Museum
The town museum covers Ilfracombe's maritime, railway and social history through local artefacts, archives and changing displays.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Ilfracombe
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Ilfracombe run on average 2 times per day, taking around 8h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £39 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 07:30, the last at 12:25. The fastest coach covers the 283 km distance in 7h 30m.
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 283 km |
Average bus duration 8h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 7h 30m |
First bus 7:30 |
Last bus 12:25 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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
Why should you book Manchester to Ilfracombe coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Manchester to Ilfracombe.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Ilfracombe.
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 Ilfracombe.
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 Ilfracombe.
Bus providers: National Express from Manchester to IlfracombeYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Ilfracombe 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
7h 30m
Cheapest National Express Price
£39
National Express frequency
2 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 Ilfracombe
Things to do in Ilfracombe
Discover the best of Ilfracombe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ilfracombe trip today.
- Recommended
The Quay Gallery
A harbour-side gallery showing Damien Hirst works and selected contemporary art in a compact but high-profile local venue.
Lee Art Gallery
An artist-led gallery with exhibitions, studios and workshops, making it a good stop for contemporary North Devon art.
- Must visit
Ilfracombe Harbour
Ilfracombe's working harbour is the town's social centre, with sea views, boats, coastal walks and easy access to key sights.
- Recommended
Tunnels Beaches
This hand-carved tunnel route leads to a sheltered beach and tidal pool, combining Victorian engineering with dramatic scenery.
- Recommended
Capstone Hill
A grassy cliff-top park with paths, sea views and picnic space, popular for relaxed walks above the beach and coast.
- Gluten-free
Devon Fish Stew
A rich fish stew from North Devon, made with mixed local fish and shellfish. A classic way to taste the area’s coastal catch.
- Gluten-free
North Devon Lobster
Fresh Atlantic lobster landed on the North Devon coast, usually simply grilled or dressed to highlight the quality of local seafood.
- Gluten-free
Dressed Crab
Sweet crab from nearby waters, often served dressed, in sandwiches or with salad. It is a staple of Devon’s seaside food culture.
The Quay Restaurant
Harbour-side seafood restaurant known for fresh local fish and shellfish in a relaxed brasserie setting.
S&P Fish Shop
Well-known harbour area fish and chip shop for classic takeaway suppers, including fresh local fish.
The Aquarius
Long-established restaurant and bar with sea views, offering seafood and British dishes in a smart but informal setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town: stays and dining cost more in peak season, while local buses are manageable and budget eats are available.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple café meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional; small change is fine.
Best day trips from Ilfracombe by bus
The most popular day trips by bus from Ilfracombe are Barnstaple, Braunton, Lynton, Bideford and Combe Martin. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Ilfracombe on Omio.
Day trip from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple by bus
Why visit Barnstaple for the day?
Barnstaple is North Devon’s main market town, known for its historic Pannier Market and position on the River Taw. It feels practical and local, with a compact centre that works well as a base for Exmoor and the nearby coast.
Day trip from Ilfracombe to Braunton by bus
Day trip from Ilfracombe to Lynton by bus
Day trip from Ilfracombe to Bideford by bus
Why visit Bideford for the day?
Bideford is a historic port town on the River Torridge in North Devon, known for its old quay and pannier market. It has a maritime feel, colourful streets and good access to the Tarka Trail and the wider coast.
Day trip from Ilfracombe to Combe Martin by bus
FAQs: Manchester to Ilfracombe coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Ilfracombe 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 Ilfracombe, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Ilfracombe can start from as little as £39 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Ilfracombe is £48; 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 Ilfracombe is 7h 30m to travel the 283 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 Ilfracombe leaves at 7:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe leaves at 12:25.
There are 2 coaches a day from Manchester to Ilfracombe 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 Ilfracombe, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Ilfracombe. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Ilfracombe and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Ilfracombe including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Ilfracombe 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 Ilfracombe.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Ilfracombe:
- 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 Ilfracombe:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Ilfracombe
Most Manchester to Ilfracombe buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Ilfracombe 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 Ilfracombe
Which Manchester station do buses to Ilfracombe leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Ilfracombe 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.
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Ilfracombe
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ilfracombe and Manchester
Most popular bus connections
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