- 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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Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Manchester to Ilfracombe
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Ilfracombe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £47 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 59m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £47, while a flight costs an average of £93.
Distance: 283 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£47 Average Price Cheapest | £53 Average Price | £93 Average Price | £69 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 15m Average total duration 9h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 51m Average total duration 5h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 59m Average total duration Fastest 59m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Ilfracombe is a coach with an average price of £47.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Ilfracombe:
A coach is £6 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Ilfracombe costing on average £53.
A coach is £46 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Ilfracombe costing on average £93.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Ilfracombe is by flight with an average journey time of 59m.
Other travel options to Ilfracombe take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 21m.
Coach takes on average 9h 45m.
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.
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 £47 compared to roughly £69 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £23. The journey takes 9h 45m versus 5h 5m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Ilfracombe 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.
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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 9h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £40 but you can travel from only £25 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 07:30, the last at 12:25. The fastest coach covers the 283 km distance in 8h 55m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £25
Distance 283 km |
Average bus duration 9h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 8h 55m |
First bus 7:30 |
Last bus 12:25 |
Cheapest Month May |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £25
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.
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 £40 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Ilfracombe is £47; 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 8h 55m 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.
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 Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Ilfracombe from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe is May.
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.
No, the coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe.
No, luggage for the coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Manchester to Ilfracombe.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Ilfracombe
Most Manchester to Ilfracombe buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) 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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