- Must visit
Kirkcaldy Galleries
Local museum and gallery with changing exhibitions on Kirkcaldy’s history, art and industry beside the town’s war memorial gardens.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Kirkcaldy
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£26
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£30
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
8 h 55 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
9 h 3 m
Buses on 23 Sept
2
Distance
298 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Kirkcaldy is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Kirkcaldy will cost around £30 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £26.
Fast coaches
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 2 buses from Manchester to Kirkcaldy, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 298 km distance in an average of 9 h 3 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 55 m .
The slowest buses will take 9 h 10 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.
22:309h10Manchester7:40Kirkcaldy£261One-way0 changes- 8:408h55Manchester17:35Kirkcaldy£341One-way0 changes
- 8:408h55Manchester17:35Kirkcaldy£341One-way0 changes
- 22:309h10Manchester7:40Kirkcaldy£261One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Manchester to Kirkcaldy
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Kirkcaldy among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £44 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 36m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £44, while a flight costs an average of £336.
Distance: 298 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£44 Average Price Cheapest | £336 Average Price | £91 Average Price | £64 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 15m Average total duration 6h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 36m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration 4h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Kirkcaldy is a coach with an average price of £44.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Kirkcaldy:
A coach is £46 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Kirkcaldy costing on average £91.
A coach is £291 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Kirkcaldy costing on average £336.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Kirkcaldy is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 36m.
Other travel options to Kirkcaldy take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 14m.
Coach takes on average 6h 45m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Kirkcaldy 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 £44 compared to roughly £64 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £20. The journey takes 6h 45m versus 4h 33m 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 Kirkcaldy bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Kirkcaldy coaches for tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:40 Manchester | 8h55 | 17:35 Kirkcaldy | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Kirkcaldy 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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Why should you book Manchester to Kirkcaldy coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Manchester to Kirkcaldy.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Kirkcaldy.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Kirkcaldy.
- 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 Kirkcaldy.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Kirkcaldy.
- 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 Kirkcaldy.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Kirkcaldy
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Kirkcaldy run on average 14 times per day, taking around 6h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £24 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:15, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 298 km distance in 5h 15m.
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 298 km |
Average bus duration 6h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £24 |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 5h 15m |
First bus 0:15 |
Last bus 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 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: FlixBus, National Express from Manchester to KirkcaldyYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Kirkcaldy with FlixBus, National Express for as low as £24. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
5h 15m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£24
FlixBus frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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 15m
Cheapest National Express Price
£32
National Express frequency
4 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 Kirkcaldy
Things to do in Kirkcaldy
Discover the best of Kirkcaldy — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kirkcaldy trip today.
- Recommended
Adam Smith's House
Former home of Adam Smith with displays on the economist’s life, ideas and Kirkcaldy connections in an 18th-century house.
- Recommended
Dysart Harbourmaster's House
Museum telling the story of the historic port of Dysart, with exhibits on fishing, trade and everyday life in the old harbour town.
- Must visit
Beveridge Park
Large town park with gardens, boating pond, woodland walks and family facilities, ideal for a relaxed break near the centre.
- Must visit
Dysart Harbour
Historic harbour area with cobbled lanes, sea views and filming links, popular for strolls and exploring old Dysart.
- Recommended
Ravenscraig Park
Clifftop and coastal parkland around the castle, with sea views, paths and open space for walking beside the Firth of Forth.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Haddock
Smoked haddock from nearby East Coast waters, traditionally cured and smoked. A Fife staple valued for its rich flavour and fishing heritage.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A creamy fish soup usually made with smoked haddock, potatoes and milk or cream. Popular across Fife and closely tied to coastal home cooking.
Haggis
Scotland’s national dish of sheep offal, oats and suet in a savoury pudding. Common at Burns suppers and traditional menus in Fife.
The Harbourmaster's House
Established harbour-side restaurant in Dysart known for seafood, hearty Scottish plates and a cosy traditional atmosphere.
The Selkie
Modern bistro on Kirkcaldy’s waterfront serving Scottish and British dishes in a smart, relaxed setting with sea views.
La Gondola
Popular Italian restaurant in Kirkcaldy offering pasta, pizza and grilled dishes in a friendly, casual dining room.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and meals are usually cheaper than in Edinburgh, while local buses and rail links keep day-to-day travel manageable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. In cafés, rounding up or leaving small change is enough.
FAQs: Manchester to Kirkcaldy coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Kirkcaldy 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 Kirkcaldy, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Kirkcaldy can start from as little as £24 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Kirkcaldy is £44; 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 Kirkcaldy is 5h 15m to travel the 298 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 Kirkcaldy leaves at 0:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Kirkcaldy leaves at 23:40.
There are 14 coaches a day from Manchester to Kirkcaldy which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Kirkcaldy, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Kirkcaldy. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Kirkcaldy and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Manchester , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Airport, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East . When arriving in Kirkcaldy , you can end your route in coach stations like Edinburgh, Bus Station, Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB), Dunfermline, Halbeath Park and Ride, Edinburgh, St Andrew's House, Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Kirkcaldy is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Kirkcaldy including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Kirkcaldy:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Kirkcaldy for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Kirkcaldy 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
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 Kirkcaldy.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Kirkcaldy:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Kirkcaldy:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Manchester to Kirkcaldy. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Kirkcaldy with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Kirkcaldy with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Kirkcaldy with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Kirkcaldy
Most Manchester to Kirkcaldy buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Kirkcaldy 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 Kirkcaldy
Which Manchester station do buses to Kirkcaldy leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Kirkcaldy leave from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. The station is from Manchester city centre at Shudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom.
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre
Bus163, 118, 119, 18, 112, 114, 117, 81 · 3m · £2 · every ~69 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 2m · £2 · every ~23 min
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
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.
Manchester, AirportManchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £5 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min
Manchester, Airport bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Kirkcaldy
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Kirkcaldy and Manchester
Most popular bus connections
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