Manchester to London Stansted Airport bus with National Express

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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to London Stansted Airport

Showing times and prices for 17 Feb

Cheapest price

£32

Average price

£41

Fastest journey

6 h 40 m

Average duration

7 h 12 m

Buses per day

5

Distance

244 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to London Stansted Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Manchester to London Stansted Airport will cost around £41 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £32.

Fast coaches

Of the 5 buses that leave Manchester for London Stansted Airport 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 244 km distance in an average of 7 h 12 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .

The slowest buses will take 7 h 55 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.

National Express
11:457h55
Manchester
19:40London Stansted Airport
£321One-way
0 changes
National Express
11:006h40
Manchester
17:40London Stansted Airport
£321One-way
0 changes
National Express
16:457h40
Manchester
00:25London Stansted Airport
£341One-way
0 changes
National Express
15:456h55
Manchester
22:40London Stansted Airport
£521One-way
0 changes
National Express
21:456h50
Manchester
04:35London Stansted Airport
£521One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Manchester to London Stansted Airport

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to London Stansted Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £24, and a train costs an average of £34.

Distance: 244 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train

£35

Average Price

Cheapest

£87

Average Price

6h 24m

Average total duration

5h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Manchester to London Stansted Airport bus times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to London Stansted Airport coaches for today, Monday 16 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 07:16
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX540 · NX737
Delayed
11:45 09:30Manchester, Coach Station
6h00
15:30 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NXA6
On time
11:00 Manchester, Coach Station
6h40
17:40 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NXA8
On time
11:45 Manchester, Coach Station
7h55
19:40 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX737
On time
13:30 Manchester, Coach Station
7h00
20:30 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX590 · NXA6
On time
14:00 Manchester, Coach Station
7h50
21:50 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX121 · NX777
On time
14:30 Manchester, Coach Station
7h55
22:25 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX737
On time
15:45 Manchester, Coach Station
6h55
22:40 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NXA8
On time
16:45 Manchester, Coach Station
7h35
00:20 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NXA8
On time
17:45 Manchester, Coach Station
7h15
01:00 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NXA6
On time
19:15 Manchester, Coach Station
6h10
01:25 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX120 · NX777
On time
21:45 Manchester, Coach Station
6h50
04:35 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 change
national_expressNX424 · NX777
On time
23:55 Manchester, Coach Station
7h20
07:15 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
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 London Stansted Airport by coach or train

Compare coach and train 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.

Tue
17 Feb
Wed
18 Feb
Thu
19 Feb
Fri
20 Feb
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21 Feb
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22 Feb
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23 Feb
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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Manchester to London Stansted Airport

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Manchester to London Stansted Airport run on average 14 times per day, taking around 5h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £24 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 05:15, the last at 21:45. The fastest coach covers the 244 km distance in 5h 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
Distance
244 km
Average bus duration
5h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
£24
Buses per day
14
Fastest bus
5h 55m
First bus
05:15
Last bus
21:45
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 London Stansted AirportYou can travel by bus between Manchester to London Stansted Airport with National Express for as low as £24. 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 Duration
6h 5m
Cheapest Price
£24
National Express frequency
14 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.

FAQs: Manchester to London Stansted Airport coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to London Stansted Airport can start from as little as £24 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to London Stansted Airport is £35; 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 London Stansted Airport is 5h 55m to travel the 244 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 London Stansted Airport leaves at 5:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to London Stansted Airport leaves at 21:45.
There are 14 coaches a day from Manchester to London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to London Stansted Airport. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and London Stansted Airport and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to London Stansted Airport from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to London Stansted Airport is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and London Stansted Airport including taking a coach and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to London Stansted Airport for coach company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to London Stansted Airport:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to London Stansted Airport:
  • 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 London Stansted Airport:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Manchester to London Stansted Airport.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to London Stansted Airport with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to London Stansted Airport with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to London Stansted Airport with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and London Stansted Airport

Manchester
London
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 05:00-23:30
carConnection
Car connection
Shudehill
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the interchange.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
  • Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-22:00
carConnection
Car connection
Chorlton Street
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café at the Station (in the station)
  • Fast Food Express (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, assistance
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for Manchester, Coach Station
  • Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
information

Most popular buses to and from London Stansted Airport and Manchester

HomeCoachesCoach tickets to London Stansted Airport Manchester to London Stansted Airport bus

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