Manchester to Luton bus with National Express

Sat 22 Nov
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National Express
FlixBus
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Luton

Showing times and prices for 23 Nov

Cheapest price

£39

Average price

£44

Fastest journey

3 h

Average duration

3 h 30 m

Buses per day

22

Distance

216 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Manchester to Luton will cost around £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £39.

Fast coaches

Of the 22 buses that leave Manchester for Luton 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 216 km distance in an average of 3 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h .

The slowest buses will take 4 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.

National ExpressNX120 · NX707
21:456h35
Manchester, Coach Station
04:20Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
£391One-way
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus
18:503h00
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
21:50Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
£391One-way
0 changes
FlixBusFlixBus
18:303h20
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
21:50Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
£391One-way
0 changes
National ExpressNX540 · NX230
06:354h45
Manchester, Coach Station
11:20Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
£411One-way
1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX230
19:156h30
Manchester, Coach Station
01:45Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
£411One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Manchester to Luton

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £10. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £10, and a flight costs an average of £67.

Distance: 216 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train
Flight

£21

Average Price

Cheapest

£78

Average Price

£175

Average Price

5h 37m

Average total duration

5h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 38m

Average total duration

3h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 6m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.6 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

East Midlands Trains

Most popular train company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Manchester to Luton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Luton coaches for today, Saturday 22 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 01:01
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX421 · NX230
Delayed
02:45 Manchester, Coach Station
5h20
12:15 12:15Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX70705:40 Manchester, Coach Station
4h20
10:00 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX230
Delayed
06:35 Manchester, Coach Station
4h45
12:15 12:15Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX24008:30 Manchester, Coach Station
4h10
12:40 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX70708:30 Manchester, Coach Station
4h10
12:40 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX737
On time
09:30 Manchester, Coach Station
4h15
13:45 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX70711:00 Manchester, Coach Station
4h10
15:10 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX737
On time
11:45 Manchester, Coach Station
4h25
16:10 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX230
On time
12:45 Manchester, Coach Station
4h20
17:05 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX737
On time
13:30 Manchester, Coach Station
5h15
18:45 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX590 · NX70714:00 Manchester, Coach Station
5h40
19:40 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus14:00 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
3h40
17:40 Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus14:20 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
3h20
17:40 Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX540 · NX737
On time
16:45 Manchester, Coach Station
4h10
20:55 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX70717:45 Manchester, Coach Station
4h20
22:05 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus18:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
3h20
21:50 Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus18:50 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
3h00
21:50 Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)0 changesdirect
national_expressNX540 · NX230
On time
19:15 Manchester, Coach Station
6h30
01:45 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX120 · NX707
On time
21:45 Manchester, Coach Station
6h35
04:20 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
national_expressNX42223:40 Manchester, Coach Station
5h55
05:35 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station0 changesdirect
national_expressNX424 · NX42223:55 Manchester, Coach Station
5h40
05:35 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Luton by train, coach or flight

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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Manchester to Luton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Manchester to Luton run on average 18 times per day, taking around 5h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £10 if you book in advance.

There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 216 km distance in 3h 0m.

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
216 km
Average bus duration
5h 7m
Cheapest ticket price
£10
Buses per day
18
Direct buses
3
Fastest bus
3h 0m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:55
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, FlixBus from Manchester to LutonYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Luton with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £10. 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 Duration
3h 0m
Cheapest Price
£9
FlixBus frequency
4 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 Duration
5h 55m
Cheapest Price
£42
National Express frequency
17 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.

Buses from Manchester to Luton

National Express runs a single direct bus between Manchester and Luton Airport, which departs just after midnight and arrives 4 hours and 40 minutes later. However, there are also indirect buses from Manchester to Luton that leave throughout the day. These services are quicker than the direct bus, with the fastest journey taking 4 hours 25 minutes. Buses from Manchester to Luton can also take over 6 hours. All indirect buses will involve a change at Milton Keynes, and all arrive just outside the airport's departure terminal.

FAQs: Manchester to Luton coach

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

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Luton can start from as little as £19 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Luton is £36; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Manchester to Luton coach time is 4 h 10 min   covering the 134 mile long journey, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Manchester to Luton leaves at 13: 30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Manchester to Luton leaves at 23: 40.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Manchester to Luton without having to change trains with National Express. There is 1 direct coach from Manchester to Luton each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the best Manchester to Luton coach to purchase, you can travel safely and comfortably with National Express or FlixBus. However, it's always good to check all possible coach companies with services to Luton from Manchester to compare what amenities they may offer.

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Manchester, Coach Station, which is located around 0.9 miles (1.5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, located 2.7 miles (4.4 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Luton from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 10 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Luton is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel from Manchester to Luton including taking a train, coach or flight.
No, the coach from Manchester to Luton has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Luton.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Manchester to Luton.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Manchester to Luton, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Manchester to Luton.
    No, luggage for the coach from Manchester to Luton needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Manchester to Luton.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Manchester to Luton.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Luton.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Manchester to Luton.

    popular bus stations

    Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Luton

    Manchester
    Luton
    The major coach station for departures in Manchester is Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange for your trip from Manchester to Luton.
    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
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    ShowerShower
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 00:00-23:59
    ticketOfficeHours
    Distance to city center
    2 km
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Terminal Road North
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Burger King (in the station)
    • Giraffe (in the station).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps, assistance
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transport options for Manchester, Airport
    • Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
    Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
    information
    HomeCoachesCoach tickets to Luton Manchester to Luton bus

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