Manchester to Luton bus with National Express

Sat 23 May
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Luton

Showing times and prices for 23 May

Cheapest price

£22

Average price

£44

Fastest journey

3 h

Average duration

3 h 23 m

Buses per day

23

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 £22.

Fast coaches

Of the 23 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 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h .

The slowest buses will take 4 h 5 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    18:003h00
    Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
    21:00Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
    £221One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    17:403h20
    Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    21:00Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
    £221One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    13:303h25
    Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    16:55Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
    £241One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    13:503h05
    Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
    16:55Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
    £241One-way
    0 changes
  • National ExpressNX421 · NX230
    2:455h20
    Manchester, Coach Station
    8:05Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
    £431One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach, train 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 £12. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 4m. 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 £12, and a flight costs an average of £64.

Distance: 216 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train
Flight

£22

Average Price

Cheapest

£69

Average Price

£160

Average Price

4h 28m

Average total duration

3h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 45m

Average total duration

3h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 4m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 4m

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 Railway

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, Friday 22 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX422
Delayed
5:15 23:40Manchester, Coach Station
5h55
5:35 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
0 changesdirect
Saturday 23 May
National ExpressNX421 · NX230
On time
2:45 Manchester, Coach Station
5h20
8:05 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX230
Delayed
9:55 5:10Manchester, Coach Station
4h25
9:35 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
National ExpressNX541 · NX7075:15 Manchester, Coach Station
4h45
10:00 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX737
Delayed
9:55 6:05Manchester, Coach Station
4h30
10:35 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
National ExpressNX541 · NX230
On time
6:10 Manchester, Coach Station
5h10
11:20 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX230
Delayed
9:55 7:20Manchester, Coach Station
4h55
12:15 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
National ExpressNX541 · NX2407:25 Manchester, Coach Station
5h15
12:40 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 change
National ExpressNX541 · NX7077:25 Manchester, Coach Station
5h15
12:40 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX737
Delayed
9:55 8:50Manchester, Coach Station
4h55
13:45 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX707
On time
10:55 Manchester, Coach Station
4h15
15:10 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX230
On time
12:15 Manchester, Coach Station
4h50
17:05 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
National ExpressNX541 · NX70712:25 Manchester, Coach Station
5h00
17:25 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus13:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
3h25
16:55 Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus13:50 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
3h05
16:55 Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX540 · NX737
On time
14:35 Manchester, Coach Station
4h10
18:45 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX737
On time
15:50 Manchester, Coach Station
5h05
20:55 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus17:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
3h20
21:00 Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus18:00 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
3h00
21:00 Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX540 · NX707
On time
18:00 Manchester, Coach Station
4h05
22:05 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX230
On time
19:30 Manchester, Coach Station
6h15
1:45 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 change
National ExpressNX120 · NX707
On time
21:30 Manchester, Coach Station
6h50
4:20 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus 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 Luton 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.

Sat
23 May
Sun
24 May
Mon
25 May
Tue
26 May
Wed
27 May
Thu
28 May
Fri
29 May
Sat
30 May
Sun
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Tue
02 Jun
Wed
03 Jun
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04 Jun
Fri
05 Jun

Why should you book Manchester to Luton coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Manchester to Luton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Luton.

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 Luton.
  • 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 Luton.

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 Luton.
  • 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 Luton.

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 20 times per day, taking around 3h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.

There are 5 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
3h 58m
Cheapest ticket price
£12
Buses per day
20
Direct buses
5
Fastest bus
3h 0m
First bus
0:05
Last bus
23:55
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
7 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: National Express, FlixBus from Manchester to LutonYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Luton with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £12. 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
£12
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
4h 25m
Cheapest Price
£36
National Express frequency
16 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 £12 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Luton is £22; 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 Luton is 3h 0m to travel the 216 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 Luton leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Luton leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 5 direct coaches a day from Manchester to Luton with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Luton, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Luton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Luton 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, Coach Station, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Manchester, Airport . When arriving in Luton , you can end your route in coach stations like Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney), Luton, Station Interchange.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Manchester, Coach Station, which is located around 0 away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, located 2 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 3h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Luton is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Luton including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Luton:
  • 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 Luton for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Luton 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 Luton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Luton:
  • 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 Luton:
  • 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 Luton. 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 Luton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Luton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Luton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Luton

Manchester
Luton
The major coach station for departures in Manchester is Manchester, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester, Coach Station for your trip from Manchester to Luton.
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
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
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
information
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