- Must visit
Turner Contemporary
Contemporary gallery on the seafront showing modern and historic art linked to J M W Turner and the changing light of the Kent coast.
Cheapest price
£21
Average price
£43
Fastest journey
8 h 55 m
Average duration
9 h 43 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
339 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Margate is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Margate will cost around £43 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £21.
Of the 2 buses that leave Manchester for Margate every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 339 km distance in an average of 9 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 55 m .
The slowest buses will take 10 h 30 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.




Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Margate among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £22. 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 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, and a flight costs an average of £80.
Distance: 339 km
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£29 Average Price Cheapest | £66 Average Price | £114 Average Price |
9h 31m Average total duration 9h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration 3h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.0 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Margate coaches for tomorrow, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 14:30 Manchester | 8h55 | 23:25 Margate | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach 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.
Buses from Manchester to Margate run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £22 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 05:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 339 km distance in 8h 50m.
Distance 339 km |
Average bus duration 9h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £22 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 8h 50m |
First bus 5:15 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Margate — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Margate trip today.
Contemporary gallery on the seafront showing modern and historic art linked to J M W Turner and the changing light of the Kent coast.
Museum exploring the history of crab museum collections through natural science, art and humour. A quirky recent favourite in the Old Town.
Artist Tracey Emin’s gallery and studio space in Margate, presenting rotating exhibitions of contemporary art in a carefully restored bathhouse.
Sandy Blue Flag beach beside the harbour and old town. Ideal for sea views, paddling and classic seaside atmosphere close to major attractions.
Historic harbour arm and quayside with sea views, galleries, events and access to the lighthouse. A lively place for a walk in all seasons.
Characterful quarter of narrow streets with independent shops, antiques, small galleries and historic buildings just behind the seafront.
Fresh native oysters from the Kent coast, long linked to nearby Whitstable and Thanet. Briny, mineral and traditionally eaten simply with lemon.
A classic seaside supper of battered white fish and chips, deeply rooted in Margate’s harbour and beach culture.
Fresh herring, traditionally cured or smoked in Kent. It reflects the historic fishing trade along the Thanet coast.
Established bistro and wine bar in Margate Old Town, serving seasonal small plates and European-leaning cooking.
Popular seafront seafood restaurant by the harbour, known for fresh fish, shellfish and relaxed coastal views.
Stylish casual spot near the seafront serving brunch, coffee and modern British plates in a bright, friendly setting.
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Dining and accommodation are often cheaper than London, but summer weekends and seafront stays can raise prices.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is good and not already added. Round up small taxi fares. Cafés do not expect tips, but spare change is welcome.
Official public transport app
Margate, Marine Terrace -> Margate Town Centre, Cecil Square
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Margate 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 Margate, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Margate buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Margate, Marine Terrace station pair, with some services arriving at Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Margate bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Margate, Marine Terrace has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Margate, Marine Terrace. ATMs are available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Ticket office support is available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Available at Margate, Marine Terrace: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Margate, Marine Terrace: The station is accessible for wheelchair users.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need