Manchester to Southampton bus with National Express

Sun 17 May
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National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Southampton

Showing times and prices for 17 May

Cheapest price

£32

Average price

£44

Fastest journey

6 h 35 m

Average duration

7 h 21 m

Buses per day

17

Distance

292 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Manchester to Southampton will cost around £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £32.

Fast coaches

To travel from Manchester to Southampton you need to make at least one change.

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    4:508h20
    Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    13:10Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University)
    £321One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    15:108h15
    Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    23:25Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University)
    £321One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    4:508h40
    Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    13:30Southampton Central (SOU)
    £331One-way
    1 change
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    15:108h35
    Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    23:45Southampton Central (SOU)
    £331One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX540 · NX032
    6:058h45
    Manchester, Coach Station
    14:50Southampton, Coach Station
    £341One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Manchester to Southampton

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 11m. 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 £17, and a flight costs an average of £63.

Distance: 292 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train
Flight

£27

Average Price

Cheapest

£81

Average Price

£126

Average Price

7h 11m

Average total duration

6h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 39m

Average total duration

4h 9m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 11m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

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 Southampton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Southampton coaches for today, Saturday 16 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX424 · NX032
Delayed
5:10 23:55Manchester, Coach Station
11h25
11:20 Southampton, Coach Station
1 change
Sunday 17 May
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
8h40
13:30 Southampton Central (SOU)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
8h20
13:10 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University)1 change
National ExpressNX541 · NX160
Delayed
11:25 5:15Manchester, Coach Station
7h25
12:40 Southampton, Coach Station
1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX032
On time
6:05 Manchester, Coach Station
8h45
14:50 Southampton, Coach Station
1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX032
On time
7:20 Manchester, Coach Station
9h00
16:20 Southampton, Coach Station
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
9h20
17:50 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
9h40
18:10 Southampton Central (SOU)1 change
National ExpressNX541 · NX160
Delayed
11:25 10:00Manchester, Coach Station
7h15
17:15 Southampton, Coach Station
1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX032
On time
10:55 Manchester, Coach Station
8h55
19:50 Southampton, Coach Station
1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus13:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
8h20
22:00 Southampton Central (SOU)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus13:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
8h00
21:40 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University)1 change
National ExpressNX590 · NX16014:00 Manchester, Coach Station
6h35
20:35 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus15:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
8h15
23:25 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University)1 change
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus15:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
8h35
23:45 Southampton Central (SOU)1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX032
On time
15:50 Manchester, Coach Station
8h15
0:05 Southampton, Coach Station
1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX032
On time
17:10 Manchester, Coach Station
8h20
1:30 Southampton, Coach Station
1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX032
On time
19:30 Manchester, Coach Station
7h30
3:00 Southampton, 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 Southampton by train, coach or flight

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.

Sun
17 May
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Why should you book Manchester to Southampton coaches with Omio?

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

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 Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Southampton.
  • 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Southampton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Southampton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Southampton.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Manchester to Southampton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Manchester to Southampton run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 292 km distance in 7h 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
292 km
Average bus duration
6h 41m
Cheapest ticket price
£17
Buses per day
12
Fastest bus
7h 15m
First bus
0:05
Last bus
23:55
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
28 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, Megabus, FlixBus from Manchester to SouthamptonYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Southampton with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as £17. 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
8h 15m
Cheapest Price
£21
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
7h 15m
Cheapest Price
£17
National Express frequency
3 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.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
£41
Megabus frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

FAQs: Manchester to Southampton coach

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

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Southampton can start from as little as £17 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Southampton is £27; 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 Southampton is 7h 15m to travel the 292 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 Southampton leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Southampton leaves at 23:55.
There are 12 coaches a day from Manchester to Southampton which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Southampton, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Southampton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Southampton 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, Airport, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East . When arriving in Southampton , you can end your route in coach stations like Southampton, Coach Station, Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University), Southampton, University.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 Southampton, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Southampton from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Southampton is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Southampton including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Southampton:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • 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 Southampton for coach company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Southampton depends on the coach companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • 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 Southampton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Southampton:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • 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 Southampton:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • 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 Southampton. 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 Southampton with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Southampton with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Southampton with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Southampton

Manchester
Southampton
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 Southampton.
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
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
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