Manchester to Stansted bus with National Express

Sat 05 Sept
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Stansted

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept

Cheapest price on 05 Sept

£35

Average ticket price on 05 Sept

£44

Fastest journey on 05 Sept

5 h 57 m

Average journey duration on 05 Sept

5 h 59 m

Buses on 05 Sept

15

Distance

244 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Manchester to Stansted will cost around £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £35.

Fast coaches

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

  • National ExpressNX540 · NXA6
    15:506h00
    Manchester, Coach Station
    21:50Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    £351One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX540 · NXA8
    17:107h10
    Manchester, Coach Station
    0:20Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    £351One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX540 · NXA6
    12:156h05
    Manchester, Coach Station
    18:20Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    £371One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX540 · NXA6
    18:008h25
    Manchester, Coach Station
    2:25Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    £381One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX540 · NXA6
    9:506h00
    Manchester, Coach Station
    15:50Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    £401One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Manchester to Stansted

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Stansted among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £28 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 7m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £28, while a flight costs an average of £92.

Distance: 244 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train
Flight
Driving

£28

Average Price

Cheapest

£58

Average Price

£92

Average Price

£69

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 17m

Average total duration

5h 47m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 8m

Average total duration

3h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 7m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 7m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

3h 47m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Stansted is a coach with an average price of £28.

This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Stansted:

A coach is £29 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Stansted costing on average £58.

A coach is £64 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Stansted costing on average £92.

The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Stansted is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 7m.

Other travel options to Stansted take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 38m.

Coach takes on average 5h 47m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Stansted including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around £28 compared to roughly £69 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £41. The journey takes 5h 47m versus 3h 47m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.

Live departures

Manchester to Stansted bus times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Stansted coaches for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX540 · NXA819:30 Manchester, Coach Station
7h15
2:45 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX120 · NX77721:30 Manchester, Coach Station
7h05
4:35 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX424 · NX77723:55 Manchester, Coach Station
7h20
7:15 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
Saturday 5 September
National ExpressNX421 · NX7772:45 Manchester, Coach Station
7h05
9:50 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NXA65:10 Manchester, Coach Station
6h10
11:20 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX541 · NX7775:15 Manchester, Coach Station
6h35
11:50 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX7376:05 Manchester, Coach Station
6h17
12:22 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NXA67:20 Manchester, Coach Station
6h00
13:20 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NXA68:50 Manchester, Coach Station
6h00
14:50 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NXA69:50 Manchester, Coach Station
6h00
15:50 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX73710:55 Manchester, Coach Station
7h02
17:57 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NXA612:15 Manchester, Coach Station
6h05
18:20 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX73714:35 Manchester, Coach Station
5h57
20:32 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NXA615:50 Manchester, Coach Station
6h00
21:50 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NXA817:10 Manchester, Coach Station
7h10
0:20 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NXA618:00 Manchester, Coach Station
8h25
2:25 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach 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 Stansted 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
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept

Why should you book Manchester to Stansted coaches with Omio?

National Express operates all coaches services from Manchester to Stansted.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Stansted.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • 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 Stansted.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • 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 Stansted.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Manchester to Stansted

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Manchester to Stansted run on average 14 times per day, taking around 5h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £24 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 244 km distance in 6h 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
244 km
Average bus duration
5h 47m
Cheapest ticket price
£24
Buses per day
14
Fastest bus
6h 0m
First bus
0:05
Last bus
23:55
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
70 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 from Manchester to StanstedYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Stansted 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 National Express Duration
6h 0m
Cheapest National Express Price
£24
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.

What's included in each class

Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.

Standard
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs

FAQs: Manchester to Stansted coach

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

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Stansted can start from as little as £24 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Stansted is £28; 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 Stansted is 6h 0m 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 Stansted leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Stansted leaves at 23:55.
There are 14 coaches a day from Manchester to Stansted 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 Stansted, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Stansted. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Stansted 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, Airport, Manchester, Etihad Stadium . When arriving in Stansted , you can end your route in coach stations like Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Manchester, Coach Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Stansted from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Stansted is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Stansted including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Stansted:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Stansted for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Stansted 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 Stansted.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Stansted:
  • 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 Stansted:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Manchester to Stansted.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Stansted with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Stansted with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Stansted with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Stansted

Most Manchester to Stansted buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Stansted bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Manchester
Arrival bus stations in Stansted

Which Manchester station do buses to Stansted leave from?

Buses from Manchester to Stansted leave from Manchester, Coach Station. The station is from Manchester city centre at Chorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom.
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester, Coach Station from Manchester city centre

Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 33, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 1m · £2 · every ~231 min

Manchester, Coach Station 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 and drink

Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.

Manchester, AirportManchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester, Airport from Manchester city centre

Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £5 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min

Manchester, Airport bus station facilities and services

Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.

Manchester, Etihad StadiumEtihad Stadium, Etihad Campus, Manchester M11 3FF, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester, Etihad Stadium from Manchester city centre

Manchester, Etihad Stadium is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus84, 83 · 13m · £2 · every ~39 min
TramPink Line, Rochdale Line Replacement Bus · 16m · £4 · every ~25 min

Manchester, Etihad Stadium bus station facilities and services

Manchester, Etihad Stadium has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Concession stands available in the stadium.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Manchester, Etihad Stadium. ATMs are available at Manchester, Etihad Stadium.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Etihad Stadium.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester, Etihad Stadium: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Etihad Stadium: Wheelchair accessible areas available in the stadium.

More options for your journey from Manchester to Stansted

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeCoachesManchester to Stansted bus

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone