Manchester to Stansted bus with National Express

Tue 20 Oct
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National Express
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Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Stansted

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Oct

Cheapest price on 20 Oct

£26

Average ticket price on 20 Oct

£42

Fastest journey on 20 Oct

6 h 5 m

Average journey duration on 20 Oct

6 h 39 m

Buses on 20 Oct

12

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 £42 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £26.

Fast coaches

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

  • National ExpressNX540 · NXA6
    5:156h05
    Manchester, Coach Station
    11:20Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    £261One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX540 · NXA8
    16:557h25
    Manchester, Coach Station
    0:20Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    £271One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX540 · NXA6
    18:008h25
    Manchester, Coach Station
    2:25Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    £341One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX540 · NX737
    9:006h32
    Manchester, Coach Station
    15:32Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    £391One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX541 · NX737
    13:207h12
    Manchester, Coach Station
    20:32Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    £391One-way
    1 change

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 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £22 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 5h 10m.

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 58m
Cheapest ticket price
£22
Buses per day
14
Fastest bus
5h 10m
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

Live departures

Manchester to Stansted bus times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Stansted coaches for tomorrow, Tuesday 20 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX421 · NX7772:45 Manchester, Coach Station
7h05
9:50 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NXA65:15 Manchester, Coach Station
6h05
11:20 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX541 · NX7775:45 Manchester, Coach Station
8h05
13:50 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX7379:00 Manchester, Coach Station
6h32
15:32 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX73711:30 Manchester, Coach Station
6h27
17:57 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX541 · NX73713:20 Manchester, Coach Station
7h12
20:32 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX541 · NX77714:50 Manchester, Coach Station
7h35
22:25 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NXA816:55 Manchester, Coach Station
7h25
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
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

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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.

Bus providers: National Express from Manchester to StanstedYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Stansted with National Express for as low as £22. 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
5h 10m
Cheapest National Express Price
£22
National Express frequency
14 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.

Complete guide to Stansted

Things to do in Stansted

Discover the best of Stansted — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stansted trip today.

  • Recommended

House on the Hill Toy Museum

House museum beside the castle displaying eccentric collections, period rooms and curiosities that make for an unusual visit near Stansted.

  • Recommended

Saffron Walden Museum

Museum and art gallery in Saffron Walden with natural history, archaeology, world cultures and temporary exhibitions in one compact venue.

  • Recommended

Stansted Airport Aviation Museum

Aviation museum at the airport featuring preserved aircraft and displays on Stansted’s role in civil and military aviation.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for England: airport-area stays and rail fares are pricey, but casual dining and coffee are fairly typical for UK tourist hubs.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants often add 10-12.5% service; otherwise round up or tip 10%. Taxis: round up. Cafes: optional small change.

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 £22 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Stansted is £41; 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 5h 10m 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.
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, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Stansted for coach company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Stansted:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
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 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 · £1 · 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.

More options for your journey from Manchester to Stansted

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

HomeCoachesBuses in United KingdomManchester to Stansted bus

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