- 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.
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
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.
To travel from Manchester to Stansted you need to make at least one change.
NX540 · NXA6
NX540 · NXA8
NX540 · NXA6
NX540 · NX737
NX541 · NX737
NX540 · NXA6
NX540 · NX737
NX540 · NX737
NX120 · NX777
NX421 · NX777Buses 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.
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 |
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX421 · NX777 | 2:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h05 | 9:50 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX540 · NXA6 | 5:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 6h05 | 11:20 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX541 · NX777 | 5:45 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h05 | 13:50 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX540 · NX737 | 9:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 6h32 | 15:32 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX540 · NX737 | 11:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 6h27 | 17:57 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX541 · NX737 | 13:20 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h12 | 20:32 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX541 · NX777 | 14:50 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h35 | 22:25 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX540 · NXA8 | 16:55 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h25 | 0:20 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX540 · NXA6 | 18:00 Manchester, Coach Station | 8h25 | 2:25 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX540 · NXA8 | 19:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h15 | 2:45 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX120 · NX777 | 21:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h05 | 4:35 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX424 · NX777 | 23:55 Manchester, Coach Station | 7h20 | 7:15 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Stansted — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stansted trip today.
House museum beside the castle displaying eccentric collections, period rooms and curiosities that make for an unusual visit near Stansted.
Museum and art gallery in Saffron Walden with natural history, archaeology, world cultures and temporary exhibitions in one compact venue.
Aviation museum at the airport featuring preserved aircraft and displays on Stansted’s role in civil and military aviation.
Large country park with lakes, woodland and open grassland. Popular for walking, birdwatching and an easy escape close to the airport.
Historic market square in Saffron Walden lined with old buildings, shops and regular market activity, ideal for a short stroll and photos.
Landscaped park around a maze, open lawns and ornamental features. It is a pleasant local favourite for a quiet walk near Stansted.
Essex smoked bacon is traditionally cured and smoked, prized for a rich savoury flavour and long links to the county’s farming and breakfast tables.
Tiptree jam, made in Essex since the nineteenth century, is a classic local preserve served with toast, scones and afternoon tea.
Bread and butter pudding is a traditional English dessert of buttered bread, dried fruit, custard and baking, widely eaten in Essex pubs and homes.
Smart country-house dining venue in Elsenham offering modern British dishes in a quieter, more refined setting.
Traditional pub near Stansted Mountfitchet serving British classics and drinks in a historic, cosy setting.
Established pub and restaurant in Stansted Mountfitchet known for hearty British meals and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Moderate for England: airport-area stays and rail fares are pricey, but casual dining and coffee are fairly typical for UK tourist hubs.
Restaurants often add 10-12.5% service; otherwise round up or tip 10%. Taxis: round up. Cafes: optional small change.
Official public transport app
London Liverpool Street -> London Liverpool Street
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.

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