- Must visit
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Major pottery museum with the Staffordshire Hoard, ceramics collections and family-friendly galleries in Hanley.
Cheapest price
£7
Average price
£8
Fastest journey
1 h 15 m
Average duration
1 h 17 m
Buses per day
15
Distance
53 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent will cost around £8 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £7.
Of the 15 buses that leave Manchester for Stoke-on-Trent every day 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 53 km distance in an average of 1 h 17 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .
The slowest buses will take 1 h 20 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.
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £3, and a train costs an average of £2.
Distance: 53 km
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£7 Average Price Cheapest | £8 Average Price |
2h 3m Average total duration 1h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 26m Average total duration Fastest 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
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 Stoke-on-Trent coaches for today, Saturday 15 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 21:40 Manchester | 1h15 | 22:55 Stoke-on-Trent | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 22:10 Manchester | 1h15 | 23:25 Stoke-on-Trent | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 22:59 Manchester | 1h36 | 0:35 Stoke-on-Trent | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 16 August | |||||
FlixBus | 0:20 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1h15 | 1:35 Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 15 August | |||||
![]() | 23:55 Manchester | 1h25 | 1:20 Stoke-on-Trent | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 4:50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h20 | 6:10 Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 7:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h20 | 8:30 Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 8:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h40 | 10:00 Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 8:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h30 | 10:00 Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 8:40 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1h20 | 10:00 Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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 Stoke-on-Trent run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £3 but you can travel from only £2 by train.
There are 6 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 53 km distance in 1h 13m.
Distance 53 km |
Average bus duration 1h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 1h 13m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Stoke-on-Trent — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stoke-on-Trent trip today.
Major pottery museum with the Staffordshire Hoard, ceramics collections and family-friendly galleries in Hanley.
Historic pottery factory museum with demonstrations, furnished workshops and hands-on insight into Stoke-on-Trent's ceramics trade.
Museum and visitor centre at Middleport Pottery, exploring working pottery traditions, local history and canal-side industry.
Restored Victorian park with formal gardens, lake, play areas and space for relaxed walks near the city centre.
Canal-side heritage area with paths, industrial buildings and green space, ideal for a short walk and waterside views.
Large country park with woodland, open meadows and accessible trails, popular for walking, wildlife and fresh air.
A hearty Staffordshire oat pancake made from oatmeal batter, often filled with cheese, bacon or sausage. It is the Potteries’ signature savoury snack and breakfast staple.
A simple local lunch of melted cheese, sliced onion and tomato layered on a Staffordshire oatcake. It is a classic Potteries café order.
Traditional meat and potato filling wrapped in suet pastry and steamed or baked. This old Staffordshire working dish is warming and very filling.
Well-known casual spot for authentic Staffordshire oatcakes with varied fillings. Simple, local and ideal for a quick regional bite.
Popular local restaurant known for well-made Staffordshire oatcakes, breakfast dishes and relaxed café atmosphere.
Traditional canalside pub serving ales and classic British food in a historic setting near the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and meals are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday costs stay manageable for most visitors.
Service is often included in restaurants; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafes do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Hanley Bus Station -> Hanley City Centre, Stoke-on-Trent
National Express operates coaches from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent. The average journey between the two locations takes about one and a half hours. There are seven coach trips each day, and all journeys are direct. The first coach each day departs in the early morning at about 4:00 a.m. and the last coach leaves just before 10:00 p.m. Regular luggage per passenger is free; additional luggage space can be purchased.
All coaches from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent are operated by National Express. All trips are direct, taking between one hour 15 minutes and one hour 45 minutes to complete depending on the time of day and the traffic intensity. All coaches offer toilet facilities. Cheaper prices can be obtained by booking in advance.
Coach journeys from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent take approximately one and a half hours to complete and cover approximately 45 miles. The shortest journey takes one hour 15 minutes (in the evening) and the longest one hour and 45 minutes (at afternoon peak time).
Seven coaches leave Manchester each day bound for Stoke-on-Trent. The first coach departs in the early morning, at about 4:00 a.m., and the last at night just before 10:00 p.m. All coaches operate directly between the two centres, with no transfers. There is no difference in the prices of the various trips each day.
Departure bus station: All coaches bound for Stoke-on-Trent depart from Manchester Coach Station. The station is very centrally located and is easily accessed using public transport. It offers modern travel amenities, including WiFi and a restaurant. The station is open 24 hours a day.
Arrival bus station: All coaches from Manchester arrive at the Stoke-on-Trent bus station. The bus station is a new building sporting iconic architecture in the city centre. Amenities are limited at the station itself, but facilities catering for travellers are located very nearby. Most areas of Stoke-on-Trent are reachable via the city's well-developed public transport network from the bus station. Stoke-on-Trent is a historic pottery centre and boasts numerous galleries and museums.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. ATMs are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Accessible for wheelchairs.
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.
Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station is 2 km from Stoke-on-Trent city centre. Public transport options include:
Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets are present inside the bus station.
Free WiFi available for passengers. ATMs are there is an ATM available within the station.
Ticket office support is available at Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station.
Available at Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station: The station is equipped with ramps for wheelchair access.
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