- Must visit
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Interactive museum inside Shakespeare's childhood home, exploring his family, writing, and Stratford background.
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£26
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£28
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
8 h 50 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
9 h 39 m
Buses on 05 Sept
5
Distance
263 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Stratford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Stratford will cost around £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £26.
To travel from Manchester to Stratford you need to make at least one change.
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FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Stratford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £21 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 0m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, while a flight costs an average of £121.
Distance: 263 km
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£21 Average Price Cheapest | £80 Average Price | £121 Average Price | £76 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 54m Average total duration 5h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 41m Average total duration 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Stratford:
A coach is £60 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Stratford costing on average £80.
A coach is £101 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Stratford costing on average £121.
Other travel options to Stratford take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 11m.
Coach takes on average 5h 24m.
Tickets start at around £21 compared to roughly £76 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £55. The journey takes 5h 24m versus 4h 10m 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.
Direct services are operated by Megabus.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Stratford coaches for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 11h25 | 10:35 London, Stratford City Bus Station | 1 change | |
| Saturday 5 September | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 9h15 | 14:05 London, Stratford City Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 9h40 | 18:10 London, Stratford City Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 13:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h50 | 22:30 London, Stratford City Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 15:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 9h05 | 0:15 London, Stratford City Bus Station | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Manchester to Stratford run on average 28 times per day, taking around 5h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
There are 26 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 263 km distance in 4h 40m.
Distance 263 km |
Average bus duration 5h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Buses per day 28 |
Direct buses 26 |
Fastest bus 4h 40m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Stratford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stratford trip today.
Interactive museum inside Shakespeare's childhood home, exploring his family, writing, and Stratford background.
Museum at Anne Hathaway's family cottage, with Tudor rooms and gardens that illuminate Shakespeare's early world.
Jacobean townhouse museum showing the life of Shakespeare's daughter Judith and 17th-century Stratford interiors.
Riverside public gardens with flower displays, paths, and open views beside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Historic shopping street lined with timber-framed buildings, independent shops, and several Shakespeare-related sights.
Pleasant riverside walking area linking parks, boat activity, and broad Avon views close to the town centre.
A flaky pastry pie filled with steak and kidney in rich gravy. A longstanding British pub classic often found on menus in Stratford.
Battered white fish with chips, usually served with mushy peas. A staple British takeaway and pub meal widely loved across Stratford.
Sausages served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy. This comforting dish is a traditional favourite in English pubs and homes.
Long-established restaurant and deli known for Italian dishes, coffee and relaxed dining near the town centre.
Stylish restaurant in a historic building serving modern British dishes and cocktails with a polished but welcoming atmosphere.
Traditional riverside pub serving British classics, cask ales and Sunday roasts in a historic timber-framed setting.
Moderate for the UK. Dining and hotels are often pricier in peak season, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Taxis are often rounded up. In cafés, tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Stratford City Bus Station -> Stratford Town Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Stratford 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 Stratford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Stratford buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to London, Victoria Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Stratford 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.
London, Stratford City Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Five Guys (in the station), Wahaca (0.2 km), The Real Greek (0.3 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside Westfield Stratford City.
Ticket office support is available at London, Stratford City Bus Station.
Available at London, Stratford City Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Stratford City Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need