- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Rochdale to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rochdale to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £4 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 46m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £4, while a coach costs an average of £6.
Distance: 16 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£6 Average Price | £4 Average Price Cheapest | £4 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 14m Average total duration 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 46m Average total duration Fastest 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Rochdale to Manchester is a train with an average price of £4.
This is compared to other travel options from Rochdale to Manchester:
A train is £2 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Rochdale to Manchester costing on average £6.
The fastest way to travel from Rochdale to Manchester is by train with an average journey time of 16m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 44m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Rochdale and Manchester including taking a train and coach.
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 £6 compared to roughly £4 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-1.48. The journey takes 44m versus 44m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Rochdale to Manchester by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
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Why should you book Rochdale to Manchester coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as Bee Network offer coaches services from Rochdale to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Rochdale to Manchester.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Bee Network to find the best option for your trip from Rochdale to Manchester.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Rochdale to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Rochdale to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Rochdale to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Rochdale to Manchester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £6 but you can travel from only £2 by train.
There are 5 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:47. The fastest coach covers the 16 km distance in 53m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £2
Distance 16 km |
Average bus duration 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 53m |
First bus 0:10 |
Last bus 23:47 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £2
Bus providers: National Express, Bee Network from Rochdale to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Rochdale to Manchester with National Express, Bee Network for as low as £2. 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
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.
Bee Network
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Bee Network Duration
46m
Bee Network frequency
50 a day
Complete guide to Manchester
Things to do in Manchester
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
- Must visit
Manchester Museum
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
- Must visit
Manchester Art Gallery
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
- Recommended
Albert Square
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
- Recommended
Oldham Street
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
Rag Pudding
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
A hearty hotpot of slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. A long-standing North West comfort dish served across Manchester pubs.
- Gluten-free
Manchester Tripe
A rich tripe stew cooked with onions, milk and stock. It was a classic working-class Manchester meal linked to the city’s historic tripe trade.
mana
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
The Winston Churchill
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
The Black Friar
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.
Bee Network
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £1.40
- Day pass
- £7.10
To the city centre
Manchester Airport Train Station -> Manchester Piccadilly
- Distance
- 14 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Contactless Tap and Go works on Bee Network trams and buses. Remember to tap in and tap out on trams, and tap in on buses.
- Train tickets to MANCHESTER CTLZ are valid on Metrolink in Zone 1, which can help if you are connecting into the city centre.
Coaches from Rochdale to Manchester
Taking coaches from Rochdale to Manchester is straightforward and very quick with journey times that take from 40 minutes to 55 minutes. There are three departures every day of the week, all of which are direct services. All coaches start their journey at Rochdale Interchange and terminate at Manchester Chorlton Street Coach Station. Both of these are short walks from the city centres.
Which coach companies travel from Rochdale to Manchester?
All coaches to Manchester from Rochdale are operated by National Express. From its headquarters in Birmingham, this large transport company provides a wide network of coach routes across the United Kingdom and Europe. Its fleet of coaches is modern with comfortable seating and onboard services that include air conditioning or heating, WiFi, toilets, luggage space and, on some coaches, individual power sockets.
How long is the coach from Rochdale to Manchester?
All coaches from Rochdale to Manchester have short journey times of between 40 minutes and 55 minutes. These are all direct routes with no connections required.
How many coaches are there from Rochdale to Manchester?
There are three coaches to Manchester from Rochdale every day of the week. The first departure is in the early hours of the morning. There are then two further coaches with mid-morning departure times.
What are the departure and arrival stations for coaches from Rochdale to Manchester?
Departure bus station: Coaches to Manchester from Rochdale depart from Rochdale Interchange. This is a modern transport hub located approximately five minutes on foot from the city centre. It is served by both local and long-distance buses. It has a taxi rank, toilets, ATM, payphones, waiting areas and a small travel shop. Further shops and cafes can be found in the streets around the Interchange.
Arrival bus station: All coaches from Rochdale to Manchester complete their journey at Manchester Chorlton Street Coach Station, which is operated by National Express, the main provider of coach services from the station. This is located near Manchester Piccadilly Train Station and is approximately 10 minutes' walk from the centre of the city. It is also linked to the city centre by local buses. Among the facilities at the coach station are car and bicycle parking, payphones, a taxi rank, waiting areas, toilets, an ATM, a newsagent, coffee shop and snack bar.
FAQs: Rochdale to Manchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rochdale to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Rochdale to Manchester can start from as little as £6 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Rochdale to Manchester is £6; 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 Rochdale to Manchester is 53m to travel the 16 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 Rochdale to Manchester leaves at 0:10. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Rochdale to Manchester leaves at 23:47.
Yes, there are 5 direct coaches a day from Rochdale to Manchester with Bee Network. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Rochdale to Manchester, you can count on National Express, Bee Network for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Rochdale and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Chadderton, Broadway, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Manchester, Airport, located 2 away from the city centre.
A day trip to Manchester from Rochdale is worth doing with a journey time of 53m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Rochdale and Manchester including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Rochdale to Manchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Rochdale to Manchester for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Rochdale to Manchester 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 Rochdale to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Rochdale to Manchester:
- 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 Rochdale to Manchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Rochdale to Manchester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Rochdale to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Rochdale to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Rochdale to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express.
Most popular bus connections from Rochdale
More options for your journey from Rochdale to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Rochdale
Most popular bus connections
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