Sunderland to Manchester bus with National Express

Mon 24 Aug
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Sunderland to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 24 Aug

Cheapest price

£11

Average price

£19

Fastest journey

3 h 15 m

Average duration

3 h 22 m

Buses per day

10

Distance

168 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Sunderland to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Sunderland to Manchester will cost around £19 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £11.

Fast coaches

Of the 10 buses that leave Sunderland for Manchester every day 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 168 km distance in an average of 3 h 22 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 15 m .

The slowest buses will take 3 h 40 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    18:053h15
    Sunderland, Interchange
    21:20Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    £111One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    14:253h15
    Sunderland, Interchange
    17:40Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    £111One-way
    0 changes
  • National ExpressNX172
    13:303h40
    Sunderland, Interchange
    17:10Manchester, Coach Station
    £131One-way
    0 changes
  • National ExpressNX172
    18:053h25
    Sunderland, Interchange
    21:30Manchester, Coach Station
    £151One-way
    0 changes
  • National ExpressNX172
    5:303h50
    Sunderland, Interchange
    9:20Manchester, Coach Station
    £161One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Sunderland to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Sunderland to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 29m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, and a flight costs an average of £99.

Distance: 168 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train
Flight

£13

Average Price

Cheapest

£48

Average Price

£269

Average Price

3h 59m

Average total duration

3h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 59m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

13h 32m

Average total duration

10h 32m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Sunderland to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Sunderland to Manchester coaches for today, Sunday 23 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX133 · NX1707:25 Sunderland, Interchange
4h50
12:15 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX426 · NX1707:45 Sunderland, Interchange
4h30
12:15 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX1728:55 Sunderland, Interchange
3h55
12:50 Manchester, Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX426 · NX1709:00 Sunderland, Interchange
4h25
13:25 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX133 · NX17010:15 Sunderland, Interchange
4h15
14:30 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
FlixBusFlixBus10:55 Sunderland, Interchange
3h15
14:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX426 · NX17012:20 Sunderland, Interchange
4h20
16:40 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX17213:30 Sunderland, Interchange
3h40
17:10 Manchester, Coach Station0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus14:25 Sunderland, Interchange
3h15
17:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX426 · NX17015:30 Sunderland, Interchange
4h35
20:05 Manchester, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressNX17218:05 Sunderland, Interchange
3h25
21:30 Manchester, Coach Station0 changesdirect
FlixBusFlixBus18:05 Sunderland, Interchange
3h15
21:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 changesdirect
Monday 24 August
National ExpressNX1720:05 Sunderland, Interchange
3h45
3:50 Manchester, Coach Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX1725:30 Sunderland, Interchange
3h50
9:20 Manchester, Coach Station0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Sunderland to Manchester by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach 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.

Mon
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug

Why should you book Sunderland to Manchester coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus, Megabus, Go North East and more offer coaches services from Sunderland to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sunderland 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 FlixBus, Megabus or Go North East to find the best option for your trip from Sunderland 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sunderland to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, Megabus or Go North East to find the best option for your trip from Sunderland to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Sunderland to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Sunderland to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Sunderland to Manchester run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.

There are 7 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest coach covers the 168 km distance in 3h 15m.

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
168 km
Average bus duration
3h 29m
Cheapest ticket price
£8
Buses per day
11
Direct buses
7
Fastest bus
3h 15m
First bus
0:01
Last bus
23:56
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
35 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

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Go North East from Sunderland to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Sunderland to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Go North East for as low as £8. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Price
£8
FlixBus frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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 Duration
3h 25m
Cheapest Price
£12
National Express frequency
8 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.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 45m
Cheapest Price
£10
Megabus frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

Go North East

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 9m
Go North East frequency
1 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

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.

  • 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.

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.

Coaches from Sunderland to Manchester

There are regular and fast coach services from Sunderland to Manchester. There are departures from the early morning until the late afternoon seven days a week. The journey takes about three hours for the fastest direct coach services and just over five hours for the slowest indirect journeys, requiring a change in Leeds.

Which coach companies travel from Sunderland to Manchester?

National Express is the sole provider of coaches for journeys from Sunderland to Manchester. The company runs all of the direct journeys between the two cities, as well as those requiring a change in Leeds. No other bus companies operate on this route.

How long is the coach from Sunderland to Manchester?

The fastest coaches from Sunderland arrive in Manchester in just over three hours. Slower direct journeys can take up to three hours and 45 minutes, depending on the time of departure from Sunderland. Indirect journeys, requiring a change in Leeds, can take more than five hours.

 

How many coaches are there from Sunderland to Manchester?

The first coaches leave Sunderland for Manchester early every morning, seven days a week. After that, there are departures at least every three hours until the early evening, with at least seven departures each day. At weekends, there are ten departures on both Saturdays and Sundays. There is a late evening departure on Sundays that arrives in the early morning hours.

 

What are the departure and arrival stations for coaches from Sunderland to Manchester?

Departure coach station: Sunderland Park Lane is the departure point for all of these coach journeys to Manchester. This large, modern transport interchange is in the city centre with links on the Tyne and Wear Metro service to other parts of the city as well as bus stops for local services. Sunderland's mainline railway station is a ten-minute walk away. Facilities at Sunderland Park Lane include public toilets and a cafe as well as a range of shops.

Arrival coach station: Manchester Coach Station is the arrival point for all coach journeys from Sunderland. This modern bus station is in the city centre. Among the facilities at Manchester Coach Station are a cash point, public toilets, a coffee shop, newsagents and car parking. There are local bus stops at the coach station and tram services are within walking distance. Manchester's Piccadilly Railway Station is a ten-minute walk away.

FAQs: Sunderland to Manchester coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sunderland 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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Sunderland to Manchester can start from as little as £8 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Sunderland to Manchester is £13; 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 Sunderland to Manchester is 3h 15m to travel the 168 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 Sunderland to Manchester leaves at 0:01. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Sunderland to Manchester leaves at 23:56.
Yes, there are 7 direct coaches a day from Sunderland to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Sunderland to Manchester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Go North East for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Sunderland and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Sunderland , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Sunderland, Interchange, Newcastle upon Tyne, John Dobson Street, Durham, University - Palatine Centre . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your route in coach stations like Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Airport, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Sunderland, Interchange, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Manchester, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Manchester from Sunderland is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Sunderland to Manchester is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Sunderland and Manchester including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Sunderland to Manchester:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Sunderland to Manchester for coach company National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Sunderland to Manchester depends on the coach companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • 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.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
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 Sunderland to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Sunderland to Manchester:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Sunderland to Manchester:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Sunderland to Manchester. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Sunderland to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Sunderland to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Sunderland to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Sunderland and Manchester

Most Sunderland to Manchester buses use the Sunderland, Interchange to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare Sunderland and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Sunderland
Arrival bus stations in Manchester

Which Sunderland station do buses to Manchester leave from?

Buses from Sunderland to Manchester leave from Sunderland, Interchange. The station is from Sunderland city centre at Sunderland Interchange, Sunderland SR1 3NX, UK.
Sunderland, InterchangeSunderland Interchange, Sunderland SR1 3NX, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Sunderland, Interchange from Sunderland city centre

Bus35, 24, 61, 32, 36, 62, 63, 700N · 4m · every ~30 min
SubwayGrn · 1m · £4 · every ~19 min

Sunderland, Interchange bus station facilities and services

Sunderland, Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Fast food outlets available.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free WiFi available in waiting areas. ATMs are located near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Sunderland, Interchange.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Sunderland, Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Sunderland, Interchange: Step-free access throughout.

More options for your journey from Sunderland to Manchester

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

HomeCoachesCoach tickets to Manchester Sunderland to Manchester bus

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