- 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.
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
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.
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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX172
NX172
NX172
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX172
NX172Omio 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
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.
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX133 · NX170 | 7:25 Sunderland, Interchange | 4h50 | 12:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX426 · NX170 | 7:45 Sunderland, Interchange | 4h30 | 12:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX172 | 8:55 Sunderland, Interchange | 3h55 | 12:50 Manchester, Coach Station | 0 changesdirect | |
NX426 · NX170 | 9:00 Sunderland, Interchange | 4h25 | 13:25 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX133 · NX170 | 10:15 Sunderland, Interchange | 4h15 | 14:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 10:55 Sunderland, Interchange | 3h15 | 14:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
NX426 · NX170 | 12:20 Sunderland, Interchange | 4h20 | 16:40 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX172 | 13:30 Sunderland, Interchange | 3h40 | 17:10 Manchester, Coach Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 14:25 Sunderland, Interchange | 3h15 | 17:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
NX426 · NX170 | 15:30 Sunderland, Interchange | 4h35 | 20:05 Manchester, Coach Station | 1 change | |
NX172 | 18:05 Sunderland, Interchange | 3h25 | 21:30 Manchester, Coach Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 18:05 Sunderland, Interchange | 3h15 | 21:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 24 August | |||||
NX172 | 0:05 Sunderland, Interchange | 3h45 | 3:50 Manchester, Coach Station | 0 changesdirect | |
NX172 | 5:30 Sunderland, Interchange | 3h50 | 9:20 Manchester, Coach Station | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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.
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 |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
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.
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.
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
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.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport Train Station -> Manchester Piccadilly
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
Sunderland, Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets available.
Free WiFi available in waiting areas. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Sunderland, Interchange.
Available at Sunderland, Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sunderland, Interchange: Step-free access throughout.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need