Watford to Manchester bus with National Express

Wed 04 Feb
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National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Swiss Tours
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Swiss Tours
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train, flight and coach for Watford to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. 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 train costs an average of £40, and a flight costs an average of £42.

Distance: 238 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight

£61

Average Price

Cheapest

£148

Average Price

3h 6m

Average total duration

2h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 3m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 3m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.7 - 1.4kg

CO2 emissions

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

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

Compare train, flight 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.

Wed
04 Feb
Thu
05 Feb
Fri
06 Feb
Sat
07 Feb
Sun
08 Feb
Mon
09 Feb
Tue
10 Feb

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Watford to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Take a bus from Watford to Manchester and enjoy the approximately 238 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.

The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55.

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 £40
Distance
238 km
Average bus duration
5h 10m
Buses per day
6
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:55
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 £40

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Watford to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Watford to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £40. 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
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
8h 28m
Cheapest Price
£52
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.

FAQs: Watford to Manchester coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford 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
The earliest coach from Watford to Manchester leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Watford to Manchester leaves at 23:55.
There are 6 coaches a day from Watford to Manchester which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Watford to Manchester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Watford and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
The cheapest month for a coach from Watford to Manchester is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Watford and Manchester including taking a train, flight and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Watford to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Watford to Manchester for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Watford 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.
  • 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 Watford to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Watford to Manchester:
  • 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 Watford to Manchester:
  • 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 Watford 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 Watford to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Watford to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Watford to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Watford and Manchester

Watford
Manchester
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 05:00-23:30
carConnection
Car connection
Shudehill
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the interchange.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
  • Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
information
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
ShowerShower
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 00:00-23:59
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
carConnection
Car connection
Terminal Road North
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King (in the station)
  • Giraffe (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, assistance
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for Manchester, Airport
  • Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport

Most popular bus connections from Watford

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