- 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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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Watford to Manchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£42
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£42
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
4 h 50 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
4 h 50 m
Buses on 19 Sept
1
Distance
238 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Watford to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Watford to Manchester will cost around £42 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £42.
Fast coaches
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 1 buses from Watford to Manchester, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 238 km distance in an average of 4 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 50 m .
The slowest buses will take 4 h 50 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.
8:154h50Watford13:05Manchester£421One-way0 changes
- 8:154h50Watford13:05Manchester£421One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, flight and coach for Watford to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Watford to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £72 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 56m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £72, while a flight costs an average of £322.
Distance: 238 km
Compare flight with
Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£322 Average Price | £72 Average Price Cheapest | £58 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 52m Average total duration 1h 52m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.4kg 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 cheapest way to travel from Watford to Manchester is a train with an average price of £39.
This is compared to other travel options from Watford to Manchester:
A train is £22 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Watford to Manchester costing on average £61.
A train is £40 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Watford to Manchester costing on average £79.
The fastest way to travel from Watford to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 2m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 50m.
Coach takes on average 6h 21m.
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.
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 £61 compared to roughly £58 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-3.20. The journey takes 6h 21m versus 3h 30m 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.
Live departures
Watford to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Watford to Manchester coaches for today, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:15 Watford | 4h50 | 12:05 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Watford to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
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 £14
Distance 238 km |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £14
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.
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.
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.
When taking a coach from Watford to Manchester, you can count on National Express, Uno, Arriva UK 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.
When departing from Watford , you have various coach station options to start your route from including London, Victoria Coach Station, London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant), Hemel Hempstead, Bridge Street . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your route in coach stations like Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Manchester, Airport.Passengers board the coach most frequently from London, Victoria Coach Station, which is located around 2 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, located 0 away from the city centre.
The cheapest month for a coach from Watford to Manchester is April.
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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Watford to Manchester for coach company National Express.
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.
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 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.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Watford to Manchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Watford to Manchester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Watford to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Watford to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Watford to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Watford and Manchester
Most Watford to Manchester buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. Use this guide to compare Watford and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Watford
Arrival bus stations in Manchester
Which Manchester station do buses from Watford arrive at?
Buses from Watford to Manchester most often arrive at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Some services arrive at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Manchester arrival station.
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre
Bus163, 118, 119, 18, 112, 114, 117, 81 · 3m · £2 · every ~69 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 2m · £2 · every ~23 min
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane EastMoss Ln E & Princess Rd, Manchester M15 6LD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus101, 15, 103, 102 · 14m · £2 · every ~31 min
Uk023, Ukn23, Uk071 · 21m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East bus station facilities and services
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 and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. ATMs are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Accessible for wheelchairs.
Manchester, AirportManchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £5 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min
Manchester, Airport bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Most popular bus connections from Watford
More options for your journey from Watford to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Watford
Most popular bus connections
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