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Belfast to Manchester from $49: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Belfast, United Kingdom
to
Manchester, United Kingdom

How to Get from Belfast to Manchester: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$49 - PlaneBest price
272.4 kmDistance
1h 31m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Belfast to Manchester with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
1h  31m
Estimated price
$59-193
Recommended
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  5m
Estimated price
$49-246
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 272.4 km
Duration: 1h 31m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
2h  19m
Estimated price
$55-246
Company
various
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
12h 
Estimated price
$65-92
Company
various
Bus
Drive
Train
Average Duration
12h  24m
Estimated price
$77-217
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
3h  28m
Estimated price
$79-321
Company
various
Train
Drive
Average Duration
11h  26m
Estimated price
$105-226
Company
various
Drive
Train
Average Duration
10h  39m
Estimated price
$158-201
Company
various
Drive
Drive
Average Duration
6h  32m
Estimated price
$205-215

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $62 $63 $63 $63 $63 $63 $63
Ferry $41 $47 $41 $43 $45 $44 $41
Fly $34 $35 $39 $34 $34 $56 $51

Traveling From Belfast to Manchester

Embarking on the route from Belfast to Manchester offers a transition from the vibrant, historical charm of Northern Ireland’s capital to the bustling urban scene and rich cultural heritage of England’s second city.

Best Neighbourhoods in Manchester

Manchester's neighborhoods offer a mix of culture, nightlife, and history.

Northern Quarter
• Vibrant art scene with independent galleries.
• Trendy cafes and vintage shops abound.
Deansgate
• Home to high-end dining and shopping options.
• Close proximity to major entertainment venues.
Ancoats
• Known for its modern eateries and craft breweries.
• Rich industrial heritage transformed into creative spaces.

Best Times To Visit Manchester's Attractions

Maximizing your experience in Manchester means timing your visits right.

Manchester Museum
Visit early on weekdays for a quieter, more focused exploration.
John Rylands Library
Afternoons during weekdays offer a peaceful atmosphere to appreciate the architecture.
The Lowry
Evenings during weekdays are less crowded, perfect for enjoying performances.

Manchester Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Manchester experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers and cool winters, with rain being a common feature throughout the year. Spring and early autumn are often the best times to visit, as the weather is generally happier and the atmosphere is lively, enhancing your travel experience.

Dining in Manchester: A Taste of Variety

Don’t miss out on trying the vibrant dessert at San Carlo, where the authentic Italian dining experience combines fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with bold flavors. This restaurant's lively ambiance and creative menu offer a thrilling contrast to the traditional fare of Belfast, making it a culinary adventure worth indulging in.

Belfast - Manchester operators

Explore transport companies operating between Belfast and Manchester, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
easyjet.com

Plane from Belfast City to Manchester

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$35-310

Plane from Belfast City to Liverpool

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$30-160

Plane from Belfast (Aldergrove) to Manchester

Average Duration
55m
Estimated price
$30-200
Website
aerlingus.com

Plane from Belfast City to Manchester

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$45-190

Plane from Belfast City to Leeds Bradford

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$50-270
Website
ryanair.com

Plane from Belfast (Aldergrove) to Manchester

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$26-250
Train
Contact phone
+353 1 836 6222
Website
irishrail.ie

Train from Belfast to Dublin Connolly

Average Duration
2h 10m
Estimated price
$17-25
Contact phone
+44 345 600 1671
Website
tpexpress.co.uk

Train from Liverpool South Parkway to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
41m
Estimated price
$13-35

Train from Leeds to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
1h 4m
Estimated price
$16-40
Contact phone
03457 125 678
Website
eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk

Train from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$14-29
Contact phone
+44 800 200 6060
Website
northernrailway.co.uk

Train from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
1h 2m
Estimated price
$9-12

Train from Chester to Manchester Victoria

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$9-13
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+44 28 9066 6630
Website
translink.co.uk

Bus from Belfast Europa Bus Centre to Glasgow Buchanan

Average Duration
6h
Estimated price
$35-50
Website
uk.megabus.com

Bus from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Manchester Shudehill Interchange

Average Duration
5h
Estimated price
$22-35
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
flixbus.de

Bus from Glasgow to Manchester

Average Duration
5h
Estimated price
$30-45
Contact phone
+353 1 903 9508
Website
dublinexpress.ie

Bus from Glengall Street to Dublin Airport

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
$9-9
Ferry
Website
steam-packet.com

Ferry from Belfast to Isle of Man Douglas

Average Duration
4h 15m
Estimated price
$69-69

Ferry from Isle of Man Douglas to Liverpool

Average Duration
2h 45m
Estimated price
$65-75
Contact phone
+353 818 300 400
Website
irishferries.com

Ferry from Dublin Terminal 1 to Holyhead

Average Duration
3h 25m
Estimated price
$40-55
Contact phone
01304 448866
Website
poferries.com

Ferry from Dublin Terminal 4 to Liverpool

Average Duration
8h
Estimated price
$50-160
Contact phone
+44 844 770 7070
Website
stenaline.co.uk

Ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan

Average Duration
2h 22m
Estimated price
0-0

Belfast to Manchester: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Belfast and Manchester offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

Useful tips for train travellers
• On the train from Belfast to Manchester, you'll typically be traveling with operators like Translink and Avanti West Coast. Check their catering services, where Avanti West Coast offers a range of snacks, sandwiches, and drinks available for purchase onboard, including vegetarian and vegan options. Translink may provide light refreshments or a cafe car, so it's sensible to pre-pack some snacks if you prefer specific dietary options.
• The trains on this route commonly feature First Class and Standard Class seating. Opting for First Class provides more spacious seating, complimentary snacks, and drinks. Meanwhile, Standard Class is comfortable and affordable, but if you're looking for a quieter environment and more amenities, First Class is worth considering. Be sure to book in advance to secure a seat type that suits your needs.
• Upon arrival at Manchester Piccadilly Station, note that there's a left luggage facility available where you can store your bags for a few hours. This can be useful if you want to explore the city before checking into your accommodation. The station also has clean restrooms and showers available, which can refresh you after your journey. To reach the city center quickly, take the tram from Piccadilly to St Peter's Square (Metro line 2), which runs frequently.
🛫 Flying from Belfast City Airport to Manchester Airport is a quick and convenient option, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour. EasyJet and Aer Lingus operate flights on this route. ✈️ The total travel time from Belfast to Manchester by plane is approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes. 💸 Flight prices between Manchester and Belfast can range from £47 to £152, offering a variety of options for travelers with different budgets.
Departure Point
Belfast City Airport
Arrival Point
Manchester Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• When booking your flight from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Manchester Airport (MAN), keep an eye on EasyJet and Aer Lingus, as both airlines offer competitive prices ranging from £44 to £145 and frequent flights throughout the day.
• Upon arrival at Manchester Airport, follow the signs for Terminal 1 for quick access to the city center; the AirLink 300 bus service offers a direct and economical route with frequent departures, costing around £5.00 and taking about 30 minutes.
• If you opt for a taxi from Manchester Airport to the city center, expect to pay approximately £20-£30 based on traffic, with the journey typically taking 20-30 minutes, depending on the time of day; ensure to check for official taxi ranks located just outside the terminals.
🚌 On this journey, you'll be traveling with Translink UK and Megabus UK, with departures from Belfast Europa Bus Centre and arrivals at Manchester Shudehill Interchange for a total travel time of approximately 12 hours. 🚌 The cost of a bus ticket between Belfast and Manchester can range from £51 to £73, offering an affordable and convenient way to explore these vibrant cities at your own pace.
Departure Point
Belfast Europa Bus Centre station
Arrival Point
Manchester Shudehill Interchange station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Take note of the transfer time in Glasgow; the average layover at Buchanan Bus Station is around 30 minutes, so check the arrival and departure schedules on the National Express website to ensure a smooth transition: nationalexpress.com
• For food options during your journey, consider packing a light snack or purchasing one from the cafeteria at Belfast Europa Bus Centre before you leave, as food options can be limited at the Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, especially during late hours.
• Upon arriving at Manchester Shudehill Interchange, be prepared to navigate the station's multiple levels; look for clear signage towards the exit and other transport connections, or consult the station map available online at tfgm.com to familiarize yourself with the layout before your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Belfast to Manchester.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Belfast and Manchester is approximately 272.0 km. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. Flying is generally the quickest option, taking about 2 hours and 33 minutes. Taking a combination of flying and train can take around 4 hours and 13 minutes, while traveling by bus can be the longest option, taking approximately 11 hours and 50 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Belfast to Manchester is by bus and ferry, which takes 11 hours and 50 minutes and costs between £47 and £74. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option is to fly, which takes only 2 hours and 33 minutes and costs between £35 and £133.
The prices for traveling from Belfast to Manchester vary depending on the mode of transportation. If you choose to fly, the average price for a one-way ticket is around £50-£70. Taking a bus is another option, with prices ranging from £50-£70 as well.
To travel from Belfast to Manchester without a car, the best option is to take a car ferry and then a train. The journey takes approximately 9 hours and 15 minutes and costs between £102 and £141. The car ferry departs from Belfast Port and arrives at Liverpool Port.
No, there is no direct link between Belfast and Manchester via bus. However, there are bus services available that depart from Belfast Europa Bus Centre and arrive at Shudehill Interchange via Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow. The journey with transfers takes approximately 11 hours and 50 minutes. These bus services are operated by Translink UK and Megabus UK.
The flight between Belfast and Manchester typically takes around 1 hour. The cost of a flight between the two cities can range from £38 to £131, depending on the airline and time of booking.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Manchester with over 1539 hotels available. Prices start at £23, making it easy to find something to fit your budget.

Trips from Belfast

Trips to Manchester