1map logoGo to main page

Manchester to Glasgow from $24: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Manchester, United Kingdom
to
Glasgow, United Kingdom

How to Get from Manchester to Glasgow: 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.

$24 RideshareBest price
296.3 kmDistance
3h 2m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Manchester to Glasgow 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
TransPennine Express Service
Train
Average Duration
3h  15m
Estimated price
$45-120
Recommended
Company
various
Rideshare
Average Duration
4h  11m
Estimated price
$24-35
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 296.3 km
Duration: 3h 2m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
Megabus UK
Bus
Average Duration
5h 
Estimated price
$30-45
Company
TransPennine Express Service
Train
Average Duration
3h  25m
Estimated price
$45-120
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
3h  37m
Estimated price
$49-263
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  10m
Estimated price
$67-249
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  35m
Estimated price
$70-110
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
4h  50m
Estimated price
$76-270
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
4h  7m
Estimated price
$78-212
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
3h  2m
Estimated price
$89-241

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $13 $13 $12 $14 $14 $13 $14
Train $22 $21 $21 $25 $25 $26 $27

Traveling From Manchester to Glasgow

Journeying from Manchester to Glasgow offers a fascinating contrast, with Manchester's industrial vibrancy juxtaposed against Glasgow's rich cultural tapestry and artistic flair.

Best Neighbourhoods in Glasgow

Glasgow boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences and charm.

West End
• Home to the famous Kelvingrove Park.
• Vibrant café and bar scene along Ashton Lane.
Merchant City
• Renowned for its upscale dining and shopping.
• Rich history showcased in stunning Victorian architecture.
Buchanan Street
• Major shopping destination with high-end brands.
• Bustling atmosphere with street performers and events.

Best Times To Visit Glasgow's Attractions

Timing your visits to Glasgow's attractions can elevate your experience by avoiding crowds and enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Visit early in the morning or late afternoons on weekdays for a peaceful experience.
Glasgow Science Centre
Weekdays during school hours offer fewer visitors and shorter queues.
Buchanan Street
Early mornings on weekends provide a quieter shopping experience before the crowds arrive.

Glasgow Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Glasgow experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild temperatures and frequent rain throughout the year. Spring and early autumn typically offer the best weather for travel, as you’ll enjoy more sunshine and pleasant conditions for exploring the city.

Dining in Glasgow: A Culinary Contrast

For an unforgettable dining experience, try haggis at 'Ubiquitous Chip,' a restaurant that beautifully highlights Glasgow’s commitment to local ingredients and traditional flavors, setting it apart from Manchester’s more diverse culinary scene. The vibrant atmosphere and Scottish hospitality add to the uniqueness, inviting you to savor dishes that tell a story of the region.

Manchester - Glasgow operators

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

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+44 345 600 1671
Website
https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/

Train from Manchester Oxford Road to Glasgow Central

Average Duration
3h 15m
Estimated price
$45-120

Train from Manchester Oxford Road to Preston

Average Duration
35m
Estimated price
$13-35

Train from Preston to Glasgow Central

Average Duration
2h 36m
Estimated price
$40-110

Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Glasgow Central

Average Duration
3h 25m
Estimated price
$45-120

Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Liverpool South Parkway

Average Duration
42m
Estimated price
$13-35
Contact phone
+44 800 200 6060
Website
https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/

Train from Manchester Oxford Road to Preston

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$8-11
Contact phone
00 44 345 528 0253
Website
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/

Train from Preston to Glasgow Central

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
$90-230
Contact phone
03457 125 678
Website
https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/

Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Liverpool South Parkway

Average Duration
39m
Estimated price
$11-27
Bus Show bus routes
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Manchester Shudehill Interchange to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station

Average Duration
5h
Estimated price
$22-35

Bus from Edinburgh Airport Arrivals Terminal to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station

Average Duration
58m
Estimated price
$11-16
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Manchester to Glasgow

Average Duration
5h
Estimated price
$30-45
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk

Other from Manchester to Glasgow

Average Duration
4h 11m
Estimated price
$24-35
Website
aerlingus.com

Other from Manchester to Glasgow

Average Duration
3h 40m
Estimated price
$180-650
Plane Show flights
Website
easyjet.com

Plane from Manchester (MAN) to Glasgow (GLA)

Average Duration
4h 10m
Estimated price
$67-249
Website
britishairways.com

Plane from Manchester to Glasgow

Average Duration
2h 45m
Estimated price
$180-650
Website
ryanair.com

Plane from Manchester to Glasgow

Average Duration
3h 11m
Estimated price
$30-250

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

Traveling between Manchester and Glasgow 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.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Manchester to Glasgow spanning 352.4 km, offering picturesque views of the British countryside along the way. 💷 Enjoy flexible pricing ranging from £55 to £87 for a car journey from Manchester to Glasgow, offering an economical and convenient travel option that suits various budgets.
Average price
£54 - £85
🕒 The journey duration typically takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, allowing travelers to reach Glasgow from Manchester in a reasonable amount of time. 💷 Ticket prices for the Manchester to Glasgow train vary between £36 to £95, offering passengers flexibility in choosing the fare that best suits their budget and travel preferences.
Departure Point
Manchester Oxford Road station
Arrival Point
Glasgow Central station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Manchester to Glasgow, you will primarily be traveling with Avanti West Coast or TransPennine Express. Avanti West Coast offers onboard dining services, which include a selection of snacks, light meals, and beverages available for purchase. They also have a First Class option that includes complimentary food and drinks, while TransPennine Express provides a trolley service with snacks and drinks but at a more limited capacity.
• For this route, seating options vary depending on the operator. Avanti West Coast offers Standard Class and First Class. In Standard Class, you'll find both quiet and standard coaches that provide varying levels of comfort. First Class seats are more spacious and come with dedicated services such as free Wi-Fi and power outlets. TransPennine Express also provides Standard and First Class seats, with Standard Class being more economical and First Class offering complimentary snacks and beverages.
• When you arrive at Glasgow Central Station, you can easily navigate through the station as it is well-signposted. There are facilities for leaving luggage at the station, as well as restrooms available for use. Take note that there aren't showers at Glasgow Central. The fastest way to reach Glasgow city center is by taking the Subway from the station; you can catch the Glasgow Subway from St Enoch Station, which is a 10-minute walk away. The line to catch is the Circle Line, and it runs every few minutes. Alternatively, taxi services are readily available outside the station.
🌍 The quickest flight from Manchester Airport to Glasgow Airport typically takes around 2 hours and 35 minutes, making it a relatively efficient way to travel between these two UK cities. 💸 Flight prices between Manchester and Glasgow can vary, with tickets usually costing between £53 and £197 for a one-way trip, taking about 4 hours and 10 minutes to complete the journey.
Departure Point
Manchester Airport
Arrival Point
Glasgow Airport. The quickest flight takes 2h 35m and has one stopover
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Plan for layovers: Since there are no direct flights from Manchester to Glasgow, it’s key to book with airlines like KLM, Ryanair, or Aer Lingus that offer smooth connections and check the layover times to avoid long waits.
• Navigating Glasgow Airport: Upon arrival at Glasgow Airport, expect a straightforward transit through immigration and customs; take follow-up signage to the taxi stands located right outside, which often have helpful staff if you need assistance.
• Taxi fares from Glasgow Airport to the city center generally range from £25 to £35, depending on traffic, so consider this when budgeting or choosing public transport options like the Glasgow Airport Express bus service, which costs around £8 and runs frequently.
🚌 The journey from Manchester to Glasgow by bus is direct and convenient, with services departing twice daily from Manchester Shudehill Interchange and arriving at Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station. The trip takes approximately 5 hours. 🛣️ Enjoy a comfortable ride with Megabus UK as you travel through the picturesque landscapes between Manchester and Glasgow. Experience the convenience of bus travel with affordable ticket prices ranging from £24 to £36 for this route. 🏴🚌🏴 Explore the bustling city of Glasgow from Manchester with ease by hopping on a bus. Sit back, relax, and take in the sights as you embark on this scenic 5-hour journey between two vibrant destinations in the UK.
Departure Point
Manchester Shudehill Interchange station
Arrival Point
Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Arrive early at Manchester Shudehill Interchange, as it can get busy; take some time to explore the grab-and-go food options available there, like Pret a Manger, before your 5-hour journey.
• During the bus ride, be sure to charge your devices, as some Megabus services provide power outlets; check ahead to ensure your coach is equipped with this amenity.
• Upon arriving at Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, look for the visitor information desk on the ground floor, where you can find helpful maps and instructions for navigating the city—it's a hub for multiple transport connections.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Manchester to Glasgow.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Manchester and Glasgow is approximately 296.1 km or 351.6 km by road. By train, it takes around 3 hours and 17 minutes to travel between the two cities. Another option is to fly from Manchester to Edinburgh and then take a bus, which typically takes 5 hours and 20 minutes. By car, it takes about 3 hours and 35 minutes to travel from Glasgow to Manchester, while the bus journey takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes.
The most cost-effective way to travel from Manchester to Glasgow is by rideshare, which can cost between £18-£27 and takes approximately 4 hours and 11 minutes. This option allows for cost sharing with other passengers, making it a budget-friendly choice. However, for those looking for the quickest option, taking a train is recommended, which costs between £78-£188 and takes 3 hours and 17 minutes.
The prices for a train journey between Manchester and Glasgow range from £78 to £188. On the other hand, the prices for a bus journey between the two cities vary from £20 to £43.
To travel from Manchester to Glasgow without using public transportation, you can consider using BlaBlaCar's carpooling service. It offers rideshare options between both cities, making it a convenient choice if you don't have a driver's license or wish to avoid public transport. The driving distance between Manchester and Glasgow is approximately 352.4 km, with an estimated travel time of around 3 hours and 35 minutes. Depending on the car and driver, prices for the journey can range from £55 to £86.
The best way to travel from Manchester to Glasgow without a car is by train, which takes about 3 hours and 17 minutes and costs £78-£188. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes and costs £20-£43. Another option is flying, which takes approximately 4 hours and 24 minutes and costs £27-£173.
Yes, there is a direct link between Manchester and Glasgow. There are direct trains departing from Manchester Oxford Road to Glasgow Central three times a day, with a journey time of approximately 3 hours and 17 minutes. Additionally, there are direct buses departing from Shudehill Interchange in Manchester to Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow four times a day, with a journey time of approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
The flight duration between Manchester and Glasgow typically takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes, but there are no direct flights available. Passengers will need to make a stopover during the journey. The cost of the flight can vary between £27 and £167, depending on the airline and the time of booking.
There are numerous options for accommodation near Glasgow with over 874 hotels available. Prices for these hotels start at £47. Some popular areas to stay include the city center, where you can find a range of hotels from budget to luxury, as well as the West End and Merchant City districts.

Trips from Manchester

Trips to Glasgow