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Luton (Bedfordshire) to Manchester from $30: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Luton (Bedfordshire), United Kingdom
to
Manchester, United Kingdom

How to Get from Luton 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.

$30 by busBest price
215 milesDistance
2h 54m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Luton (Bedfordshire) 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
Thameslink, East Midlands Railways, London Underground (Tube) and others
Train
Average Duration
3h  12m
Estimated price
$99-262
Recommended
Company
Green Line, Megabus UK
Bus
Average Duration
6h  43m
Estimated price
$30-43
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 215 miles
Duration: 2h 54m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  34m
Estimated price
$41-248
Company
Various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
5h  37m
Estimated price
$47-281
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
2h  54m
Estimated price
$55-80
Company
Various
Train
Average Duration
4h  34m
Estimated price
$69-127
Company
Thameslink, Various Airlines
Train
Plane
Average Duration
3h  56m
Estimated price
$85-300

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Bus $22 $24 $15 $22 $24 $21 $18
Train $112 $85 $85 $85 $79 $84 $73
Fly $92 $89 $91 $100 $85 $70 $100
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Luton (Bedfordshire) to Manchester

The journey from Luton to Manchester takes you from the charming landscapes of Bedfordshire to the vibrant energy of a bustling northern city, where culture and history intertwine.

Best Neighbourhoods in Manchester

Manchester features a variety of neighborhoods, each with distinct character and charm.

Northern Quarter
• Known for its indie shops and vibrant street art.
• Offers a bustling nightlife with unique bars and music venues.
Deansgate
• Home to high-end restaurants and chic boutiques.
• Features iconic landmarks like the Beetham Tower.
Ancoats
• Famous for its trendy eateries and coffee shops.
• Blends industrial heritage with modern living spaces.

Best Times To Visit Manchester's Attractions

Maximize your enjoyment of Manchester's attractions by choosing the right times for your visit.

Manchester Art Gallery
Visit on weekdays during the morning for a quieter experience.
National Football Museum
Afternoons on weekdays tend to be less crowded, allowing for a relaxed tour.
John Rylands Library
Early mornings or late afternoons provide a serene atmosphere for exploration.

Manchester Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Manchester experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers and cool winters with frequent rainfall. The best times to visit are late spring and early autumn, when the weather is generally more pleasant, enhancing your travel experience as you explore the city's vibrant outdoor spaces.

Dining in Manchester: A Culinary Adventure

The vibrant city of Manchester invites you to try the renowned Lancashire hotpot at the historic restaurant, The Northern Quarter. This dish, rich in flavors and deeply rooted in local tradition, showcases a stark contrast to Luton’s culinary scene, as you savor the warm, hearty goodness made from locally sourced ingredients in a lively atmosphere that embodies the city's character.

Luton (Bedfordshire) - Manchester operators

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

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
0345 026 4700
Website
https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/

Train from Luton to London St Pancras Intl

Average Duration
36m
Estimated price
$19-40

Train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
$85-220
Contact phone
03457 125 678
Website
https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/

Train from Luton to London St Pancras Intl

Average Duration
26m
Estimated price
$12-27

Train from Luton to Kettering

Average Duration
35m
Estimated price
$17-35

Train from Kettering to Nottingham

Average Duration
58m
Estimated price
$22-40

Train from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
$30-55
Contact phone
00 44 345 528 0253
Website
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/

Train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
$85-220
Contact phone
+44 345 600 1671
Website
https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/

Train from Liverpool South Parkway to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
41m
Estimated price
$13-35
Contact phone
+44 800 200 6060
Website
https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/

Train from Liverpool South Parkway to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$8-11
Bus Show bus routes

Bus from Luton Station Interchange to Finchley Road Station

Average Duration
1h 8m
Estimated price
$0-0
Contact phone
0344 800 44 11
Website
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/

Bus from Luton Station Interchange to London Finchley Road

Average Duration
1h 4m
Estimated price
$2-15
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Finchley Road Station to Shudehill Interchange

Average Duration
4h 35m
Estimated price
$20-28
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from London Finchley Road to Manchester

Average Duration
4h 50m
Estimated price
$27-40
Plane Show flights
Website
easyjet.com

Plane from London Luton (LTN) to Manchester (MAN)

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$70-310
Website
britishairways.com

Plane from London Heathrow to Manchester

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
$55-330
Website
ryanair.com

Plane from London Luton to Manchester

Average Duration
3h 41m
Estimated price
$35-340

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

Traveling between Luton (Bedfordshire) 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.

🚗 Embark on a picturesque road journey from Luton to Manchester, covering a distance of 272.0 km in just under 3 hours. 💸 Experience budget-friendly travel with car prices ranging from £43 to £63 for the scenic drive between these two vibrant British cities.
Average price
£43 - £62
🚆 To travel by train from Luton to Manchester, you will need to make a couple of transfers. The journey involves changing trains at King's Cross St. Pancras station and London Euston, with a total travel time of approximately 3 hours and 12 minutes. 🚆 Ticket prices for trains between Luton and Manchester typically range from £78 to £207, depending on the class of travel and availability.
Departure Point
Luton station
Arrival Point
Manchester Piccadilly station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your train journey from Luton to Manchester vary by operator. For example, Avanti West Coast provides a catering service offering light snacks, hot meals, and beverages, while East Midlands Railway often includes a trolley service with drinks and snacks. Be sure to check the timetable for any dining options if you're planning to enjoy a meal during your journey.
• When booking your ticket, consider the seating options available on your chosen train line. Avanti West Coast offers First Class, Business Class, and Standard Class; First Class receives complimentary food and drink service, while Standard Class has comfortable seating without the extras. Meanwhile, East Midlands Railway primarily features Standard Class, but you might find some trains with a First Class section with added legroom and quiet surroundings. For schedules and seat details, visit their websites: Avanti West Coast and East Midlands Railway.
• Upon your arrival at Manchester Piccadilly, familiarize yourself with the station layout. There are luggage storage facilities in the Ground Floor concourse where you can leave your bags for a few hours. The station also has public restrooms, but showers are not available. For the fastest connection to the city center, use the Metrolink tram service; simply board the service to 'Monsall' or any line heading towards the city center (Lines 1, 2, or 3), which runs frequently every 12 minutes.
🛫 For a quick and convenient journey, consider taking a direct flight from London Heathrow Airport to Manchester Airport, which only takes 1 hour with British Airways. 🌆 The flight duration from Luton to Manchester is approximately 4 hours and 34 minutes, offering a smooth transition to the vibrant city from the scenic town. 💸 Prices for flights between Manchester and Luton can range from £32 to £196, providing flexibility for travelers with different budget preferences.
Departure Point
London Heathrow Airport
Arrival Point
Manchester Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Although Luton Airport is primarily known for budget airlines, check if your direct flight to Manchester is with operators like EasyJet or Wizz Air, as they often have favorable fare deals that can be significantly cheaper than traditional carriers.
• Upon your arrival at Manchester Airport, navigating through Terminal 2 is relatively straightforward; follow the 'Arrivals' signs, and be prepared for passport control where lines can vary, especially during peak travel hours.
• Expect to pay around £20-£30 for a taxi from Manchester Airport to the city center, but consider using Metrolink trams for a cost-effective and efficient alternative; you can check schedules at Transport for Greater Manchester.
🚌 While there is no direct bus from Luton to Manchester, travelers can take a route that involves transfers at stations such as Finchley Road. 🛤️ The journey by bus from Luton to Manchester, including transfers, typically lasts around 6 hours and 43 minutes, providing a scenic way to travel between the two cities. 💷 Ticket prices for the bus service between Luton and Manchester range from £24 to £34, offering an affordable transportation option for those looking to explore both locations.
Departure Point
Luton Station Interchange
Arrival Point
Shudehill Interchange station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Consider booking your ticket in advance with Megabus UK or Green Line, as prices can range from £23 to £33, and early booking often secures the best rates; you can check schedules and book tickets on their respective websites: Megabus UK and Green Line.
• Since your journey involves a transfer at Finchley Road, ensure you have sufficient time to change buses; keep an eye on the bus schedule displayed at Luton Station Interchange and familiarize yourself with Finchley Road bus station layout to avoid any confusion during the transfer.
• Upon arrival at Shudehill Interchange in Manchester, navigate easily by following the signs for local transport; Shudehill is conveniently located near key areas such as the Northern Quarter and Piccadilly Gardens, making it an excellent spot to plan your next steps in the city.

Trips from Luton (Bedfordshire)

Trips to Manchester