Manchester, Greater Manchester to Norwich, Norfolk from $23: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• On your train journey from Manchester to Norwich, you will likely be traveling on an Abellio Greater Anglia or East Midlands Railway service. Both operators provide on-board catering services, including a selection of snacks and drinks. East Midlands Railway offers a trolley service with refreshments, while Abellio Greater Anglia has a café bar, where you can purchase hot and cold beverages and light meals.

• The train services on this route typically offer First Class and Standard (Economy) seating. In First Class, you'll enjoy more spacious seating, complimentary refreshments, and enhanced comfort. Standard seating is more economical while still providing a good level of comfort. Make sure to check the specific service you are booking; you can reserve seats in advance, which is recommended during peak travel times.

• The main operators for the Manchester to Norwich route include Abellio Greater Anglia (greateranglia.co.uk) and East Midlands Railway (eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk). You can check their respective websites for trains and ticket availability. Additionally, for local transport options upon arrival in Norwich, visit the Norwich City Council website for bus schedules: (norwich.gov.uk) Upon arrival at Norwich station, expect to easily navigate the station, which has well-marked signs and information desks, and you can leave your luggage in the temporary storage facility run by the station.

• Plan your flight carefully as there are no direct flights from Manchester to Norwich; look for routes with the quickest stopovers, ideally with EasyJet or Loganair, to minimize travel time.

• Upon arriving at Norwich Airport, you will find it compact and easy to navigate; check the signage for ground transportation options, and consider using the shuttle bus to the city center for a seamless transition.

• Expect taxi fares from Norwich Airport to the city center to cost around £25-£30; alternatively, check out local buses like the X1 service for a budget-friendly option.

• Plan to arrive at Manchester Shudehill Interchange at least 15-30 minutes early to find your bus easily and settle in for the 6-hour 30-minute journey to Norwich.

• Bring snacks and drinks for the trip, as the service operated by Megabus UK doesn’t provide refreshments; consider packing something light and hydrating.

• Upon arriving at Norwich Central Bus Station, take a moment to explore the surroundings; the station is centrally located, with easy access to local transport services like buses and taxis, and nearby attractions such as the Forum and the Norwich Market, which is just a short walk away.