Find London to Manchester bus tickets
Why Choose Bus from London to Manchester
Traveling from London to Manchester offers a variety of transportation options, but selecting the right one can greatly enhance your journey. Understanding the benefits of bus travel on this route can help you make an informed decision that meets your needs.
💰 Cost-Effective
pros
- Bus tickets for this route typically range from £22 to £31, making it one of the cheaper options compared to train and flight fares.
- No additional fees for luggage on most bus services, which can save you money especially if traveling with bags.
cons
- Bus travel can take longer than trains, with a journey time of approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes.
🛎️ Convenience and Accessibility
pros
- The journey starts at Victoria Coach Station, a centrally located venue, making it easily accessible for travelers in London.
- Buses operate every four hours, providing a flexible schedule that can accommodate various travelers' plans.
cons
- Bus stops may be less frequent compared to train stations, limiting options for pick-up and drop-off during your journey.
⭐ Scenic Views and Comfort
pros
- Travelers can enjoy scenic views of the English countryside during the journey, providing a more picturesque experience than flights.
- Many buses feature comfortable seating and amenities such as Wi-Fi and power outlets, enhancing the overall travel experience.
cons
- Buses can sometimes face delays due to traffic, which may impact the travel time but is part of the driving experience.
highlights:
While buses are cost-effective, they do take longer than other modes of transport such as trains or flights.
Affordable travel options that help keep budget in check.
Central departure and arrival points enhance accessibility.
Comfortable riding experience with amenities to make travel enjoyable.
Bus Options from London to Manchester
| Type | company | departure station | arrival station | departure time | arrival time | Frequency | Duration | Price Range | layover city |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct | Megabus UK | Victoria Coach Station, London | Shudehill Interchange, Manchester | 09:00, 13:00, 17:00, 21:00 | 14:10, 18:10, 22:10, 02:10 | Every 4 hours | 5h 10m | £ 22-31 | |
| Connecting | FlixBus | London Finchley Road (Stop CL), London | Shudehill Interchange, Manchester | 08:00, 12:00, 16:00, 20:00 | 12:05, 16:05, 20:05, 00:05 | Every 4 hours | 5h 15m | £ 22-31 | Birmingham |
Comparison of Bus Operators from London to Manchester
Comparing bus operators on the London to Manchester route is essential for travelers seeking the best combination of price, comfort, and convenience. Each operator offers different pricing structures, amenities, and policies which can significantly affect the travel experience. Understanding these variables helps passengers make well-informed decisions that cater to their specific needs.
| Criteria | Megabus UK | FlixBus |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | £ 22 - £ 31 | £ 25 - £ 35 |
| pricing policies | ||
| refund policy | Non-refundable tickets unless canceled 24 hours prior to departure. | Refundable tickets available with varying conditions. |
| Ticket Changes | Changes can be made up to 2 hours before departure at a fee. | Free changes up to 15 minutes before departure. |
| discounts | Discounts available for students and seniors. | Family discounts and loyalty program available. |
| amenities | Free WiFi, Power outlets, On-board restroom, Air conditioning | Free WiFi, Power outlets, On-board restroom, Comfortable seating |
| baggage allowance | ||
| free allowance | One piece of luggage up to 20kg plus one small bag. | One piece of luggage up to 25kg plus one carry-on bag. |
| Additional Fees | £5 for each additional piece of luggage. | Extra baggage costs £7 each. |
| accessibility | Wheelchair accessible buses available; please notify in advance. | All buses are equipped with ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs. |
Both Megabus UK and FlixBus provide competitive services on the London to Manchester route. Megabus UK tends to offer slightly lower price ranges but stricter ticket change policies, while FlixBus, although a bit pricier, provides greater flexibility with ticket changes and a robust discount program. Travelers should choose based on their priorities: whether they value flexibility, price, or onboard amenities.
Bus Stops and Stations from London to Manchester
Understanding bus stops and stations is essential for travelers to navigate their journey smoothly between London and Manchester.
Main Bus Stations in London
Victoria Coach Station
facilities
- Restrooms
- Waiting areas with seating
- Ticket counters and self-service kiosks
- Luggage storage lockers
- Free Wi-Fi
- Food and beverage options (cafés, vending machines)
- ATMs and currency exchange services
- Accessibility features (ramps, elevators)
Transportation Links
- Bus services from various London boroughs
- Victoria Underground Station (Circle, District, and Victoria lines)
- National Rail services (Victoria Station nearby)
- Taxi and rideshare services available outside the station
- Short-term and long-term parking facilities available
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
- Be prepared for security checks at the entrance.
- Avoid peak travel hours, particularly early morning and late afternoon.
- Explore nearby attractions like the Apollo Victoria Theatre or restaurants if you have extra time.
Main Bus Stations in Manchester
Manchester Coach Station
facilities
- Restrooms
- Waiting areas with seating
- Ticket counters and kiosks
- Luggage storage facilities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Food outlets and vending machines
- ATMs and currency exchange options
- Accessibility features (ramps, elevators)
Transportation Links
- Local bus services connecting the station to all parts of Manchester
- Piccadilly Train Station within walking distance
- Taxi ranks available outside the station
- Rideshare services available
- Nearby parking facilities for travelers with private vehicles
- Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes ahead of schedule to locate your bus and check schedules.
- Be aware of ticket validation procedures upon arrival.
- Avoid late evening arrivals to prevent long wait times for taxis.
- Visit nearby shops or cafés if you have some time after arrival.
En Route Stops
Milton Keynes Coachway
facilities
- Restrooms
- Snack bars and vending machines
- Waiting area with seating
- Free Wi-Fi
- Luggage storage space
Birmingham Coach Station
facilities
- Restrooms
- Waiting areas with seating
- Food and drink options available
- Free Wi-Fi
- Ticket counters
Familiarizing yourself with the bus stations and key stops along the route from London to Manchester will enhance your travel experience. Whether you're departing from Victoria Coach Station or arriving at Manchester Coach Station, knowing the amenities and transportation options available will ensure a seamless journey.
Travel Tips
⛰ Plan for Scenic Views
The bus route from London to Manchester offers beautiful views of the English countryside. Make sure to sit on the upper deck for the best panoramic sights, especially when passing through the Peak District National Park.
📍 Check for Refreshment Stops
Many bus services offer scheduled refreshment breaks. Take advantage of these stops to sample local snacks, especially in towns like Chester, known for its unique historic architecture and quaint shops.
🚍 Stay Updated on Events
Keep an eye on local calendars for events happening in both London and Manchester. Festivals or sports events could affect travel times and may make your journey more exciting if you plan to participate!
🎭 Bring Entertainment
Longer bus rides can get tedious, so bring books, download podcasts, or consider a travel game. The scenery may be beautiful, but it’s good to have entertainment for the stretches where the landscape becomes less engaging.
🏛 Connectivity and Charging
Most buses on this route have Wi-Fi and charging ports. Make sure to charge your devices before departure, as some rural areas may have weaker signals, and don't forget to check if your bus has these amenities available.
FAQ
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