Cheap bus tickets from Bristol to Manchester
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Bus from Bristol to Manchester: Journey Information
There are 9 intercity buses per day from Bristol to Manchester. Travelling by bus from Bristol to Manchester usually takes around 5 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest National Express bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 30 minutes.
- Distance
- 141 mi (227 km)
- Shortest duration
- 4h 30m
- Cheapest price
- $25.93
- Trips per day
- 9
- Most frequent service
- National Express
- Bus lines
- 1
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Bristol to Manchester Bus Schedule

There are several bus options that can take you from Bristol to Manchester:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Bristol to Manchester?
Bus tickets for a trip from Bristol to Manchester cost about $32 when you book at the cheapest time, 15 days ahead. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Bristol to Manchester by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Bristol to Manchester in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $34 to $51. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 5, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Manchester this week, bus tickets are available starting at $34.
Average bus ticket prices from Bristol to Manchester by month
Taking the bus from Bristol to Manchester is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $41. If you're planning to take the bus from Bristol to Manchester during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $66. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 15 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $16.55 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Bristol to Manchester?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Bristol to Manchester. National Express connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Express | 9 | 5h 21m | $44.90 |
National Express is probably the UK's best-known bus company, offering intercity services to London, Manchester, Southampton, and Edinburgh. Onboard the single and double-decker vehicles, travellers enjoy a good amount of legroom – roomier than airlines have in coach class – alongside WiFi, washrooms, and air conditioning.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by bus from Bristol to Manchester
There are 9 scheduled buses that travel from Bristol to Manchester every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Trips per day
9
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 5 hours and 21 minutes to cover the 227 kilometres from Bristol to Manchester. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 30 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Distance (mi)
141
Distance (km)
227
The first bus leaves at 6:15 a.m. and the last bus leaves at 7:40 p.m. To see the times for all buses from Bristol to Manchester, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
6:15am
Latest bus
7:40pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Manchester at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
Most crowded
Sunday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
Bristol



Situated on the River Avon, Bristol is the most populous city in South West England. Known for its vibrant culture, Bristol comprises distinct areas, each with its own atmosphere. For example, the Stokes Croft area is filled with independent cafes and vintage shops, while the Clifton suburb hosts unique boutiques and beautiful Georgian architecture.
Bristol Zoo Project, the 136-acre successor to the Clifton zoo that closed in 2022, is a must-see for animal lovers, just north of the city beside the M5. If nautical history is your thing, then step aboard Brunel's SS Great Britain to immerse yourself in 19th-century-era travel, with tours of the whole ship and docks available. More contemporary interests may be piqued when you learn that Bristol is the hometown of the famous street artist Banksy. Many walking tours are available daily to explore the city's renowned street art and local history.
Access to the city is made simple by a wealth of public transport, with rail, road, bus, and air links available. Bristol Airport provides international and national access, and the Great Western Railway trains enable easy access from London and other cities. Several national and regional bus services also serve Bristol.
Manchester



Most recognizable for its world-famous football team, Manchester is a modern, vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions that will appeal to explorers of all kinds. Often referred to as “The Capital of the North,” Manchester is also known for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Visitors can relive this booming era by taking a trip to the Science and Industry Museum to see how this previously small town changed the world's ideas of industry and manufacturing forever. These days, Manchester is famous for its music and art scene, with it being the birthplace of bands like The Smiths and Oasis.
Art and music-lovers may want to visit Afflecks, a vast and eclectic emporium of all things indie and grunge, to purchase records, artwork, and memorabilia, among many other things. Manchester is also home to 15 parks and gardens, with Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens among the most popular. This park provides a beautiful setting for picnics and scenic walks, perfect for when you need an escape from the bustling city.
And if you really are only here for the football, both Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium are stops on our itinerary to visit every premier league stadium in England.
With three large train stations—Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Victoria—Manchester is easily accessible via rail. National Express and Megabus coaches also allow access from all over the country. In addition, Manchester Airport houses three large terminals, which provide global entry to the city.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Bristol?
Main departure station: Coach Station
Most buses depart from the main station in Bristol.
All bus stations in Bristol:
- Coach Station
Where does the bus arrive in Manchester?
Main arrival station: Manchester Coach Station

A short walk from the city centre, Manchester Coach Station is located on Chorlton Street on the ground floor of a multistory parking garage. It has basic facilities including washrooms, food kiosks, and a small newsagent. The station's shops are open between 06:30 am and 7:00 pm each day. Neighbouring streets offer several bars and other food options. As a major hub for National Express, this station is the departing point for trips to Birmingham, London, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. Local buses depart from streetside shelters outside the station.
All bus stations in Manchester:
- Manchester Coach Station
Need a return trip from Manchester to Bristol?
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