Cheap coach tickets from Southampton to Manchester
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Coach from Southampton to Manchester: Journey Information
There are 18 intercity coaches per day from Southampton to Manchester. Travelling by coach from Southampton to Manchester usually takes around 9 hours, but the fastest National Express coach can make the trip in 6 hours and 30 minutes.
- Distance
- 181 mi (292 km)
- Shortest duration
- 6h 30m
- Cheapest price
- NOK 222.68
- Trips per day
- 18
- Most frequent service
- National Express
- Coach lines
- 1
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Southampton to Manchester Coach Timetable

There are several coach options that can take you from Southampton to Manchester:
See more detailsHow much is a coach ticket from Southampton to Manchester?
Coach tickets for a trip from Southampton to Manchester cost about NOK 313 when you book at the cheapest time, 3 days ahead. Opting to take a coach is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find coach tickets at or below this price.
Average coach ticket prices from Southampton to Manchester by travel date
If you're planning to travel by coach from Southampton to Manchester in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from NOK 312 to NOK 349. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 10 November 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Manchester this week, coach tickets are available starting at NOK 312.
Average coach ticket prices from Southampton to Manchester by month
Taking the coach from Southampton to Manchester is usually cheapest in January, when the average ticket price is only NOK 349. If you're planning to take the coach from Southampton to Manchester during December, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 557. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most coach companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your coach tickets as early as possible. Booking in advance, even by a few days, is the best way to find cheap coach tickets.
What coach companies travel from Southampton to Manchester?
There is one intercity coach company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Southampton to Manchester. National Express connects the two cities by coach, it offers multiple scheduled coaches per day for you to choose from.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Express | 18 | 9h | NOK 370.06 |
National Express is probably the UK's best-known coach 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, toilets, and air conditioning.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Southampton to Manchester
There are 18 scheduled coaches that travel from Southampton 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 coach you take, you will have to transfer coaches at least once during your journey.
Trips per day
18
Direct trips
0
The coach takes an average of 9 hours to cover the 181 miles from Southampton to Manchester. However, the fastest coach only takes 6 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 coach may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Distance (mi)
181
Distance (km)
292
The first coach leaves at 4:05 and the last coach leaves at 21:25. To see the times for all coaches from Southampton to Manchester, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest coach
4:05am
Latest coach
9:25pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for coaches, as many passengers take the coach 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, Monday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your coach travel for the beginning of the week.
Most crowded
Sunday
Least crowded
Monday
City Information
Southampton



Southampton is a scenic city along England's south coast, known for its history as an important port. No matter the time of year you visit, Southampton has a wealth of activities and attractions.
Your first stop is the SeaCity Museum, where you can discover the city's history and engage with the model of the RMS Titanic. Next, the Solent Sky Museum turns your attention skyward as it details Southampton's aviation history. The Southampton City Art Gallery is a hidden gem to view painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, print, and video exhibits. And if you're on a tour of England's premier league stadiums, Southampton's St. Mary's Stadium is a must.
For a unique dining experience, try the café at the Tudor House and Garden Museum. They serve local food and fantastic coffee in a home that's over 800 years old. Then, as you walk through the nearby Cultural Quarter, keep your eyes peeled for remnants of the city's medieval walls amidst the chic bars and stores.
Southampton Airport does serve international flights, but it's easy to reach Southampton even if you fly into one of London's airports. South Western Railway and Megabus provide train and coach service from London and other cities throughout the United Kingdom.
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 coach leave from in Southampton?
Main departure station: Southampton Coach Station

National Express coaches depart from Southampton Coach Station, a five-minute walk from Southampton Central Railway Station. The coach station is close to the Marlands Shopping Centre and across the road from an ASDA supermarket. It is a small station with routes to places such as Bath, Birmingham, Weymouth, and more. The station building offers seating, toilets, an ATM, and a coffee shop to serve passengers travelling through Southampton.
All coach stations in Southampton:
- Southampton Coach Station
- University of Southampton
Where does the coach 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 multi-storey car park. It has basic facilities including toilets, 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.
Coach stations in Manchester:
- Manchester Coach Station
Need a return trip from Manchester to Southampton?
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