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Journey Information
There are 17 intercity buses per day from Manchester to Portsmouth. Traveling by bus from Manchester to Portsmouth usually takes around 8 hours and 56 minutes, but the fastest Megabus bus can make the trip in 6 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 190 mi (306 km) |
| Shortest duration | 6h 45m |
| Cheapest price | €23.19 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | National Express |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Manchester to Portsmouth?
€26.75 is the average price of a bus ticket from Manchester to Portsmouth. Taking a bus is an affordable way to make this trip. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Monthly average prices
What bus companies travel from Manchester to Portsmouth?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Manchester to Portsmouth that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, National Express usually offers more choice, with 16 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megabus | 1 | 6h 45m | €29.28 |
| National Express | 16 | 9h 2m | €37.55 |
Founded in 2003, Megabus UK was created to provide travelers with greener, more straightforward and smarter travel. The carrier has routes all across the United Kingdom in England, Scotland, and Wales. The Megabus UK fleet, easily distinguishable by its dark blue and yellow colors, has free Wi-Fi, outlets and charging ports, onboard restrooms, and 20 kg luggage allowances on each bus.
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, travelers enjoy a good amount of legroom – roomier than airlines have in coach class – alongside WiFi, restrooms, and air conditioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 8 hours and 56 minutes to cover the 306 kilometers from Manchester to Portsmouth. However, the fastest bus only takes 6 hours and 45 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.
Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
The first bus leaves at 02:00 and the last bus leaves at 23:00. To see the times for all buses from Manchester to Portsmouth, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 17 scheduled buses that travel from Manchester to Portsmouth every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct bus. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different bus at any point during your trip. Direct buses also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Manchester to Portsmouth; ticket prices start at €80.55.
City Information
Manchester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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 Man U, 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.
Portsmouth
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Portsmouth, located on the South coast of England, is home to several important historical dockyards and thus a storied maritime heritage. Though many people travel here to experience the nautical atmosphere, Portsmouth also offers many attractions and experiences to suit every taste.
For a taste of the sea, Henry VIII's Mary Rose is a must-see attraction, as well as Lord Nelson's famous HMS Victory. Both ships are accompanied by museums where visitors can learn more about these significant historical warships. If the weather drives you inside, take a walk around the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, hosting a variety of displays and recreations of how life has changed in Portsmouth over the centuries. To see the whole city all at once, climb Spinnaker Tower to see the city from 170 meters high. Finally, if you're feeling brave, walk across the glass Sky Walk to see the waves crash on the shore beneath your feet.
Due to its many ports, Portsmouth is accessible via ferry, as well as train, car, and bus. The South Western Railway makes getting to Portsmouth from London and other southern towns easy, while National Express and Megabus provide bus services that link many other major towns and cities.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Manchester?
Image credit: Mikey
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Manchester Coach Station
A short walk from the city center, Manchester Coach Station is located on Chorlton Street on the ground floor of a multistory parking garage. It has basic facilities including restrooms, food kiosks, and a small newsagent. The station's shops are open between 06:30 am and 7:00 pm each day. Neighboring 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
Shudehill Interchange (Stand G)
Where does the bus arrive in Portsmouth?
Main arrival station: The Hard Interchange
Buses arrive in Portsmouth at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus stations in Portsmouth:
The Hard Interchange
University of Portsmouth
International Port, Cruise & Ferry Terminal
Southsea - Clarence Pier
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Portsmouth to Manchester?
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