Cheap bus tickets from Leicester to Manchester
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Bus from Leicester to Manchester: Journey Information
There are 16 intercity buses per day from Leicester to Manchester. Traveling by bus from Leicester to Manchester usually takes around 4 hours and 37 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 74 mi (119 km) |
| Shortest duration | 3h 40m |
| Cheapest price | $10.49 |
| Trips per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | National Express |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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Leicester to Manchester Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Leicester to Manchester:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Leicester to Manchester?
Bus tickets for a trip from Leicester to Manchester cost $25.62 on average. 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 Leicester to Manchester by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Leicester to Manchester in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $26 to $31. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 26, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Manchester this week, bus tickets are available starting at $26.
Average bus ticket prices from Leicester to Manchester by month
Taking the bus from Leicester to Manchester is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $17. If you're planning to take the bus from Leicester to Manchester during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $32. 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. Booking in advance is the best way to find cheap bus tickets, even if it’s only by a few days.
What bus companies travel from Leicester to Manchester?
There are multiple buses that travel from Leicester to Manchester, including FlixBus, National Express. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 8 | 4h 5m | $21.95 |
| National Express | 13 | 5h 13m | $31.88 |
First launched in Germany in 2013, FlixBus has become one of the largest intercity bus companies in Europe. Its fleet travels through nearly every country in Europe, including the U.K. FlixBus operates an average of 8 trips from Leicester to Manchester, and usually makes the trip in about 4 hours and 5 minutes. On your trip, you'll enjoy Wi-Fi and live GPS, as well as restrooms, air conditioning, and power outlets.
Book National Express from Leicester to Manchester from $24.25. There are 13 trips per day offered by National Express from Leicester to Manchester and you can expect on average to pay $31.88 for a National Express ticket to Manchester. In Leicester, National Express departs to Manchester from Leicester St Margarets Bus Station. In Manchester, National Express arrives at Manchester Coach Station and one other station.
An average trip on National Express from Leicester to Manchester takes 5 hours and 13 minutes, while the fastest available National Express trip will get you to Manchester in 4 hours and 5 minutes.
On weekends, National Express offers 14 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $24.25 for a weekend trip to Manchester.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Leicester to Manchester
There are 16 scheduled buses that travel from Leicester to Manchester every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 3 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.
TRIPS PER DAY
16
DIRECT TRIPS
3
The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 37 minutes to cover the 74 miles from Leicester to Manchester. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 40 minutes. In other words, you'll have plenty of time to rest and relax on the road. 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)
74
DISTANCE (KM)
119
The first bus leaves at 3:30am and the last bus leaves at 11:55pm. To see the times for all buses from Leicester to Manchester, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
3:30am
LATEST BUS
11:55pm
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, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Friday
City Information
Leicester
Leicester, located in the county of Leicestershire in the East Midlands, is a city with much to explore. Leicester's cultural diversity and large student population mean the city is filled with a wide variety of experiences.
Leicester Cathedral and Belvoir Castle are a must-visit for those looking to discover the past. Leicester is also famous for being the final resting place of King Richard III, with a visitor center built around the location to tell the story of one of the most famous monarchs in English history. For a broader look at history, try the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the Mesozoic era as well as Ancient Egypt.
If your interests lie more in futuristic endeavors, visit the National Space Centre to take a trip through time and space. Leicester is also home to many traditional English pubs and quaint cafes, making it a great place to sit back, relax and enjoy the moment.
Leicester is easily accessible by train, with Leicester Rail Station serving East Midlands and Thameslink trains. St Margaret's Bus Station is located centrally and serves National Express buses. If you're traveling from further afield, East Midlands Airport and Birmingham Airport are both close to Leicester.
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 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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Leicester?
Main departure station: Leicester St Margarets Bus Station
Leicester has two bus stations with service to Manchester.
All bus stations in Leicester:
- Leicester St Margarets Bus Station
- Asda Bus Stop
Where does the bus arrive in Manchester?
Main arrival station: Shudehill Interchange (Stand G)
Buses arrive in Manchester at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Manchester:
- Shudehill Interchange (Stand G)
- Manchester Coach Station
- Miles Platting
Need a return trip from Manchester to Leicester?
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