- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$48
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$48
Fastest journey on Sep 19
9 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
9 h 45 m
Buses on Sep 19
1
Distance
294 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Barnstaple to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Barnstaple to Manchester will cost around $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
It's difficult to get from Barnstaple to Manchester without transferring at least once.
NX105 · NX541
NX105 · NX541Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Barnstaple to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $59 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 11m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $59, while a flight costs an average of $232.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$59 Average price Cheapest | $174 Average price | $232 Average price | $94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 54m Average total duration 8h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 0m Average total duration 5h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Barnstaple to Manchester:
A bus is $115 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Barnstaple to Manchester costing on average $174.
A bus is $173 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Barnstaple to Manchester costing on average $232.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 30m.
Bus takes on average 8h 24m.
Tickets start at around $59 compared to roughly $94 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $35. The journey takes 8h 24m versus 4h 56m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
The table below shows live departures for Barnstaple to Manchester buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX105 · NX541 | 9:25 AM Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) | 9h45 | 7:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Barnstaple to Manchester run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $50 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:11, the last at 16:25. The fastest bus covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 8h 5m.
Distance 182 miles (294 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 8h 5m |
First bus 5:11 AM |
Last bus 4:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
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Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barnstaple to Manchester by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Barnstaple to Manchester buses use the Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) to Manchester, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Barnstaple and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station). ATMs are available at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station).
Available at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station): Ramp and accessible toilets available.
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need