Barnstaple to Manchester bus with National Express

Sat, Sep 19
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Barnstaple to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Barnstaple to Manchester without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX105 · NX541
    9:25 AM9h45
    Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station)
    7:10 PMManchester, Coach Station
    $481One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Barnstaple to Manchester

Omio 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)

Compare bus with

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)

National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Loganair

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Barnstaple to Manchester is a bus with an average price of $59.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Barnstaple to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 11m.

Other travel options to Manchester take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 30m.

Bus takes on average 8h 24m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Barnstaple and Manchester including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Barnstaple to Manchester among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

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.

Barnstaple to Manchester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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

Live departures

Barnstaple to Manchester bus times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX105 · NX5419:25 AM Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station)
9h45
7:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Barnstaple to Manchester by train, bus, or flight

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.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Barnstaple to Manchester buses with Omio?

National Express as well as Megabus offer buses services from Barnstaple to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Barnstaple to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Barnstaple to Manchester.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Barnstaple to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Barnstaple to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Barnstaple to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Barnstaple to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

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.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
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
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: National Express from Barnstaple to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Barnstaple to Manchester with National Express for as low as $50. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
8h 5m
Cheapest National Express Price
$50
National Express frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Complete guide to Manchester

Things to do in Manchester

Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.

  • 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.

  • Must visit

Manchester Art Gallery

Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.

  • Must visit

Manchester Museum

The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Bus from Barnstaple to Manchester

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Barnstaple to Manchester can start from as little as $50 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Barnstaple to Manchester is $59 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Barnstaple to Manchester is 8h 5m to travel the 182 miles (294 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Barnstaple to Manchester leaves at 5:11 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Barnstaple to Manchester leaves at 4:25 PM.
There are 1 buses a day from Barnstaple to Manchester which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Barnstaple to Manchester, you can count on National Express, Megabus for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Barnstaple and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Manchester, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Manchester from Barnstaple is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Barnstaple to Manchester is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Barnstaple and Manchester including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Barnstaple to Manchester for bus company National Express, Megabus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Barnstaple to Manchester:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Manchester are:
  • Manchester Art Gallery, a public art museum housing an extensive collection of fine art and decorative pieces
  • Science and Industry Museum, an interactive museum exploring Manchester's industrial heritage and scientific achievements
  • Manchester Cathedral, a historic Gothic-style cathedral known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere
  • The John Rylands Library, a neo-Gothic library with an impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts
  • Castlefield, a historic area with Roman ruins and picturesque canals, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
The best things to do in Manchester include:
  • Old Trafford, the iconic football stadium and home to Manchester United, offering tours and a museum dedicated to the club's history
  • The Northern Quarter, a vibrant district known for its independent shops, cafes, and street art
  • Visit the Manchester Opera House for a captivating performance
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks, a popular area with bars and clubs
  • Enjoy a relaxing day at Heaton Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, offering beautiful landscapes and recreational activities.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Barnstaple to Manchester depends on the bus companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Barnstaple to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Barnstaple to Manchester:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Barnstaple to Manchester:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Barnstaple to Manchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Barnstaple to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Barnstaple to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Barnstaple to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus.
Since neither Barnstaple nor Manchester are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Barnstaple to Manchester among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Manchester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft. Staying aware of surroundings, particularly at night, helps reduce safety risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Barnstaple to Manchester

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.

Departure bus stations in Barnstaple
Arrival bus stations in Manchester

Which Barnstaple station do buses to Manchester leave from?

Buses from Barnstaple to Manchester leave from Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station). The station is from Barnstaple city centre at Silver St, Barnstaple EX32 8RL, UK.
Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station)Silver St, Barnstaple EX32 8RL, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) from Barnstaple city centre

Bus301, 155, 21C, 29, 21B, 310, 309, 303, 19 · 3m · $2 · every ~10 min

Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) 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 and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station). ATMs are available at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station).

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station): Ramp and accessible toilets available.

Most popular bus connections from Barnstaple

More options for your journey from Barnstaple to Manchester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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