- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bedford to Manchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
€42
Average ticket price on Sep 20
€42
Fastest journey on Sep 20
4 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
4 h 25 m
Buses on Sep 20
2
Distance
191 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bedford to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bedford to Manchester will cost around €42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €42.
Fast buses
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 buses from Bedford to Manchester, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 191 km distance in an average of 4 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 5 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 4 h 45 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
4:15 PM4h45Bedford9:00 PMManchester€421One-way0 transfers- 8:15 AM4h05Bedford12:20 PMManchester€421One-way0 transfers
- 8:15 AM4h05Bedford12:20 PMManchester€421One-way0 transfers
- 4:15 PM4h45Bedford9:00 PMManchester€421One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Bedford to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €41 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 10m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €41, while a flight costs an average of €366.
Distance: 118 miles (191 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€41 Average price Cheapest | €123 Average price | €366 Average price | €56 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 7m Average total duration 3h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration 1h 53m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Bedford to Manchester is a bus with an average price of €41.
This is compared to other travel options from Bedford to Manchester:
A bus is €82 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bedford to Manchester costing on average €123.
A bus is €325 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bedford to Manchester costing on average €366.
The fastest way to travel from Bedford to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 53m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 40m.
Bus takes on average 3h 37m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bedford and Manchester including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bedford 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 €41 compared to roughly €56 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €15. The journey takes 3h 37m versus 3h 11m 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.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus.
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.
Bedford to Manchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price €37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €35 |
Live departures
Bedford to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bedford to Manchester buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:15 PM Bedford | 4h55 | 5:10 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:15 PM Bedford | 4h45 | 8:00 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:15 PM Bedford | 4h45 | 9:00 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:25 PM Bedford | 4h05 | 8:30 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:25 PM Bedford | 4h20 | 9:45 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Manchester by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
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Sep 20
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Why should you book Bedford to Manchester buses with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Bedford to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bedford 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 FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Bedford 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bedford to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Bedford to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bedford to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bedford to Manchester run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €35 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 118 miles (191 km) distance in 3h 15m.
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 118 miles (191 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price €35 |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 3h 15m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 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 Bedford to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Bedford to Manchester with National Express for as low as €35. 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
3h 15m
Cheapest National Express Price
€35
National Express frequency
10 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
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.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
- Must visit
Albert Square
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
- Must visit
Northern Quarter
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
- Vegetarian
Manchester Curry Pie
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
Steak and Onion Pudding
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Fish and Chips
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Slattery
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Mana
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Mughli
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
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 Bedford to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Bedford to Manchester can start from as little as €35 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bedford to Manchester is €41 ; 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 Bedford to Manchester is 3h 15m to travel the 118 miles (191 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 Bedford to Manchester leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Bedford to Manchester leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 11 buses a day from Bedford to Manchester which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Bedford to Manchester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Bedford and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Manchester from Bedford is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Bedford to Manchester is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bedford and Manchester including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bedford to Manchester for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bedford to Manchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
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 Bedford to Manchester depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
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 Bedford to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Bedford to Manchester:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Bedford to Manchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Bedford to Manchester. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Bedford to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bedford to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bedford to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Bedford 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bedford 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 Bedford to Manchester
Most Bedford to Manchester buses use the Bedford, Bus Station to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare Bedford and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Bedford
Arrival bus stations in Manchester
Bedford, Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Bedford, Bus Station from Bedford city centre
Bus4 · 4m · €2 · every ~7 min
Which Manchester station do buses from Bedford arrive at?
Buses from Bedford to Manchester most often arrive at Manchester, Coach Station. Some services arrive at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Manchester arrival station.
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Coach Station from Manchester city centre
Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 33, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 1m · €2 · every ~231 min
Manchester, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre
Bus163, 118, 119, 18, 112, 114, 117, 81 · 3m · €2 · every ~69 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 2m · €2 · every ~23 min
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane EastMoss Ln E & Princess Rd, Manchester M15 6LD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus101, 15, 103, 102 · 14m · €2 · every ~31 min
Uk023, Ukn23, Uk071 · 21m · €1 · every ~2 min
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East 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 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. ATMs are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Accessible for wheelchairs.
Most popular bus connections from Bedford
More options for your journey from Bedford to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Bedford
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