Bradford to Manchester bus with National Express

Tue, Sep 15
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bradford to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 15

Cheapest price on Sep 15

$10

Average ticket price on Sep 15

$12

Fastest journey on Sep 15

1 h

Average journey duration on Sep 15

1 h 12 m

Buses on Sep 15

3

Distance

47 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bradford to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bradford to Manchester will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $10.

Fast buses

On Tue, Sep 15, we found 3 buses from Bradford to Manchester, including 3 direct services.

On Tue, Sep 15 the direct buses cover the 47 km distance in an average of 1 h 12 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h .

On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest buses will take 1 h 25 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.

  • National ExpressNX172
    7:55 AM1h25
    Bradford, Nelson Street N2
    9:20 AMManchester, Coach Station
    $101One-way
    0 transfers
  • National ExpressNX172
    2:50 AM1h00
    Bradford, Nelson Street N2
    3:50 AMManchester, Coach Station
    $131One-way
    0 transfers
  • National ExpressNX172
    11:40 AM1h10
    Bradford, Nelson Street N2
    12:50 PMManchester, Coach Station
    $151One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Bradford to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bradford to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $12 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 28m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, while a train costs an average of $16.

Distance: 29 miles (47 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$12

Average price

Cheapest

$16

Average price

$15

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 40m

Average total duration

1h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 28m

Average total duration

Fastest

58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 3m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Northern Rail

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

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 Bradford to Manchester is a bus with an average price of $12 (€10).

This is compared to other travel options from Bradford to Manchester:

A bus is $4 (€3) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bradford to Manchester costing on average $16 (€13).

The fastest way to travel from Bradford to Manchester is by train with an average journey time of 58m.

Other travel options to Manchester take longer:

Bus takes on average 1h 10m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bradford and Manchester including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Bradford 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 $12 (€10) compared to roughly $15 (€12) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $2 (€2). The journey takes 1h 10m versus 1h 3m 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 National Express, Megabus, 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.

Bradford to Manchester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:50AM
Arrival Time
03:50AM
Duration
1h00
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$7
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:55AM
Arrival Time
08:20AM
Duration
1h25
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:55AM
Arrival Time
09:20AM
Duration
1h25
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:10AM
Arrival Time
09:20AM
Duration
1h10
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:40AM
Arrival Time
11:50AM
Duration
1h10
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$17
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:40AM
Arrival Time
12:50PM
Duration
1h10
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:15PM
Arrival Time
07:25PM
Duration
1h10
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$13
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:00PM
Arrival Time
09:10PM
Duration
1h10
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$7
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:00PM
Arrival Time
10:10PM
Duration
1h10
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$15
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:45PM
Arrival Time
12:50AM
Duration
1h05
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$15

Live departures

Bradford to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Bradford to Manchester buses for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express6:15 PM Bradford
1h10
7:25 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
National Express8:00 PM Bradford
1h10
9:10 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
National Express9:00 PM Bradford
1h10
10:10 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
National Express11:45 PM Bradford
1h05
12:50 AM Manchester0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, September 15
National ExpressNX1722:50 AM Bradford, Nelson Street N2
1h00
3:50 AM Manchester, Coach Station0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX1727:55 AM Bradford, Nelson Street N2
1h25
9:20 AM Manchester, Coach Station0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX17211:40 AM Bradford, Nelson Street N2
1h10
12:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bradford to Manchester by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Tue
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21

Why should you book Bradford to Manchester buses with Omio?

National Express as well as Megabus or FlixBus offer buses services from Bradford to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bradford 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 or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Bradford 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bradford 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 Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Bradford to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bradford to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bradford to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Bradford to Manchester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $7 (€6) but you can travel from only $4 (€3) by train.

There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:07, the last at 23:48. The fastest bus covers the 29 miles (47 km) distance in 1h 0m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $4 (€3)
Distance
29 miles (47 km)
Average bus duration
1h 10m
Cheapest ticket price
$7 (€6)
Buses per day
5
Direct buses
5
Fastest bus
1h 0m
First bus
12:07 AM
Last bus
11:48 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
2 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $4 (€3)

Bus providers: National Express from Bradford to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Bradford to Manchester with National Express for as low as $4 (€3). 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
1h 0m
Cheapest National Express Price
$7 (€6)
National Express frequency
3 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 Bradford to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bradford 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 Bradford to Manchester can start from as little as $7 (€6) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bradford to Manchester is $12 (€10) ; 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 Bradford to Manchester is 1h 0m to travel the 29 miles (47 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 Bradford to Manchester leaves at 12:07 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Bradford to Manchester leaves at 11:48 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct buses a day from Bradford to Manchester with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Bradford to Manchester, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Bradford and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A day trip to Manchester from Bradford is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Bradford to Manchester is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bradford and Manchester including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bradford 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.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bradford to Manchester for bus company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
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 Bradford 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.
  • 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 Bradford to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Bradford 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.
  • 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 Bradford 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.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Bradford 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 Bradford to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bradford to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bradford to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Since neither Bradford 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 Bradford 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 Bradford to Manchester

Most Bradford to Manchester buses use the Bradford, Interchange Station to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare Bradford and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Bradford
Arrival bus stations in Manchester
Bradford, Interchange StationBradford Interchange, Bradford BD1 1TU, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Bradford, Interchange Station from Bradford city centre

Bus662, 820, 864 · 6m · $4 · every ~13 min

Bradford, Interchange Station bus station facilities and services

Bradford, Interchange Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: A small café and fast-food outlet are available.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free public Wi-Fi is provided throughout the station. ATMs are aTMs are available next to the entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bradford, Interchange Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bradford, Interchange Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bradford, Interchange Station: The station is fully accessible with elevators and ramps.

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