- 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
$53
Fastest journey on Sep 19
7 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
8 h 2 m
Buses on Sep 19
10
Distance
333 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Canterbury to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Canterbury to Manchester will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
It's difficult to get from Canterbury to Manchester without transferring at least once.
NX007 · NX540
NX022 · NX540
NX022 · NX540
NX022 · NX540
NX022 · NX540
NX007 · NX540
NX007 · NX540
NX007 · NX540
NX022 · NX540
NX007 · NX540Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Canterbury to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $43 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $43, while a flight costs an average of $413.
Distance: 206 miles (333 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$43 Average price Cheapest | $130 Average price | $413 Average price | $114 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 59m Average total duration 7h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 3m 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 Canterbury to Manchester:
A bus is $87 (€71) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Canterbury to Manchester costing on average $130 (€106).
A bus is $370 (€303) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Canterbury to Manchester costing on average $413 (€338).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 29m.
Bus takes on average 7h 29m.
Tickets start at around $43 (€35) compared to roughly $114 (€93) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $71 (€58). The journey takes 7h 29m versus 5h 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.
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 03:20AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
The table below shows live departures for Canterbury to Manchester buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX022 · NX540 | 10:50 AM Canterbury, Bus Station | 9h05 | 7:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX022 · NX540 | 12:50 PM Canterbury, Bus Station | 9h00 | 9:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX007 · NX540 | 2:15 PM Canterbury, Bus Station | 8h45 | 11:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX022 · NX540 | 4:15 PM Canterbury, Bus Station | 8h15 | 12:30 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX007 · NX540 | 5:50 PM Canterbury, Bus Station | 8h25 | 2:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX022 · NX424 | 7:55 PM Canterbury, Bus Station | 10h10 | 6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
NX007 · NX540 | 4:20 AM Canterbury, Bus Station | 7h50 | 12:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX007 · NX540 | 6:10 AM Canterbury, Bus Station | 7h40 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX022 · NX540 | 7:35 AM Canterbury, Bus Station | 8h35 | 4:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX007 · NX540 | 9:00 AM Canterbury, Bus Station | 8h10 | 5:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
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 Canterbury to Manchester run on average 11 times per day, taking around 7h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 206 miles (333 km) distance in 6h 35m.
Distance 206 miles (333 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€19) |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 6h 35m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
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.
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
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 Canterbury 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 Canterbury to Manchester buses use the Canterbury, Bus Station to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare Canterbury and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Canterbury, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and eateries within a short walk.
Wi-Fi is available at Canterbury, Bus Station. ATMs are aTM located outside the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury, Bus Station.
Available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
Canterbury, University Of Kent is 1 km from Canterbury city centre. Public transport options include:
Canterbury, University Of Kent has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, and WC.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located on campus, near the student union.
Available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Elevators, ramps.
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.
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need