Canterbury to Manchester bus with National Express

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

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast buses

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

  • National ExpressNX007 · NX540
    2:25 PM8h20
    Canterbury, Bus Station
    10:45 PMManchester, Coach Station
    $481One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX022 · NX540
    12:50 PM8h40
    Canterbury, Bus Station
    9:30 PMManchester, Coach Station
    $481One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX022 · NX540
    10:50 AM8h35
    Canterbury, Bus Station
    7:25 PMManchester, Coach Station
    $481One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX022 · NX540
    4:20 PM8h10
    Canterbury, Bus Station
    12:30 AMManchester, Coach Station
    $481One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX022 · NX540
    7:35 AM8h35
    Canterbury, Bus Station
    4:10 PMManchester, Coach Station
    $481One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Canterbury to Manchester

Omio 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)

Compare bus with

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)

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Canterbury to Manchester is a bus with an average price of $43 (€35).

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).

The fastest way to travel from Canterbury to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 50m.

Other travel options to Manchester take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 29m.

Bus takes on average 7h 29m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Canterbury and Manchester including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Canterbury 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 $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.

Canterbury to Manchester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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

Live departures

Canterbury to Manchester bus times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX022 · NX54010:50 AM Canterbury, Bus Station
9h05
7:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX022 · NX54012:50 PM Canterbury, Bus Station
9h00
9:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX007 · NX5402:15 PM Canterbury, Bus Station
8h45
11:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX022 · NX5404:15 PM Canterbury, Bus Station
8h15
12:30 AM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX007 · NX5405:50 PM Canterbury, Bus Station
8h25
2:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX022 · NX4247:55 PM Canterbury, Bus Station
10h10
6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
Saturday, September 19
National ExpressNX007 · NX5404:20 AM Canterbury, Bus Station
7h50
12:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX007 · NX5406:10 AM Canterbury, Bus Station
7h40
1:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX022 · NX5407:35 AM Canterbury, Bus Station
8h35
4:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX007 · NX5409:00 AM Canterbury, Bus Station
8h10
5:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Canterbury 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 Canterbury to Manchester buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Canterbury to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Canterbury to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • 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 Canterbury to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Canterbury to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Canterbury to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

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.

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
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
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 Canterbury to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Canterbury to Manchester with National Express for as low as $24 (€19). 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
6h 35m
Cheapest National Express Price
$24 (€19)
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

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 Canterbury to Manchester

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Canterbury to Manchester can start from as little as $24 (€19) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Canterbury to Manchester is $43 (€35) ; 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 Canterbury to Manchester is 6h 35m to travel the 206 miles (333 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 Canterbury to Manchester leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Canterbury to Manchester leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 11 buses a day from Canterbury to Manchester which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Canterbury to Manchester, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Canterbury and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Canterbury , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Canterbury, Bus Station, Canterbury, University Of Kent . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your journey in bus stations like Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Airport .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Canterbury, 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 Canterbury is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Canterbury to Manchester is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Canterbury and Manchester including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Canterbury to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Canterbury to Manchester for bus company National Express.
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 Canterbury 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.
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 Canterbury to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Canterbury to Manchester:
  • 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 Canterbury to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Canterbury to Manchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Canterbury to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Canterbury to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Canterbury to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Canterbury 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 Canterbury 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 Canterbury to Manchester

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.

Departure bus stations in Canterbury
Arrival bus stations in Manchester

Which Canterbury station do buses to Manchester leave from?

Buses from Canterbury to Manchester leave from Canterbury, Bus Station. The station is from Canterbury city centre at Canterbury bus station, Canterbury CT1 2SY, UK.
Canterbury, Bus StationCanterbury bus station, Canterbury CT1 2SY, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Canterbury, Bus Station from Canterbury city centre

Bus21, 400, 401, Uni1, Uni2 · 14m · $4 · every ~22 min

Canterbury, Bus Station 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 and drink

Food options include: Cafes and eateries within a short walk.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Canterbury, Bus Station. ATMs are aTM located outside the entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Canterbury, Bus Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible with assistance.

Canterbury, University Of KentUniversity of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, United KingdomWifiParkingATMAccessibilityWC
City-centre transport

Getting to Canterbury, University Of Kent from Canterbury city centre

Canterbury, University Of Kent is 1 km from Canterbury city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus4, 4X, 5, 6, 6A

Canterbury, University Of Kent bus station facilities and services

Canterbury, University Of Kent has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, and WC.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located on campus, near the student union.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Parking, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Elevators, ramps.

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