- 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 Chelmsford to Manchester
Showing times and prices for Aug 05
Cheapest price
$79
Average price
$79
Fastest journey
14 h 20 m
Average duration
14 h 20 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
267 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chelmsford to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to Manchester will cost around $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Chelmsford to Manchester without transferring at least once.
1:25 PM14h20Chelmsford3:45 AMManchester$791One-way1 transfer
- 1:25 PM14h20Chelmsford3:45 AMManchester$791One-way1 transfer
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chelmsford to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Chelmsford to Manchester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 13h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $72 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 21:55. The fastest bus covers the 165 miles (267 km) distance in 9h 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 165 miles (267 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $72 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 9h 5m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 9:55 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 84 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
Chelmsford to Manchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 16h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 14h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Live departures
Chelmsford to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Manchester buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:25 PM Chelmsford | 14h20 | 3:45 AM Manchester | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Chelmsford to Manchester buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Chelmsford to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chelmsford 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chelmsford to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chelmsford to Manchester.
Bus providers: National Express from Chelmsford to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Chelmsford to Manchester with National Express for as low as $72. 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 Duration
9h 5m
Cheapest Price
$72
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
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 Chelmsford to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford to Manchester can start from as little as $72 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chelmsford to Manchester is $78 ; 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 Chelmsford to Manchester is 9h 5m to travel the 165 miles (267 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 Chelmsford to Manchester leaves at 12:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Chelmsford to Manchester leaves at 9:55 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chelmsford and Manchester including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Chelmsford to Manchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Chelmsford to Manchester for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford to Manchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Chelmsford to Manchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Chelmsford to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Chelmsford to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Chelmsford to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express.
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.
More options for your journey from Chelmsford to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Chelmsford
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