- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum exploring Manchester’s role in science, technology and industry, with historic machinery and railway heritage on the oldest surviving passenger railway station site.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Chelmsford to Manchester
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$78
Average price
$78
Fastest journey
10 h 20 m
Average duration
10 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 $78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Chelmsford to Manchester without transferring at least once.
1:25 PM10h20Chelmsford11:45 PMManchester$781One-way1 transfer
- 1:25 PM10h20Chelmsford11:45 PMManchester$781One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chelmsford to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $72. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $72, and a flight costs an average of $74.
Distance: 165 miles (267 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$77 Average price Cheapest | $125 Average price | $221 Average price | $88 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 43m Average total duration 13h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Chelmsford to Manchester is a bus with an average price of $77 (€63).
This is compared to other travel options from Chelmsford to Manchester:
A bus is $48 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chelmsford to Manchester costing on average $125 (€102).
A bus is $144 (€118) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chelmsford to Manchester costing on average $221 (€181).
The fastest way to travel from Chelmsford to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 2m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 30m.
Bus takes on average 13h 13m.
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.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Chelmsford to Manchester among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
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 10:30PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Live departures
Chelmsford to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Manchester buses for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. 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 | 10h20 | 11:45 PM Manchester | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chelmsford 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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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.
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 (€59) 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 (€59) |
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
Bus providers: National Express from Chelmsford to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Chelmsford to Manchester with National Express for as low as $72 (€59). 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 (€59)
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 Museum
University museum with acclaimed natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, recently refreshed and especially popular for its dinosaur and ancient Egypt displays.
- Must visit
Manchester Art Gallery
Central city gallery with fine art, design and decorative arts collections, plus changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
- Must visit
Northern Quarter
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and photogenic corners that are highly popular online.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Canalside heritage area with Roman roots, warehouses, waterside walks and one of the city’s most atmospheric urban landscapes.
- Recommended
Albert Square
Historic civic square framed by major Victorian architecture and often used for events, making it a classic city-centre stop.
- Vegetarian
Manchester Tart
A classic Manchester dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet dishes.
- Vegetarian
Eccles Cake
A flaky pastry filled with currants, sugar, and butter, originating from Eccles in Greater Manchester. It is a famous regional bake often eaten with tea.
- Gluten-free
Black Pudding
A traditional blood sausage strongly associated with nearby Bury and widely eaten in Manchester, especially as part of a full breakfast.
Dishoom Manchester
A stylish and widely loved restaurant inspired by Bombay cafés, known for rich curries, grilled dishes, and a distinctive heritage interior.
Bundobust Manchester
A popular casual venue pairing Indian street food with craft beer. It is lively, well-known, and especially good for vegetarian diners.
The French
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Manchester known for modern British cooking, polished service, and an elegant setting inside The Midland hotel.
Pound sterling
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but central hotels and nightlife can be pricey.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for street food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- GBP 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service, but small tips are appreciated.
Bee Network
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 5.00
To the city center
Manchester Airport, Manchester -> Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester
- Distance
- 14 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Bee Network buses in Greater Manchester have a GBP 2.00 single fare cap and a GBP 5.00 daily cap for adult travel.
- On trams and many rail services, contactless card payment is accepted; on buses, buy in the Bee Network app or check operator payment options before boarding.
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 (€59) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chelmsford to Manchester is $77 (€63) ; 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.
A trip to Manchester from Chelmsford is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
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, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Chelmsford to Manchester for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Chelmsford to Manchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
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 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.
Since neither Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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.
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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