Dartford to Manchester bus with National Express

Fri, Jul 31
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Dartford to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Jul 31

Cheapest price

zł91

Average price

zł94

Fastest journey

7 h

Average duration

7 h 42 m

Buses per day

3

Distance

281 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Dartford to Manchester will cost around zł94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only zł91.

Fast buses

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

  • National ExpressNX022 · NX541
    8:10 AM8h15
    Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre
    4:25 PMManchester, Coach Station
    911One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX022 · NX541
    5:25 PM7h00
    Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre
    12:25 AMManchester, Coach Station
    951One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX022 · NX540
    2:00 PM7h50
    Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre
    9:50 PMManchester, Coach Station
    961One-way
    1 transfer

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Dartford to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Dartford to Manchester run on average 39 times per day, taking around 5h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at zł39 if you book in advance.

There are 36 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 174 miles (281 km) distance in 4h 10m.

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
174 miles (281 km)
Average bus duration
5h 45m
Cheapest ticket price
zł39
Buses per day
39
Direct buses
36
Fastest bus
4h 10m
First bus
12:05 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Mon
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

Dartford to Manchester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:00AM
Arrival Time
01:05PM
Duration
5h05
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
58
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:10AM
Arrival Time
04:25PM
Duration
8h15
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
91
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:00PM
Arrival Time
09:50PM
Duration
7h50
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
96
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:40PM
Arrival Time
08:20PM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
39
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:00PM
Arrival Time
09:20PM
Duration
5h20
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
115
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:40PM
Arrival Time
09:00PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
44
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:55PM
Arrival Time
11:30PM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
99
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:25PM
Arrival Time
12:25AM
Duration
7h00
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
95
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:40PM
Arrival Time
11:50PM
Duration
4h10
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
39
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:40PM
Arrival Time
12:50AM
Duration
4h10
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
44
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:30PM
Arrival Time
02:00AM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
93

Live departures

Dartford to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Dartford to Manchester buses for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBus3:40 PM Dartford
4h20
8:00 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
FlixBus4:40 PM Dartford
4h20
9:00 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
FlixBus7:40 PM Dartford
4h10
11:50 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
FlixBus8:40 PM Dartford
4h10
12:50 AM Manchester0 transfersDirect
Friday, July 31
National ExpressNX022 · NX5418:10 AM Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre
8h15
4:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Dartford to Manchester buses with Omio?

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

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Dartford to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Dartford to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus for as low as zł39. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 10m
Cheapest Price
zł39
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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
6h 35m
Cheapest Price
zł99
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 Dartford to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dartford 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 Dartford to Manchester can start from as little as zł39 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Dartford to Manchester is zł72 ; 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 Dartford to Manchester is 4h 10m to travel the 174 miles (281 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 Dartford to Manchester leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Dartford to Manchester leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 36 direct buses a day from Dartford to Manchester with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Dartford to Manchester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Dartford and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Dartford , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including London, Victoria Coach Station, London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant), Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your journey in bus stations like Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Airport .Passengers board the bus most frequently from London, Victoria Coach Station, which is located around 1 miles (2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Dartford and Manchester including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Dartford to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Dartford to Manchester for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Dartford 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.
  • 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 Dartford to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Dartford to Manchester:
  • 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 Dartford to Manchester:
  • 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 Dartford 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 Dartford to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Dartford to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Dartford to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
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 Dartford to Manchester

Most Dartford to Manchester buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. Use this guide to compare Dartford and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Dartford
Arrival bus stations in Manchester

Which Manchester station do buses from Dartford arrive at?

Buses from Dartford to Manchester most often arrive at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Some services arrive at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Manchester arrival station.
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United KingdomWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre

Bus163, 118, 119, 18, 112, 114, 117, 81 · 3m · zł9 · every ~69 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 2m · zł9 · every ~23 min

Manchester, Shudehill Interchange bus station facilities and services

Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.

Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East from Manchester city centre

Bus101, 15, 103, 102 · 14m · zł9 · every ~31 min
Uk023, Ukn23, Uk071 · 21m · zł5 · every ~2 min
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester, Coach Station from Manchester city centre

Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 33, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 1m · zł9 · every ~231 min

Manchester, Coach Station bus station facilities and services

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

Food and drink

Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.

More options for your journey from Dartford to Manchester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone