The cheapest and fastest buses from Glasgow to Manchester
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$41
Fastest journey
4 h
Average duration
4 h 48 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
295 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Glasgow to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Glasgow to Manchester will cost around $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
Of the 4 buses that leave Glasgow for Manchester on Wed, Nov 19, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 19 the direct buses cover the 295 km distance in an average of 4 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h .
On Wed, Nov 19 the slowest buses will take 5 h 10 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX181
NX590
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX181
NX590Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Glasgow to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Glasgow to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, and a train costs an average of €20.
Distance: 183 miles (295 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
€33 Average price Cheapest | €69 Average price |
5h 6m Average total duration 4h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration Fastest 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Glasgow to Manchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Live departures
Glasgow to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Manchester buses for today, Tuesday, November 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 10:40 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 4h00 | 2:40 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX181 | 11:00 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 5h00 | 4:00 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, November 19 | |||||
NX590 | 8:40 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 5h10 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:20 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 5h00 | 3:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Glasgow to Manchester by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Nov 18
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Glasgow to Manchester
Buses from Glasgow to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€18) if you book in advance.
There are 8 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:06, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 183 miles (295 km) distance in 3h 0m.
Distance 183 miles (295 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€18) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 3h 0m |
First bus 00:06 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Bus providers: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus, Scottish Citylink from Glasgow to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Glasgow to Manchester with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus, Scottish Citylink for as low as $23 (€18). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
Megabus
Scottish Citylink
Buses from Glasgow to Manchester
National Express operates two direct buses from Glasgow to Manchester every day of the week. Passengers can also choose from a number of indirect options. Direct journeys between these Glasgow and Manchester take around five hours.
Which bus companies travel from Glasgow to Manchester?
Buses from Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station to Manchester bus Station are operated by National Express, the UK's leading bus service. National Express buses depart from Buchanan bus Station in Glasgow and arrive at Manchester bus Station. National Express offer both direct and indirect services, with direct services being significantly faster.
How long is the bus from Glasgow to Manchester?
Direct journeys on buses from Glasgow to Manchester take 5 hours or just over 5 hours. Indirect journeys with one change can take between 8 and 14 hours and may involve waiting time at Birmingham bus Station.
How many buses are there from Glasgow to Manchester?
National Express operates two direct buses per day from Glasgow to Manchester. The first daily bus departs Glasgow late morning and arrives late afternoon. The second daily bus service departs before midnight and arrives in Manchester in the early hours of the following morning. The two direct services operate at the same times of day, seven days a week. There are also a number of indirect buses departing Glasgow throughout the day, from early in the morning until late at night. Indirect journeys involve a change at Birmingham bus Station.
What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Glasgow to Manchester?
Departure Station: National Express buses for Manchester depart from Glasgow's Buchanan Bus Station, the city's main bus and bus terminal. Facilities include toilets, left baggage, shops, cafe and an ATM. Located at the northern end of Glasgow's busy Buchanan Street, it is a five minute walk to the bus station from both centre of the city and from Glasgow Queen Street overground station.
Arrival Station: buses from Glasgow arrive at Manchester bus Station, which is located in the heart of the city on Chorlton Street. The bus station has a cafe, toilet, ATM, ticket machines, charging points and a shop. From the bus station, it is a very short walk to the main Manchester shopping area and around an eight minute walk to Manchester Picadilly Station.
FAQs: Bus from Glasgow to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Glasgow 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.

Passengers board the bus most frequently from Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station, which is located around 0.7 miles (1.1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Manchester, Coach Station, located 0.9 miles (1.5 km) away from the city centre.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Glasgow to Manchester, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- 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).
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Glasgow to Manchester
- 05:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafeteria Buchanan (in the station)
- Coffee Express (in the station)
- Fast Bites (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 500, 900, 38, 60A Train: Queen Street Station Metro: Buchanan Street
- 05:00-23:30
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside the interchange.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
More options for your journey from Glasgow to Manchester
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