- Must visit
Quarry Bank
A National Trust mill museum and historic estate in nearby Styal, showing the region’s industrial heritage and worker life. One of the best cultural visits close to the airport.
Cheapest price
$26
Average price
$39
Fastest journey
5 h 35 m
Average duration
8 h 52 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
306 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Glasgow to Manchester Airport 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 Airport will cost around $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
Of the 6 buses that leave Glasgow for Manchester Airport on Thu, Jul 09, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct buses cover the 306 km distance in an average of 8 h 52 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 35 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest buses will take 11 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Glasgow to Manchester Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a flight costs an average of $132.
Distance: 190 miles (306 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$43 Average price Cheapest | $69 Average price | $247 Average price | $122 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 18m Average total duration 4h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration Fastest 3h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 34m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Glasgow to Manchester Airport:
A bus is $25 (€21) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Glasgow to Manchester Airport costing on average $69 (€56).
A bus is $204 (€168) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Glasgow to Manchester Airport costing on average $247 (€204).
Other travel options to Manchester Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 48m.
Flight takes on average 5h 34m.
Tickets start at around $43 (€36) compared to roughly $122 (€101) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $79 (€65). The journey takes 4h 48m versus 3h 43m 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.
Direct services are operated by National Express, Megabus.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $32 |
The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Manchester Airport buses for today, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:35 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 10h50 | 6:25 PM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:20 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 11h15 | 9:35 PM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:40 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 11h10 | 9:50 AM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
NX181 | 11:00 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 5h35 | 4:35 AM Manchester, Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Glasgow to Manchester Airport run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:25, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 190 miles (306 km) distance in 5h 30m.
Distance 190 miles (306 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 30m |
First bus 6:25 AM |
Last bus 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Manchester Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester Airport trip today.
A National Trust mill museum and historic estate in nearby Styal, showing the region’s industrial heritage and worker life. One of the best cultural visits close to the airport.
A leading university museum with natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections. Recently refreshed and highly popular with both locals and visitors.
A popular aviation attraction beside the airport with viewing areas, aircraft exhibits, and Concorde tours. Especially relevant for visitors staying near Manchester Airport.
A standout outdoor area near the terminals where visitors can watch aircraft movements. Very popular with aviation fans, families, and social media photographers.
One of Manchester’s most characterful districts, known for canals, converted warehouses, and industrial heritage. Excellent for walking, photos, and relaxed exploration.
A large historic estate with parkland, deer, gardens, and broad walking routes. One of the strongest outdoor day-trip options within reach of the airport.
A classic Greater Manchester dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweets.
A famous pastry from Greater Manchester, filled with currants, butter, and sugar. It is a traditional regional bake often eaten with tea.
A northern English staple made with blood, oats, and seasoning, often served in a full breakfast. The Bury version is especially associated with Greater Manchester.
A well-known airport bar and restaurant in Terminal 1 serving British pub food, breakfasts, burgers, and beer in a spacious, relaxed setting.
A popular Manchester-born casual dining brand known for burgers, waffles, shakes, and colourful interiors. Suitable for a quick meal before a flight.
An established family-friendly chain at the airport offering all-day breakfasts and globally inspired comfort food in a lively, informal atmosphere.
Airport food and drinks cost more than city prices, but chain cafes and fast food keep costs manageable.
Service charge is uncommon at airport cafes. Round up small bills if service was helpful; 10% is polite at sit-down restaurants if not already added.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport Station, Manchester -> Manchester Piccadilly Station, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Glasgow to Manchester Airport 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 Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Glasgow to Manchester Airport buses use the Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station to Manchester, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Glasgow and Manchester Airport bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Buchanan (in the station), Coffee Express (in the station), Fast Bites (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station.
Available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need