- 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.
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$56
Fastest journey
9 h 50 m
Average duration
9 h 50 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
462 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Inverness to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Inverness to Manchester will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
It's difficult to get from Inverness to Manchester without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Inverness to Manchester 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 flight which can get you there in 1h 24m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a flight costs an average of $106.
Distance: 287 miles (462 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$57 Average price Cheapest | $152 Average price | $246 Average price | $133 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 51m Average total duration 8h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 33m Average total duration 7h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Inverness to Manchester:
A bus is $95 (€78) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Inverness to Manchester costing on average $152 (€124).
A bus is $189 (€155) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Inverness to Manchester costing on average $246 (€202).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 3m.
Bus takes on average 8h 21m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $39 |
The table below shows live departures for Inverness to Manchester buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 9h50 | 2:40 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Inverness to Manchester run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:10, the last at 23:56. The fastest bus covers the 287 miles (462 km) distance in 9h 50m.
Distance 287 miles (462 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 9h 50m |
First bus 1:10 AM |
Last bus 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
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.
University museum with acclaimed natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, recently refreshed and especially popular for its dinosaur and ancient Egypt displays.
Central city gallery with fine art, design and decorative arts collections, plus changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and photogenic corners that are highly popular online.
Canalside heritage area with Roman roots, warehouses, waterside walks and one of the city’s most atmospheric urban landscapes.
Historic civic square framed by major Victorian architecture and often used for events, making it a classic city-centre stop.
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.
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.
A traditional blood sausage strongly associated with nearby Bury and widely eaten in Manchester, especially as part of a full breakfast.
A stylish and widely loved restaurant inspired by Bombay cafés, known for rich curries, grilled dishes, and a distinctive heritage interior.
A popular casual venue pairing Indian street food with craft beer. It is lively, well-known, and especially good for vegetarian diners.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Manchester known for modern British cooking, polished service, and an elegant setting inside The Midland hotel.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but central hotels and nightlife can be pricey.
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.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport, Manchester -> Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Inverness 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.

Most Inverness to Manchester buses use the Inverness, Bus Station to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare Inverness and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need