- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 07
€46
Average ticket price on Sep 07
€58
Fastest journey on Sep 07
8 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Sep 07
10 h 7 m
Buses on Sep 07
5
Distance
278 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Ipswich to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ipswich to Manchester will cost around €58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €46.
On Mon, Sep 07, we found 5 buses from Ipswich to Manchester, including 5 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 07 the direct buses cover the 278 km distance in an average of 10 h 7 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 50 m .
On Mon, Sep 07 the slowest buses will take 11 h 15 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 Ipswich to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €79 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 55m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €79, while a flight costs an average of €398.
Distance: 172 miles (278 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€79 Average price Cheapest | €119 Average price | €398 Average price | €75 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 16m Average total duration 7h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 13m Average total duration 3h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration Fastest 1h 55m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.7kg 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 Ipswich to Manchester:
A bus is €40 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ipswich to Manchester costing on average €119.
A bus is €319 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ipswich to Manchester costing on average €398.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 43m.
Bus takes on average 7h 46m.
Tickets start at around €79 compared to roughly €75 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-3.45. The journey takes 7h 46m versus 4h 34m 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.
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 National Express | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price €56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price €54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €91 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €87 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price €58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €66 |
The table below shows live departures for Ipswich to Manchester buses for today, Sunday, September 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX717 · NX777 · NX424 | 6:05 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 12h00 | 6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX717 · NXA8 · NX421 | 8:50 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 10h45 | 7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX717 · NXA8 · NX421 | 8:50 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 10h45 | 7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| Monday, September 7 | |||||
![]() | 2:30 AM Ipswich | 9h50 | 12:20 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:15 AM Ipswich | 8h50 | 7:05 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:30 PM Ipswich | 9h55 | 10:25 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Ipswich to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 7h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €52 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 172 miles (278 km) distance in 6h 32m.
Distance 172 miles (278 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price €52 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 6h 32m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ipswich 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 Ipswich to Manchester buses use the Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare Ipswich and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available near Cardinal Park Cinema.
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). ATMs are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Bus stop accessible for wheelchairs.
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
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