The cheapest and fastest buses from Ipswich to Manchester
Cheapest price
€72
Average price
€81
Fastest journey
9 h 5 m
Average duration
9 h 50 m
Buses per day
3
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 €81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €72.
Of the 3 buses that leave Ipswich for Manchester on Mon, Dec 08, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 08 the direct buses cover the 278 km distance in an average of 9 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 5 m .
On Mon, Dec 08 the slowest buses will take 10 h 35 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.






Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Ipswich to Manchester
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 prices starting from €49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €49, and a flight costs an average of €60.
Distance: 172 miles (278 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€67 Average price Cheapest | €91 Average price | €155 Average price |
9h 9m Average total duration 8h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 48m Average total duration 4h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Ipswich to Manchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €91 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €79 |
Live departures
Ipswich to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Ipswich to Manchester buses for today, Sunday, December 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:30 AM Ipswich | 9h50 | 11:20 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:00 PM Ipswich | 8h55 | 11:55 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:00 PM Ipswich | 10h45 | 4:45 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ipswich to Manchester by bus, train, or flight
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.
Dec 08
Dec 09
Dec 10
Dec 11
Dec 12
Dec 13
Dec 14
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Ipswich to Manchester
Buses from Ipswich to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 8h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $60 (€49) but you can travel from only $36 (€29) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 172 miles (278 km) distance in 9h 5m.
Distance 172 miles (278 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 (€49) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 9h 5m |
First bus 00:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Bus providers: National Express from Ipswich to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Ipswich to Manchester with National Express for as low as $36 (€29). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
FAQs: Bus from Ipswich to Manchester
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.

- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Ipswich 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.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Ipswich to Manchester
- 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
Most popular bus connections from Ipswich
More options for your journey from Ipswich to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


