- 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
$52
Average price
$62
Fastest journey
8 h 25 m
Average duration
9 h 33 m
Buses per day
9
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 $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
It's difficult to get from Ipswich to Manchester without transferring at least 2 times.
NX717 · NXA8 · NX421
NX717 · NXA8 · NX421
NX717 · NX737 · NX540
NX717 · NX737 · NX540
NX717 · NX737 · NX540
NX717 · NX777 · NX541
NX717 · NX737 · NX540
NX717 · NXA8 · NX540
NX717 · NX737 · NX540
NX717 · NXA6 · NX540Omio 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 $39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. 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 $39, and a flight costs an average of $59.
Distance: 172 miles (278 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$63 Average price Cheapest | $99 Average price | $178 Average price | $75 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 5m Average total duration 7h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 53m Average total duration 4h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 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 $37 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ipswich to Manchester costing on average $99 (€99).
A bus is $115 (€115) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ipswich to Manchester costing on average $178 (€178).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 23m.
Bus takes on average 7h 35m.
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 National Express | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $62 |
The table below shows live departures for Ipswich to Manchester buses for today, Thursday, July 23. 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 | |
| Friday, July 24 | |||||
NX717 · NXA8 · NX540 | 2:00 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 10h10 | 12:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX717 · NXA6 · NX540 | 2:00 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 10h10 | 12:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX717 · NX737 · NX540 | 5:00 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 8h50 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX717 · NX737 · NX540 | 8:00 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 10h40 | 6:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX717 · NX777 · NX541 | 11:15 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 8h25 | 7:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
NX717 · NX737 · NX540 | 1:30 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 10h25 | 11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
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 9 times per day, taking around 7h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $39 (€39) but you can travel from only $26 (€26) 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 8h 20m.
Distance 172 miles (278 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 (€39) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 8h 20m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 6 days |
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.
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