Ipswich to Manchester bus with National Express

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The cheapest and fastest buses from Ipswich to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Mar 08

Cheapest price

$77

Average price

$84

Fastest journey

9 h 45 m

Average duration

10 h

Buses per day

3

Distance

278 km

Cheap tickets

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 $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $77.

Fast buses

Of the 3 buses that leave Ipswich for Manchester on Sun, Mar 08, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Mar 08 the direct buses cover the 278 km distance in an average of 10 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 45 m .

On Sun, Mar 08 the slowest buses will take 10 h 25 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.

National Express
04:00PM9h45
Ipswich
01:45AMManchester
$771One-way
0 transfers
National Express
02:30AM9h50
Ipswich
12:20PMManchester
$801One-way
0 transfers
National Express
01:30PM10h25
Ipswich
11:55PMManchester
$961One-way
0 transfers

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 $55. 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 $55, and a flight costs an average of $75.

Distance: 172 miles (278 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight

$85

Average price

Cheapest

$122

Average price

$239

Average price

8h 28m

Average total duration

7h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 49m

Average total duration

4h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 5m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 5m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.8 - 1.7kg

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

British Airways

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

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:30AM
Arrival Time
12:20PM
Duration
9h50
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:30AM
Arrival Time
03:50PM
Duration
10h20
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$85
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:45AM
Arrival Time
06:05PM
Duration
10h20
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$87
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:30AM
Arrival Time
09:20PM
Duration
9h50
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$87
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:30PM
Arrival Time
11:55PM
Duration
10h25
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:50PM
Arrival Time
01:45AM
Duration
9h55
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$82
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:50PM
Arrival Time
06:05AM
Duration
11h15
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$98
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:00PM
Arrival Time
07:35AM
Duration
10h35
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$91

Live departures

Ipswich to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Ipswich to Manchester buses for tomorrow, Sunday, March 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 3:48 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express2:30 AM Ipswich
9h50
12:20 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
national_express1:30 PM Ipswich
10h25
11:55 PM Manchester0 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.

Sun
Mar 08
Mon
Mar 09
Tue
Mar 10
Wed
Mar 11
Thu
Mar 12
Fri
Mar 13
Sat
Mar 14

Why should you book Ipswich to Manchester buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Ipswich to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ipswich to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ipswich to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Ipswich to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Ipswich to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Ipswich to Manchester run on average 9 times per day, taking around 7h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $55 (€44) but you can travel from only $39 (€32) 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 30m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $39 (€32)
Distance
172 miles (278 km)
Average bus duration
7h 58m
Cheapest ticket price
$55 (€44)
Buses per day
9
Fastest bus
9h 30m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:55
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $39 (€32)

Bus providers: National Express from Ipswich to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Ipswich to Manchester with National Express for as low as $39 (€32). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 30m
Cheapest Price
$55 (€44)
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Ipswich to Manchester can start from as little as $55 (€44) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Ipswich to Manchester is $85 (€69) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Ipswich to Manchester is 9h 30m to travel the 172 miles (278 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Ipswich to Manchester leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Ipswich to Manchester leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 9 buses a day from Ipswich to Manchester which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Ipswich to Manchester, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Ipswich and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Manchester from Ipswich is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Ipswich to Manchester is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Ipswich and Manchester including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Ipswich to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Ipswich to Manchester for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Manchester are:
  • 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.
The best things to do in Manchester include:
  • 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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Ipswich to Manchester depends on the bus companies:
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Ipswich to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Ipswich to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Ipswich to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Ipswich to Manchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Ipswich to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Ipswich to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Ipswich to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Ipswich to Manchester

Ipswich
Manchester
The major bus station for departures in Ipswich is Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) for your trip from Ipswich to Manchester.
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
information

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