- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum exploring Manchester’s industrial heritage, science, engineering and transport on the historic Liverpool Road site.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Ipswich to Manchester
Showing times and prices for Jun 09
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$75
Fastest journey
9 h 50 m
Average duration
10 h 9 m
Buses per day
4
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 $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
Fast buses
Of the 4 buses that leave Ipswich for Manchester on Tue, Jun 09, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 09 the direct buses cover the 278 km distance in an average of 10 h 9 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 50 m .
On Tue, Jun 09 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.
1:30 AM9h50Ipswich11:20 AMManchester$681One-way0 transfers- 1:00 AM10h20Ipswich11:20 AMManchester$691One-way0 transfers
- 9:00 PM10h35Ipswich7:35 AMManchester$811One-way0 transfers
- 2:30 AM9h50Ipswich12:20 PMManchester$831One-way0 transfers
- 2:30 AM9h50Ipswich12:20 PMManchester$831One-way0 transfers
- 1:30 AM9h50Ipswich11:20 AMManchester$681One-way0 transfers
- 1:00 AM10h20Ipswich11:20 AMManchester$691One-way0 transfers
- 9:00 PM10h35Ipswich7:35 AMManchester$811One-way0 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 $48. 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 $48, and a flight costs an average of $73.
Distance: 172 miles (278 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$77 Average price Cheapest | $122 Average price | $218 Average price | $92 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Ipswich to Manchester is a bus with an average price of $77 (€63).
This is compared to other travel options from Ipswich to Manchester:
A bus is $45 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ipswich to Manchester costing on average $122 (€99).
A bus is $141 (€115) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ipswich to Manchester costing on average $218 (€178).
The fastest way to travel from Ipswich to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 5m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 23m.
Bus takes on average 7h 35m.
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.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Ipswich to Manchester among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
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.
Ipswich to Manchester Bus Timetables
| 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 | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $81 |
Live departures
Ipswich to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Ipswich to Manchester buses for today, Monday, June 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:15 AM Ipswich | 8h50 | 7:05 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 12:30 PM Ipswich | 9h55 | 10:25 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:50 PM Ipswich | 11h15 | 6:05 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:50 PM Ipswich | 10h45 | 6:35 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, June 9 | |||||
| 1:00 AM Ipswich | 10h20 | 11:20 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:30 AM Ipswich | 9h50 | 11:20 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:30 AM Ipswich | 9h50 | 12:20 PM 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.
Tue
Jun 09
Jun 09
Wed
Jun 10
Jun 10
Thu
Jun 11
Jun 11
Fri
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Jun 12
Sat
Jun 13
Jun 13
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Mon
Jun 15
Jun 15
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
Buses from Ipswich to Manchester run on average 9 times per day, taking around 7h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $48 (€39) but you can travel from only $32 (€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.
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 $32 (€26)
Distance 172 miles (278 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€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 |
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 $32 (€26)
Bus providers: National Express from Ipswich to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Ipswich to Manchester with National Express for as low as $32 (€26). 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
8h 20m
Cheapest Price
$48 (€39)
National Express frequency
4 a day
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.
Complete guide to Manchester
Things to do in Manchester
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
- Must visit
Manchester Art Gallery
Leading civic gallery with important British art, design, fashion and rotating exhibitions in the city centre.
- Must visit
Manchester Museum
Large university museum with acclaimed natural history, archaeology and cultural collections after a major redevelopment.
- Must visit
Northern Quarter
Creative district known for street art, indie culture, music heritage, vintage character and photogenic backstreets.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Canal-side conservation area with Roman roots, warehouses, bridges and some of Manchester’s best urban walks.
- Recommended
Albert Square
Historic civic square framed by landmark architecture and a frequent focal point for events and city photos.
- Vegetarian
Manchester Tart
A classic Manchester dessert with a shortcrust pastry shell, raspberry jam, custard, and coconut, often topped with a cherry.
- Vegetarian
Eccles Cake
A famous Greater Manchester pastry made with flaky pastry filled with currants, butter, and sugar, traditionally eaten as a local sweet treat.
- Gluten-free
Black Pudding
A traditional North West breakfast staple made from pork blood, oats, and seasoning, strongly associated with nearby Bury and commonly served in Manchester.
Hawksmoor Manchester
A highly regarded steak and seafood restaurant set in a former courthouse, popular for British ingredients, polished service, and a lively atmosphere.
Dishoom Manchester
A very popular restaurant inspired by Bombay Irani cafes, praised for flavorful dishes, distinctive decor, and all-day dining.
The French
A renowned fine dining restaurant in central Manchester, known for refined modern British cooking and elegant service in a historic setting.
British Pound Sterling
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but hotels, drinks, and central dining cost more on weekends and during major events.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for fast food or a simple cafe meal.
- Mid-range
- GBP 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included at 10-12.5% in restaurants; if not, tip about 10% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for pubs or takeaway, but small change is appreciated.
Bee Network
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 5.00
To the city center
Manchester Airport -> Manchester Piccadilly
- Distance
- 14 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- On buses in Greater Manchester, adult single fares are capped at GBP 2.00 and contactless card payment is available on many services.
- For tram and train travel, use contactless or buy tickets before boarding where required, as onboard sales may not be available.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Ipswich to Manchester can start from as little as $48 (€39) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Ipswich to Manchester is $77 (€63) ; 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 8h 20m 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 8h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Ipswich to Manchester is April.
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.
Since neither Ipswich nor Manchester are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Ipswich to Manchester among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Manchester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft. Staying aware of surroundings, particularly at night, helps reduce safety risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
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
The major bus station for arrivals in Manchester is Manchester, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester, Coach Station for your trip to Manchester from Ipswich.
Manchester, Coach Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Car connection
Chorlton StreetWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps, assistance
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Coach Station
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
Manchester, Airport
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
2 kmCar connection
Terminal Road NorthWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Airport
- 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
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Ipswich
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