- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum exploring Manchester’s role in science, technology and industry, with historic machinery and railway heritage on the oldest surviving passenger railway station site.
Cheapest price
$11
Average price
$11
Fastest journey
1 h 20 m
Average duration
1 h 20 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
76 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Lancaster to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lancaster to Manchester will cost around $11 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $11.
Of the 1 buses that leave Lancaster for Manchester on Fri, Jun 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 76 km distance in an average of 1 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 20 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 1 h 20 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.
NX181
NX181Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lancaster to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $6.
Distance: 47 miles (76 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$14 Average price Cheapest | $21 Average price |
2h 8m Average total duration 1h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 31m Average total duration Fastest 1h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
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 Lancaster to Manchester:
A bus is $7 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lancaster to Manchester costing on average $21 (€17).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 38m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45AM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $12 |
The table below shows live departures for Lancaster to Manchester buses for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX181 | 2:45 AM Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street) | 1h20 | 4:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Lancaster to Manchester run on average 2 times per day, taking around 1h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) but you can travel from only $6 (€5) by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:24, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 47 miles (76 km) distance in 1h 20m.
Distance 47 miles (76 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 1h 20m |
First bus 12:24 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major museum exploring Manchester’s role in science, technology and industry, with historic machinery and railway heritage on the oldest surviving passenger railway station site.
University museum with acclaimed natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, recently refreshed and especially popular for its dinosaur and ancient Egypt displays.
Central city gallery with fine art, design and decorative arts collections, plus changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and photogenic corners that are highly popular online.
Canalside heritage area with Roman roots, warehouses, waterside walks and one of the city’s most atmospheric urban landscapes.
Historic civic square framed by major Victorian architecture and often used for events, making it a classic city-centre stop.
A classic Manchester dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet dishes.
A flaky pastry filled with currants, sugar, and butter, originating from Eccles in Greater Manchester. It is a famous regional bake often eaten with tea.
A traditional blood sausage strongly associated with nearby Bury and widely eaten in Manchester, especially as part of a full breakfast.
A stylish and widely loved restaurant inspired by Bombay cafés, known for rich curries, grilled dishes, and a distinctive heritage interior.
A popular casual venue pairing Indian street food with craft beer. It is lively, well-known, and especially good for vegetarian diners.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Manchester known for modern British cooking, polished service, and an elegant setting inside The Midland hotel.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but central hotels and nightlife can be pricey.
Service is often included in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport, Manchester -> Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lancaster 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 Lancaster to Manchester buses use the Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street) to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare Lancaster 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.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need