- Must visit
Quarry Bank
A National Trust mill museum and historic estate in nearby Styal, showing the region’s industrial heritage and worker life. One of the best cultural visits close to the airport.
Cheapest price
$28
Average price
$37
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
5 h 38 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
284 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester Airport will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
Of the 2 buses that leave London Gatwick Airport for Manchester Airport on Sat, Jul 11, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 11 the direct buses cover the 284 km distance in an average of 5 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .
On Sat, Jul 11 the slowest buses will take 5 h 45 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.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a train costs an average of $80.
Distance: 176 miles (284 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$28 Average price Cheapest | $121 Average price | $94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 33m Average total duration 6h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 4h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester Airport:
A bus is $93 (€76) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester Airport costing on average $121 (€99).
Other travel options to Manchester Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 3m.
Tickets start at around $28 (€23) compared to roughly $94 (€77) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $66 (€54). The journey takes 6h 3m versus 3h 52m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25AM | Arrival Time 10:10AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:05AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $51 |
The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Manchester Airport buses for today, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:25 AM London Gatwick Airport | 5h45 | 11:10 AM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:00 PM London Gatwick Airport | 5h55 | 5:55 PM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:00 PM London Gatwick Airport | 5h55 | 6:55 PM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:30 PM London Gatwick Airport | 5h30 | 2:00 AM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:30 PM London Gatwick Airport | 5h30 | 3:00 AM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect |
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 London Gatwick Airport to Manchester Airport run on average 30 times per day, taking around 6h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:25, the last at 22:30. The fastest bus covers the 176 miles (284 km) distance in 5h 30m.
Distance 176 miles (284 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Buses per day 30 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 30m |
First bus 4:25 AM |
Last bus 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Manchester Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester Airport trip today.
A National Trust mill museum and historic estate in nearby Styal, showing the region’s industrial heritage and worker life. One of the best cultural visits close to the airport.
A leading university museum with natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections. Recently refreshed and highly popular with both locals and visitors.
A popular aviation attraction beside the airport with viewing areas, aircraft exhibits, and Concorde tours. Especially relevant for visitors staying near Manchester Airport.
A standout outdoor area near the terminals where visitors can watch aircraft movements. Very popular with aviation fans, families, and social media photographers.
One of Manchester’s most characterful districts, known for canals, converted warehouses, and industrial heritage. Excellent for walking, photos, and relaxed exploration.
A large historic estate with parkland, deer, gardens, and broad walking routes. One of the strongest outdoor day-trip options within reach of the airport.
A classic Greater Manchester dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweets.
A famous pastry from Greater Manchester, filled with currants, butter, and sugar. It is a traditional regional bake often eaten with tea.
A northern English staple made with blood, oats, and seasoning, often served in a full breakfast. The Bury version is especially associated with Greater Manchester.
A well-known airport bar and restaurant in Terminal 1 serving British pub food, breakfasts, burgers, and beer in a spacious, relaxed setting.
A popular Manchester-born casual dining brand known for burgers, waffles, shakes, and colourful interiors. Suitable for a quick meal before a flight.
An established family-friendly chain at the airport offering all-day breakfasts and globally inspired comfort food in a lively, informal atmosphere.
Airport food and drinks cost more than city prices, but chain cafes and fast food keep costs manageable.
Service charge is uncommon at airport cafes. Round up small bills if service was helpful; 10% is polite at sit-down restaurants if not already added.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport -> Manchester Piccadilly
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester Airport 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 Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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