The cheapest and fastest buses from London Stansted Airport to Manchester
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$64
Fastest journey
6 h 5 m
Average duration
6 h 15 m
Buses per day
16
Distance
244 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Stansted Airport to Manchester will cost around $64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
It's difficult to get from London Stansted Airport to Manchester without transferring at least once.
NXA6 · NX540
NXA6 · NX540
NXA6 · NX540
NXA6 · NX540
NXA8 · NX540
NXA6 · NX540
NXA6 · NX540
NX737 · NX540
NXA6 · NX540
NX737 · NX540Travel Information
Compare train and bus for London Stansted Airport to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from London Stansted Airport to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €26. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €26, and a train costs an average of €51.
Distance: 151 miles (244 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
€41 Average price Cheapest | €95 Average price |
6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 13m Average total duration Fastest 3h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
London Stansted Airport to Manchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Live departures
London Stansted Airport to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for London Stansted Airport to Manchester buses for today, Tuesday, November 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NXA6 · NX540 | 6:05 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 6h15 | 12:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX737 · NX540 | On time 7:00 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 6h20 | 1:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NXA6 · NX590 | 7:20 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 7h40 | 3:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX737 · NX540 | On time 9:15 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 6h35 | 3:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX737 · NX540 | On time 11:30 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 6h35 | 6:05 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NXA6 · NX540 | 12:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 6h20 | 7:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NXA6 · NX540 | 2:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 6h40 | 9:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX540 | On time 3:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 7h25 | 10:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NXA6 · NX540 | 5:50 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 6h05 | 11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX737 · NX540 | On time 7:30 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 6h15 | 1:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX421 | On time 11:30 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 8h05 | 7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX540 | On time 11:50 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 12h30 | 12:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, November 26 | |||||
NX777 · NX421 | 1:05 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 6h30 | 7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX540 | On time 3:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 7h25 | 10:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX421 | On time 11:30 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 8h05 | 7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NXA8 · NX540 | On time 11:50 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 12h30 | 12:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London Stansted Airport to Manchester by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Nov 26
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Manchester
Buses from London Stansted Airport to Manchester run on average 16 times per day, taking around 6h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $33 (€26) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 151 miles (244 km) distance in 6h 5m.
Distance 151 miles (244 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€26) |
Buses per day 16 |
Fastest bus 6h 5m |
First bus 05:05 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from London Stansted Airport to Manchester start from as low as $33 (€26) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $51 (€41) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 16 daily trains from London Stansted Airport to Manchester with 0 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 6h 5m but the average duration is 6h 15m
Train Operators
- Travel from London Stansted Airport to Manchester with National Express
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is National Express.
Stations & Schedule
- First train typically departs at 05:05 AM and the last at 11:50 PM
Bus providers: National Express from London Stansted Airport to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between London Stansted Airport to Manchester with National Express for as low as $33 (€26). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
FAQs: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Stansted Airport 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.

- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Manchester, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from London Stansted Airport to Manchester
- 05:00-23:30
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside the interchange.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
More options for your journey from London Stansted Airport to Manchester
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