London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) bus with National Express

Wed, Aug 05
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The cheapest and fastest buses from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)

Showing times and prices for Aug 05

Cheapest price

€26

Average price

€39

Fastest journey

6 h 20 m

Average duration

6 h 26 m

Buses per day

12

Distance

244 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 Piccadilly (MAN) will cost around €39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €26.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNXA6 · NX540
    7:20 AM6h30
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    1:50 PMManchester, Coach Station
    261One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNXA6 · NX540
    10:10 AM6h20
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    4:30 PMManchester, Coach Station
    281One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNXA6 · NX541
    5:50 PM6h35
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    12:25 AMManchester, Coach Station
    301One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNXA8 · NX540
    11:50 PM12h20
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    12:10 PMManchester, Coach Station
    321One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNXA6 · NX540
    3:40 PM6h30
    Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    10:10 PMManchester, Coach Station
    321One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €25, and a train costs an average of €33.

Distance: 151 miles (244 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

€33

Average price

Cheapest

€92

Average price

€69

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 31m

Average total duration

6h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 24m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 46m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is a bus with an average price of €33.

This is compared to other travel options from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN):

A bus is €58 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) costing on average €92.

The fastest way to travel from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is by train with an average journey time of 3h 54m.

Other travel options to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) take longer:

Bus takes on average 6h 1m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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.

London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:05AM
Arrival Time
07:35AM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Wed, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
60
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:00AM
Arrival Time
12:10PM
Duration
7h10
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
37
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:10AM
Arrival Time
12:10PM
Duration
7h00
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
40
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:05AM
Arrival Time
12:20PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
37
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:20AM
Arrival Time
03:00PM
Duration
7h40
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
26
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:40AM
Arrival Time
01:50PM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
42
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:55AM
Arrival Time
04:05PM
Duration
8h10
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
40
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:15AM
Arrival Time
04:10PM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
49
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:10AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:40AM
Arrival Time
05:40PM
Duration
7h00
Departure days
Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
26
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:30AM
Arrival Time
06:05PM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
44
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:40AM
Arrival Time
06:25PM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
34
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:45AM
Arrival Time
07:25PM
Duration
7h40
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
35
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:40PM
Arrival Time
07:25PM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:10PM
Arrival Time
07:30PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
32
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:30PM
Arrival Time
08:15PM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Wed, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
50
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:00PM
Arrival Time
09:35PM
Duration
7h35
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:10PM
Arrival Time
08:35PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:40PM
Arrival Time
09:20PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:45PM
Arrival Time
10:25PM
Duration
7h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
26
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:10PM
Arrival Time
09:30PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:15PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
7h25
Departure days
Mon, Thu
Cheapest price
29
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:30PM
Arrival Time
10:30PM
Duration
7h00
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:40PM
Arrival Time
10:10PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
32
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:40PM
Arrival Time
10:45PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
35
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:50PM
Arrival Time
10:55PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
47
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:50PM
Arrival Time
11:55PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
30
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:30PM
Arrival Time
02:15AM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
42
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:30PM
Arrival Time
06:05AM
Duration
8h35
Departure days
Wed, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
53
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:50PM
Arrival Time
11:10AM
Duration
12h20
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:30PM
Arrival Time
07:35AM
Duration
8h05
Departure days
Wed, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
40
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:50PM
Arrival Time
12:20PM
Duration
12h30
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
32

Live departures

London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) bus times

The table below shows live departures for London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express7:20 AM London Stansted Airport
7h40
3:00 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 transfersDirect
National Express2:40 PM London Stansted Airport
6h40
9:20 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 transfersDirect
National Express2:45 PM London Stansted Airport
7h40
10:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 transfersDirect
National Express5:50 PM London Stansted Airport
6h05
11:55 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 transfersDirect
Wednesday, August 5
National ExpressNX777 · NX4211:05 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
6h30
7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX5405:00 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
7h10
12:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 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 Piccadilly (MAN) 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.

Wed
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10
Tue
Aug 11

Why should you book London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).

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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).

Journey information

Overview: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) run on average 16 times per day, taking around 6h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €25 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 06:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 151 miles (244 km) distance in 6h 5m.

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
Distance
151 miles (244 km)
Average bus duration
6h 1m
Cheapest ticket price
€25
Buses per day
16
Fastest bus
6h 5m
First bus
6:05 AM
Last bus
11:50 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Mon
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

Bus providers: National Express from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)You can travel by bus between London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) with National Express for as low as €25. 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
6h 5m
Cheapest Price
€25
National Express frequency
16 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.

FAQs: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 Piccadilly (MAN), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) can start from as little as €25 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is €33 ; 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 London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is 6h 5m to travel the 151 miles (244 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 London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) leaves at 6:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) leaves at 11:50 PM.
There are 16 buses a day from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN). You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between London Stansted Airport and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) from London Stansted Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN):
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN):
  • 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 London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN):
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
You can reserve your seat on the bus from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither London Stansted Airport nor Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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.
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.

More options for your journey from London Stansted Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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