- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum on Manchester’s industrial heritage, science, engineering, and transport, set on the historic Liverpool Road site.
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$62
Fastest journey
3 h 10 m
Average duration
3 h 54 m
Buses per day
19
Distance
216 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Luton to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Luton to Manchester will cost around $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Of the 19 buses that leave Luton for Manchester on Thu, Jul 09, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct buses cover the 216 km distance in an average of 3 h 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 10 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest buses will take 4 h 15 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX422 · NX540
NX230 · NX540
NX230 · NX422
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX240 · NX540
NX707 · NX540
NX707 · NX540Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Luton to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 2m. 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 $16, and a flight costs an average of $73.
Distance: 134 miles (216 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$27 Average price Cheapest | $104 Average price | $212 Average price | $72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 34m Average total duration 4h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 28m Average total duration 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.3kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Luton to Manchester:
A bus is $77 (€63) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Luton to Manchester costing on average $104 (€85).
A bus is $185 (€152) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Luton to Manchester costing on average $212 (€174).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 58m.
Bus takes on average 4h 4m.
Tickets start at around $27 (€22) compared to roughly $72 (€59) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $46 (€37). The journey takes 4h 4m versus 3h 17m 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 National Express, 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 National Express | Departure Time 12:20AM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:55AM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
The table below shows live departures for Luton to Manchester buses for today, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 AM Luton | 7h55 | 7:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX707 · NX540 | Delayed 6:35 PM 12:15 PMLuton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 4h15 | 4:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 12:35 PM Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) | 3h35 | 4:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:35 PM Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) | 3h10 | 3:45 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:25 PM Luton | 7h05 | 9:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:05 PM Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) | 6h25 | 11:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:05 PM Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) | 6h05 | 11:10 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 transfer | |
NX240 · NX540 | On time 5:50 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 4h20 | 10:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX707 · NX541 | On time 7:35 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 4h50 | 12:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:15 PM Luton | 7h15 | 3:30 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:10 PM Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) | 8h40 | 5:50 AM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 transfer | |
NX707 · NX540 | On time 10:00 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 4h15 | 2:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:25 PM Luton | 7h25 | 5:50 AM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:25 PM Luton | 7h05 | 5:30 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, July 9 | |||||
NX422 | 12:20 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 5h55 | 6:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX422 · NX424 | 12:20 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 5h45 | 6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX707 · NX421 | Delayed 9:05 AM 1:55 AMLuton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 5h40 | 7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX422 · NX540 | 5:40 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 6h30 | 12:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · NX540 | 9:30 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 4h20 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX240 · NX540 | 10:25 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 4h15 | 2:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Luton to Manchester run on average 21 times per day, taking around 4h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 134 miles (216 km) distance in 3h 5m.
Distance 134 miles (216 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Buses per day 21 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 3h 5m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 3 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 on Manchester’s industrial heritage, science, engineering, and transport, set on the historic Liverpool Road site.
Large university museum with noted natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections; recently renewed and very popular.
Football museum with trophies, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits; one of the city’s best-known paid attractions.
Creative district known for street art, independent shops, music culture, and photogenic corners popular with younger visitors.
Historic canalside area with Roman origins, warehouses, waterside walks, and one of the city’s most scenic urban settings.
Important civic square framed by major buildings and transport links, often used as a central point for exploring the city.
A classic local dessert made with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of Manchester’s best-known traditional sweets.
A famous pastry from Eccles in Greater Manchester, filled with currants, sugar, and spice. It is a long-established regional bake closely associated with the area.
A traditional blood sausage strongly linked with nearby Bury and widely eaten in Manchester, often served at breakfast. It is a staple of the region’s food culture.
A well-known casual spot celebrated for high-quality Neapolitan pizza, relaxed service, and consistently strong local reputation.
A popular casual venue for Indian street food and craft beer, known for lively atmosphere and strong vegetarian selection.
An established fine-dining restaurant in The Midland, known for polished modern British cooking and elegant historic surroundings.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget food is easy to find, but hotels and central dining cost more.
Service charge may be added in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up taxis. Tipping is not expected for pubs or counter service.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport, Manchester -> Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton 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 Luton to Manchester buses use the Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. Use this guide to compare Luton 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, 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