Luton to Manchester bus with National Express

Sat, Nov 22
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Luton to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Nov 24

Cheapest price

$33

Average price

$53

Fastest journey

3 h 20 m

Average duration

3 h 38 m

Buses per day

22

Distance

216 km

Cheap tickets

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 $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.

Fast buses

Of the 22 buses that leave Luton for Manchester on Mon, Nov 24, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Nov 24 the direct buses cover the 216 km distance in an average of 3 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .

On Mon, Nov 24 the slowest buses will take 3 h 55 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.

FlixBusFlixBus
12:35PM3h30
Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
04:05PMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
$331One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
12:35PM3h55
Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
04:30PMManchester, Shudehill Interchange
$331One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
07:50AM3h20
Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
11:10AMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
$341One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
07:50AM3h40
Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
11:30AMManchester, Shudehill Interchange
$341One-way
0 transfers
National ExpressNX230 · NX540
07:35PM4h20
Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
11:55PMManchester, Coach Station
$511One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Luton to Manchester

Omio 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 €12. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 4m. 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 €12, and a flight costs an average of €48.

Distance: 134 miles (216 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Flight

€24

Average price

Cheapest

€99

Average price

€185

Average price

5h 35m

Average total duration

5h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 28m

Average total duration

2h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 4m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 4m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.6 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Luton to Manchester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:20AM
Arrival Time
06:05AM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:55AM
Arrival Time
07:35AM
Duration
5h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$72
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:40AM
Arrival Time
12:20PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:50AM
Arrival Time
11:10AM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$17
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:45AM
Arrival Time
01:20PM
Duration
4h35
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$51
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:25AM
Arrival Time
02:10PM
Duration
4h45
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:30AM
Arrival Time
02:10PM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:00AM
Arrival Time
03:50PM
Duration
4h50
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:15PM
Arrival Time
04:55PM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$55
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:35PM
Arrival Time
04:05PM
Duration
3h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$17
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:25PM
Arrival Time
06:05PM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:40PM
Arrival Time
07:00PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$55
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:50PM
Arrival Time
07:55PM
Duration
5h05
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$51
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:00PM
Arrival Time
09:00PM
Duration
5h00
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$56
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:25PM
Arrival Time
09:20PM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$50
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:25PM
Arrival Time
09:45PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$58
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:35PM
Arrival Time
10:00PM
Duration
4h25
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$53
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:35PM
Arrival Time
11:55PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$49
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:00PM
Arrival Time
01:45AM
Duration
3h45
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:35PM
Arrival Time
06:15AM
Duration
7h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:55PM
Arrival Time
07:35AM
Duration
7h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$61

Live departures

Luton to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Luton to Manchester buses for today, Sunday, November 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 9:53 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressNX737 · NX540
Delayed
10:45 AM 8:45 AMLuton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
4h35
1:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX737 · NX540
On time
11:00 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
4h50
3:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus12:35 PM Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
3h30
4:05 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus12:35 PM Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
3h55
4:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX240 · NX540
On time
5:25 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
4h20
9:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX422 · NX42412:20 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
5h45
6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressNX42212:20 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
5h55
6:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX707 · NX421
Delayed
4:25 AM 1:55 AMLuton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
5h40
7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX422 · NX540
On time
5:40 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
6h40
12:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus7:50 AM Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
3h20
11:10 AM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus7:50 AM Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
3h40
11:30 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX737 · NX5408:45 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
4h35
1:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressNX230 · NX5409:30 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
4h40
2:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressNX707 · NX540
On time
12:15 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
4h40
4:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX707 · NX540
On time
2:40 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
4h20
7:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX707 · NX540
On time
7:35 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
4h20
11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX707 · NX540
On time
10:00 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
3h45
1:45 AM 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 Luton to Manchester by train, bus, or flight

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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Luton to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Luton to Manchester run on average 18 times per day, taking around 5h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) if you book in advance.

There are 3 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 20m.

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
134 miles (216 km)
Average bus duration
5h 5m
Cheapest ticket price
$15 (€12)
Buses per day
18
Direct buses
3
Fastest bus
3h 20m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:55
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, FlixBus from Luton to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Luton to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $15 (€12). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest Price
$15 (€12)
FlixBus frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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
4h 10m
Cheapest Price
$46 (€37)
National Express frequency
17 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 Luton to 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Luton to Manchester can start from as little as $30 (€24) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Luton to Manchester is $58 (€47); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time from Luton to Manchester is on average 4 h 10 min   for the 134 mile (216 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go to Manchester from Luton by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Luton to Manchester leaves at 2: 05AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Luton to Manchester leaves at 11: 55PM.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Luton to Manchester without having to change trains with National Express. There is 1 direct bus from Luton to Manchester each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the best Luton to Manchester bus to book, you can travel safely and comfortably with National Express or FlixBus. However, it's always good to check all possible bus providers with services to Manchester from Luton to compare what amenities they may offer.

Passengers board the bus most frequently from Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, which is located around 2.7 miles (4.4 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Manchester, Coach Station, located 0.9 miles (1.5 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Manchester from Luton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 10 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Luton to Manchester is March.
You have options as you can travel from Luton to Manchester 3 different ways: bus, train or flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Luton to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Luton to Manchester for bus companies National Express and FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Manchester are:
  • 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.
The best things to do in Manchester include:
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus providers National Express and FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Luton to Manchester 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.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Luton to Manchester, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Luton to Manchester.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Luton to Manchester:
    • National Express
      • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
    • FlixBus
      • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
    Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Luton to Manchester:
    • National Express
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    • FlixBus
      • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
    Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Luton to Manchester. The following conditions apply:
    • FlixBus
      • Small pets in carriers allowed
      • Guide dogs travel for free.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Luton to Manchester with the following bus companies: National Express and FlixBus
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Luton to Manchester with the following bus providers: National Express and FlixBus.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Luton to Manchester with the following bus companies: National Express and FlixBus.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Luton to Manchester

    Luton
    Manchester
    The major bus station for departures in Luton is Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) for your trip from Luton to Manchester.
    Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
    information
    Luton, Station Interchange
    information

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