- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
Cheapest price
$10
Average price
$10
Fastest journey
1 h 19 m
Average duration
1 h 19 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
26 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Macclesfield to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Macclesfield to Manchester will cost around $10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $10.
It's difficult to get from Macclesfield to Manchester without transferring at least once.
NT175400 · C32502
NT175400 · C32502Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Macclesfield to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $6, and a bus costs an average of $4.
Distance: 16 miles (26 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$15 Average price | $11 Average price Cheapest | $8 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 23m Average total duration 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 56m Average total duration Fastest 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Macclesfield to Manchester:
A train is $4 (€3) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Macclesfield to Manchester costing on average $15 (€12).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 53m.
You'll arrive about 2m sooner (53m by bus vs 55m by car). Tickets start at around $15 (€12) compared to roughly $8 (€6) in fuel and tolls — a bit more, but you're getting time back, skipping traffic and parking, and you can work or rest on board.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel splits across several people), want flexibility on timing, or plan to stop en route.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Avanti West Coast | Departure Time 08:02AM | Arrival Time 09:05AM | Duration 1h03 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 08:27AM | Arrival Time 09:46AM | Duration 1h19 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Avanti West Coast | Departure Time 08:44AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 1h01 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Avanti West Coast | Departure Time 09:06AM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 1h09 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Avanti West Coast | Departure Time 09:48AM | Arrival Time 10:55AM | Duration 1h07 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Avanti West Coast | Departure Time 12:46PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 0h59 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $19 |
The table below shows live departures for Macclesfield to Manchester buses for tomorrow, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NT175400 · C32502 | 8:27 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 1h19 | 9:46 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Macclesfield to Manchester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $4 (€4) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 16 miles (26 km) distance in 55m.
Distance 16 miles (26 km) |
Average bus duration 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $4 (€4) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 55m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 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 the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
University museum with renowned collections in natural history, archaeology and world cultures, recently redeveloped and widely praised.
Popular museum telling the story of football through trophies, memorabilia and interactive displays in the city centre.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and a strong music and nightlife identity.
Canal-side conservation area with Roman roots, converted warehouses, bridges and some of the city’s most atmospheric walks.
Famous street in the Gay Village, known for cultural significance, nightlife and role in modern Manchester identity.
A classic Manchester dessert with a shortcrust pastry shell, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry on top. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet treats.
A famous Greater Manchester pastry made with flaky pastry filled with currants, butter, and sugar. It is strongly associated with the Manchester area and widely loved across the North West.
A traditional Lancashire and Greater Manchester snack of slow-cooked black badger peas, often served with vinegar. It is a simple local street-food style dish with deep regional roots.
A highly regarded steak and British seafood restaurant set in a former courthouse. It is known for excellent ingredients, strong service, and a smart but relaxed atmosphere.
A popular casual spot for Indian street food and craft beer, known for flavorful vegetarian dishes and a lively atmosphere near the city centre.
A celebrated fine dining restaurant in central Manchester, known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in an elegant historic setting.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels vary by match days and events, while food, transport, and pubs are mid-priced.
Service charge is uncommon outside upscale venues. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is appreciated for good service. Round up taxis. No tip is expected for pubs, takeaways, or counter service.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport -> Manchester Piccadilly
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Macclesfield 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.

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