- Must visit
Grosvenor Museum
An award-winning medical history attraction exploring disease, cures, and public health in a playful way. It is unusual, family-friendly, and increasingly popular.
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$19
Fastest journey
1 h 36 m
Average duration
1 h 36 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
45 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester Airport to Chester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester Airport to Chester will cost around $19 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Of the 1 buses that leave Manchester Airport for Chester on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 45 km distance in an average of 1 h 36 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 36 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 1 h 36 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester Airport to Chester 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 train which can get you there in 1h 17m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $5.
Distance: 27 miles (45 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$19 Average price Cheapest | $20 Average price | $12 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 22m Average total duration 1h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 47m Average total duration Fastest 1h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester Airport to Chester:
A bus is $0.34 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester Airport to Chester costing on average $20.
Other travel options to Chester take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 52m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Transport for Wales | Departure Time 08:12AM | Arrival Time 09:48AM | Duration 1h36 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator Transport for Wales | Departure Time 09:13AM | Arrival Time 10:49AM | Duration 1h36 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Transport for Wales | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 01:56PM | Duration 3h26 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester Airport to Chester buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:12 AM Manchester Airport | 1h36 | 9:48 AM Chester | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Manchester Airport to Chester run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 but you can travel from only $5 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 08:12, the last at 10:30. The fastest bus covers the 27 miles (45 km) distance in 1h 36m.
Distance 27 miles (45 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 36m |
First bus 8:12 AM |
Last bus 10:30 AM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Discover the best of Chester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chester trip today.
An award-winning medical history attraction exploring disease, cures, and public health in a playful way. It is unusual, family-friendly, and increasingly popular.
A major museum on Roman Chester with archaeology, reconstructed rooms, and hands-on displays. It is the best place to understand the city’s ancient roots.
A richly furnished Georgian townhouse showing domestic life across centuries. Costumed interpretation and period interiors make it engaging and memorable.
A wide green expanse by the River Dee, popular for walks, picnics, and events. It offers classic views of the water and easy access to central sights.
A scenic trail following the old city defences with frequent viewpoints and easy access to landmarks. It is one of the best ways to see Chester efficiently.
One of Chester’s main shopping streets, lined with historic buildings and Rows. It captures the city’s distinctive mix of heritage and everyday life.
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and spice, long linked to Chester and nearby Cheshire baking traditions.
Crumbly, creamy cow's milk cheese from Cheshire, one of England's oldest named cheeses and a staple of local farming.
Traditional Cheshire cheese melted with beer, mustard and seasoning on toast; a classic pub and supper dish in the region.
Established city-centre bistro serving modern British food with local produce in a relaxed, smart setting.
Popular independent restaurant focused on seasonal small plates, natural wines and creative modern cooking.
Refined fine dining by chef Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor, known for polished tasting menus and formal service.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining cost less than London, but tourist areas raise prices. Buses are reasonable; central sights are walkable.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% at restaurants for good service. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) -> Chester City Centre, Chester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester Airport to Chester 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 Chester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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