- Must visit
National Science and Media Museum
World-leading museum of photography, film and television with major galleries, exhibitions, and IMAX. One of Bradford’s essential cultural visits.
Cheapest price
$12
Average price
$12
Fastest journey
1 h
Average duration
1 h 8 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
47 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Bradford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Bradford will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
Of the 3 buses that leave Manchester for Bradford on Wed, Aug 26, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 the direct buses cover the 47 km distance in an average of 1 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest buses will take 1 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.
NX172
NX172
NX172
NX172
NX172
NX172Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Bradford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $5, and a bus costs an average of $7.
Distance: 29 miles (47 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$11 Average price | $10 Average price Cheapest | $15 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 47m Average total duration 1h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 36m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Manchester to Bradford:
A train is $0.88 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manchester to Bradford costing on average $11.
Other travel options to Bradford take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 17m.
Tickets start at around $11 compared to roughly $15 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $4. The journey takes 1h 17m versus 1h 2m 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 12:15AM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Bradford buses for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX172 | 11:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1h10 | 12:45 PM Bradford, Nelson Street N2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX172 | 3:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1h15 | 5:00 PM Bradford, Nelson Street N2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 26 | |||||
NX172 | 12:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1h00 | 1:15 AM Bradford, Nelson Street N2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 to Bradford run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $7 but you can travel from only $5 by train.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:07, the last at 23:52. The fastest bus covers the 29 miles (47 km) distance in 1h 0m.
Distance 29 miles (47 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 1h 0m |
First bus 12:07 AM |
Last bus 11:52 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Bradford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bradford trip today.
World-leading museum of photography, film and television with major galleries, exhibitions, and IMAX. One of Bradford’s essential cultural visits.
A small museum and archive devoted to the author of Wuthering Heights. Valuable for literary pilgrims exploring the Brontë connection near Bradford.
Art gallery and civic museum in Lister Park, known for Bradford collections and David Hockney works. A strong introduction to local culture and art.
UNESCO World Heritage village of grand mills, workers’ housing, and riverside walks. Bradford’s most celebrated historic district and a must-see area.
Elegant quarter of Victorian warehouses and merchant buildings. Great for architecture walks and understanding Bradford’s commercial golden age.
Large Victorian park with boating lake, formal gardens, and space for events. A favorite local green escape paired well with Cartwright Hall.
A rich slow-cooked lamb or mutton curry linked to Bradford's South Asian heritage and famous curry-house culture.
A fragrant rice dish layered with spiced meat or vegetables, widely enjoyed in Bradford's Pakistani and Indian communities.
A crisp semolina and syrup sweet popular in Bradford's Asian sweet shops, especially for celebrations and family gatherings.
Refined dining room in the city centre offering modern British tasting menus and polished service for a special meal.
Celebrated Kashmiri restaurant known for authentic curries in a simple, bustling setting. A Bradford institution.
Well-known for grilled meats, curries and generous portions in a casual setting loved by Bradford locals.
Budget-friendly for UK city breaks, with lower hotel, dining, and local transport costs than London, Manchester, or Edinburgh.
Service is often included at some restaurants; otherwise 10-12.5% is typical for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Bradford 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 Bradford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Bradford buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Bradford, Interchange Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Bradford 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, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Miles Platting is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Miles Platting has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester, Miles Platting. ATMs are available at Manchester, Miles Platting.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Miles Platting.
Available at Manchester, Miles Platting: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Miles Platting: Station is accessible with ramps.
Bradford, Interchange Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: A small café and fast-food outlet are available.
Free public Wi-Fi is provided throughout the station. ATMs are aTMs are available next to the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Bradford, Interchange Station.
Available at Bradford, Interchange Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bradford, Interchange Station: The station is fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need