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The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Canterbury
Showing times and prices for May 25
Cheapest price
$37
Average price
$43
Fastest journey
8 h
Average duration
8 h 6 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
333 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Canterbury will cost around $43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Canterbury without transferring at least once.
NX540 · NX00710:55 AM8h05Manchester, Coach Station7:00 PMCanterbury, Bus Station$371One-way1 transfer- NX540 · NX02212:15 PM8h10Manchester, Coach Station8:25 PMCanterbury, Bus Station$381One-way1 transfer
- NX540 · NX0223:50 PM8h00Manchester, Coach Station11:50 PMCanterbury, Bus Station$381One-way1 transfer
- NX540 · NX0071:25 PM9h00Manchester, Coach Station10:25 PMCanterbury, Bus Station$381One-way1 transfer
- NX541 · NX0076:10 AM8h50Manchester, Coach Station3:00 PMCanterbury, Bus Station$381One-way1 transfer
- NX540 · NX0223:50 PM8h00Manchester, Coach Station11:50 PMCanterbury, Bus Station$381One-way1 transfer
- NX540 · NX0075:10 PM8h00Manchester, Coach Station1:10 AMCanterbury, Bus Station$431One-way1 transfer
- NX540 · NX00710:55 AM8h05Manchester, Coach Station7:00 PMCanterbury, Bus Station$371One-way1 transfer
- NX540 · NX02212:15 PM8h10Manchester, Coach Station8:25 PMCanterbury, Bus Station$381One-way1 transfer
- NX540 · NX0228:50 AM8h15Manchester, Coach Station5:05 PMCanterbury, Bus Station$391One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Manchester to Canterbury
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $86.
Distance: 206 miles (333 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$38 Average price Cheapest | $161 Average price | $209 Average price | $108 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 10m Average total duration 7h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 13m Average total duration 3h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Canterbury is a bus with an average price of $38 (€31).
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Canterbury:
A bus is $123 (€100) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Canterbury costing on average $161 (€130).
A bus is $171 (€138) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Canterbury costing on average $209 (€169).
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Canterbury is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 8m.
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 43m.
Bus takes on average 7h 40m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Canterbury including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Canterbury among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
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.
Manchester to Canterbury Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Live departures
Manchester to Canterbury bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Canterbury buses for tomorrow, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX421 · NX007 | 2:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h10 | 11:55 AM Canterbury, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX541 · NX007 | 6:10 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h50 | 3:00 PM Canterbury, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Canterbury by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Manchester to Canterbury buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Manchester to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Canterbury.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Canterbury.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Canterbury.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Canterbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Canterbury run on average 12 times per day, taking around 7h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:20, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 206 miles (333 km) distance in 7h 55m.
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 206 miles (333 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 7h 55m |
First bus 12:20 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
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 from Manchester to CanterburyYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Canterbury with National Express for as low as $26 (€21). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
7h 55m
Cheapest Price
$26 (€21)
National Express frequency
12 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 Manchester to Canterbury
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Canterbury 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 Canterbury, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Manchester to Canterbury can start from as little as $26 (€21) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Manchester to Canterbury is $38 (€31) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Manchester to Canterbury is 7h 55m to travel the 206 miles (333 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Manchester to Canterbury leaves at 12:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Manchester to Canterbury leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 12 buses a day from Manchester to Canterbury which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Manchester to Canterbury, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Canterbury. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Manchester and Canterbury and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Canterbury from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Manchester to Canterbury is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Canterbury including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Manchester to Canterbury:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Manchester to Canterbury for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Canterbury are:
- Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic Gothic structure known for its stunning architecture and historical significance
- St. Augustine's Abbey, the ruins of a Benedictine monastery founded in the 6th century, offering insights into early Christian history in England
- Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint, a medieval gatehouse with exhibits on local history and panoramic views of the city
- Canterbury Roman Museum, an underground museum showcasing Roman artifacts and the remains of a Roman townhouse
- Westgate Gardens, a picturesque park perfect for leisurely walks along the River Stour.
The best things to do in Canterbury include:
- Explore the historic streets of Canterbury on a guided walking tour, learning about its rich history and hidden gems
- Enjoy a punting tour on the River Stour for a unique perspective of the city's architecture and natural beauty
- Visit the Canterbury Tales attraction for an interactive experience of Chaucer's famous stories
- Attend a performance at The Marlowe Theatre, featuring plays, musicals, and concerts
- Discover the local food scene with a culinary tour of Canterbury's best eateries and markets.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Manchester to Canterbury 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Manchester to Canterbury.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Manchester to Canterbury:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Manchester to Canterbury:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Manchester to Canterbury.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Manchester to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Manchester to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Manchester to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Manchester nor Canterbury are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Canterbury among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Canterbury, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and around popular tourist sites. Scams involving overcharging or unofficial taxi services can also occur, so it’s advisable to use licensed transportation. Staying aware of surroundings and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Manchester to Canterbury
Manchester
Canterbury
The major bus station for departures in Manchester is Manchester, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester, Coach Station for your trip from Manchester to Canterbury.
Manchester, Coach Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Car connection
Chorlton StreetWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps, assistance
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Coach Station
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
Manchester, Airport
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
2 kmCar connection
Terminal Road NorthWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Airport
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
The major bus station for arrivals in Canterbury is Canterbury, St. Georges Lane. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Canterbury, St. Georges Lane for your trip to Canterbury from Manchester.
Canterbury, St. Georges Lane
information
Canterbury, University Of Kent
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMAccessibilityWCinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmCar connection
University RoadWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Canterbury, University Of Kent
- Bus: 4, 4X, 5, 6, 6A
More options for your journey from Manchester to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Canterbury and Manchester
Most popular bus connections to Canterbury
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