- Must visit
Hopetown Darlington
Major railway museum on the original Stockton and Darlington Railway route. Exhibits, locomotives, and restored buildings explain Darlington's rail legacy.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$14
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$29
Fastest journey on Sep 20
2 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
3 h 13 m
Buses on Sep 20
4
Distance
124 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Darlington is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Darlington will cost around $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 4 buses from Manchester to Darlington, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 124 km distance in an average of 3 h 13 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 15 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 4 h 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.
FlixBus
NX177
NX170 · NX591
NX170 · NX591
NX177
FlixBus
NX170 · NX591
NX170 · NX591Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Darlington among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $26 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 28m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, while a train costs an average of $56.
Distance: 77 miles (124 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$26 Average price Cheapest | $56 Average price | $37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 13m Average total duration 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Darlington:
A bus is $30 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Darlington costing on average $56.
Other travel options to Darlington take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 43m.
Tickets start at around $26 compared to roughly $37 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $11. The journey takes 2h 43m versus 2h 8m 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, Megabus.
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 09:50AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:07AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 3h48 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:47AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 3h08 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Darlington buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX170 · NX591 | 10:55 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 4h00 | 2:55 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX591 | 11:07 AM Manchester, Miles Platting | 3h48 | 2:55 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 1:00 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 2h50 | 3:50 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX177 | 5:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h15 | 7:15 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 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 Darlington run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $6 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:23, the last at 23:26. The fastest bus covers the 77 miles (124 km) distance in 2h 15m.
Distance 77 miles (124 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 15m |
First bus 12:23 AM |
Last bus 11:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.
Major railway museum on the original Stockton and Darlington Railway route. Exhibits, locomotives, and restored buildings explain Darlington's rail legacy.
University arts venue nearby with contemporary exhibitions, installations, and events. A good choice for modern art in the wider Darlington area.
Roman fort and archaeology museum a short trip from Darlington. Finds, reconstructions, and river views make it a strong regional heritage visit.
Historic town centre street lined with shops and civic buildings. It is central to exploring Darlington's market character and Victorian urban fabric.
Traditional covered market area with surrounding lanes and street life. It is ideal for soaking up local atmosphere in a compact historic setting.
Large town park with formal gardens, a café building, aviary area, and bandstand. It is one of Darlington's best-loved green spaces for a stroll.
A Teesside takeaway classic: chicken in a creamy béchamel-style sauce with chips. It is strongly associated with nearby Middlesbrough and the wider area.
A rich North East beef and vegetable broth, slowly cooked with pearl barley or split peas. It is a traditional working-class staple in County Durham homes.
Layered potatoes, onions and cheese baked until golden. A beloved North East comfort dish, often served in pubs and homes across Durham and Teesside.
Well-known traditional pub venue serving cask ales and hearty British favourites in a historic, characterful atmosphere.
Established town-centre restaurant known for polished British and European cooking in a smart yet relaxed setting.
Popular Indian restaurant with a strong local reputation for classic curries, attentive service and a comfortable modern dining room.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and trains are manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafes usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) -> Darlington Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Darlington 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 Darlington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Darlington buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Darlington 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, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
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.
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available nearby.
Available at the station. ATMs are available within walking distance.
Ticket office support is available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre).
Available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Wheelchair accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need